Sometimes it really is the little things that make all the difference. We hear it all the time, but how often do we put this into practice in our daily lives? What if we each took 10 minutes a day to do something kind for someone else? Or not even 10 minutes, but 10 seconds? I realized this weekend that sometimes it literally only takes 10 seconds to make a positive difference. Here's what got me thinking:

• -I was walking through a crowded market on Saturday, feeling pretty ho-hum, and a woman smiled and said, "your skirt is beautiful -- great color on you!"

• -During my long training run on Sunday, on a particularly tough uphill stretch, a runner passed me from behind (not an uncommon experience, given my tortoise pace) and said, "you're doing great, keep going!"

• -On Monday, I returned from running errands to find my neighbor watering my flowers for me.

Each of these things took not more than a few seconds, yet each had such a wonderful impact on me, and inspired me to pass along the good.

Others joining in the "small things" efforts:

Beth Kanter, always good about passing along great ideas, has turned her blog pink for the month of October, in support of breast cancer awareness month.

Sam Davidson & Stephen Moseley, co-founders of CoolPeopleCare.org, have written New Day Revolution, which shows how small changes in our daily routines can make a big difference. Their book hits shelves November 1.

Even corporate America has gotten on the small things bandwagon. If you haven't seen it already, take a look at Liberty Mutual's ad campaign, which focuses on the "pay it forward" school of thought:

I'd love to hear what you've done or had done for you in 10 seconds that has made a positive difference...