It’s a concept that’s been around a long time:  A selfless act of doing something nice for someone else just out of the goodness of your heart, without expecting anything in return. What’s “new” about it is the research on the impact it has on the doer. According to the University of California at Riverside, doing at least five nice things in a single day delivers an enormous dose of uplifting self-esteem.

These do not have to be monumental, costly things. Opening a door for someone, letting a shopper go ahead of you in the grocery line, motioning another driver to take the parking place you were both vying for, giving a thank-you note to your gas station attendant, the list is absolutely endless.

So there’s a triple-whammy impact here. You feel good, the recipient feels good, and the affirmative “vibration” of the universe is raised a little. Remember: Positive vibes attract more positive vibes. Just imagine what world-wide positive energy could be produced if everyone everywhere practiced random acts of kindness every day.

It’s mind-boggling, to be sure, but it can start with just one person. I challenge YOU to be that person.