“The true meaning of life is to plant trees under whose shade we never expect to sit.” (Nelson Henderson)

In her book BE A GOOD IN THE WORLD, Brenda Knight offers 365 inspiring yet practical ways you can become the change you want to see in the world. Here are just three:

1) Develop more patience. When someone is rude, act with understanding instead of anger. We learn the most from difficult people. And by keeping your blood pressure and stress levels low, you’ll help your own health as well.

2) Don’t be judgmental. Be kind just because you can. It’s easy to judge others for their actions. We sometimes get so caught up in our own busy-ness that we forget others are busy too; they have rough days just like us, and they benefit from our kindnesses just as we do from theirs.

3) Go out of your way to smile at strangers, say good morning, say thank you, give a compliment, and listen attentively to someone who needs your ear. Do it because you can, because it feels great, because it makes someone else feel good. Don’t worry about a subsequent thank you; let thank you be a perk, rather than an expectation.