“I Am Only One, But I Am One”

Edward Everett Hale’s words—“I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do”—are a powerful reminder of the potential we each hold. Today, I want to challenge you to embrace this mindset by performing a random act of kindness.

It doesn’t have to be grand or complicated. Kindness can take the shape of the smallest gesture—a warm smile, a genuine compliment, or even the act of simply listening. Imagine telling someone you’re proud of them, leaving a kind note for a colleague, or sharing a word of encouragement with someone who seems down. These small actions may seem insignificant, but to the person receiving them, they can mean the world.

Think about helping an elderly neighbor cross the street or pausing to listen to their stories, undistracted by the buzz of your phone. You could take a moment to comfort an animal in need, feed a stray, or share a local shelter’s call for donations. Even within the walls of your own home, spending an extra 10 minutes of focused, uninterrupted time with a loved one—human or animal—can be an act of kindness.

The truth is, we can’t solve every problem. We can’t be everywhere at once or help everyone who needs us. But that’s not what’s required of us. What matters is that we do something. That “something,” no matter how small, has the power to make a real difference.

When we choose to act with kindness, we create ripples. The person you uplift with your words or actions may go on to uplift someone else. Positivity spreads. Even in a world that often feels saturated with negativity, kindness has the power to break through, lighting up dark moments and restoring hope where it might be fading.

It’s important to remember that being positive is a choice. In a world filled with challenges, where negativity often seems louder and more pervasive, choosing positivity takes strength. But here’s the beautiful thing: negativity has no lasting strength when positivity surrounds it.

So today, I encourage you to be the reason someone feels valued, heard, or cared for. Start with something small. Smile at a stranger. Hold the door for someone. Reach out to a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while, and let them know they’re in your thoughts. Show kindness to yourself, too—because self-compassion is just as important as compassion for others.

Together, these acts build a better, brighter world. While no single person can do it all, imagine the impact if we each did just one small thing every day.

Let’s make a difference, one kind act at a time. Are you in?

What will your random act of kindness be today? Share your stories below—I’d love to hear how you’re spreading positivity!