A South Coast teenager is making people’s days a little brighter in a world that can often seem bleak, even heartless, especially if you follow global politics.

If you are lucky enough to have recently received a heart-shaped note decorated with a spray of flowers and a motivational message, then you can thank Zyra Middonte.

The 17-year-old began leaving the notes in random locations across Berry, Gerringong and Kiama after witnessing the impact simple acts of kindness can have on people.

“You really never know what anyone is going through, everyone faces their own challenges and spreading a little bit of positivity can go a long way,” said the Year 12 student.

“Everyone faces their own challenges and a simple compliment such as ‘your hair looks beautiful today’ or ‘I love your outfit’ can stick in someone’s mind and you are rewarded by seeing their face light up.

“It costs absolutely nothing to spread kindness and it can have a huge impact on a person’s mindset.”

Zyra first began leaving the notes at the David Berry Hospital palliative care unit “because people there are dealing with hardships so I thought spreading love could have a positive impact on someone”.

The random acts of kindness soon spread to strangers in Gerringong and Kiama and she has left more than 50 notes with inspirational quotes and flowers.

Her mum Leesa only found out about her daughter’s beautiful gesture when Zyra showed her a post on a community Facebook page responding to a note she had left on a car windscreen in Gerringong which read: “Dear Stranger, celebrate your progress so far this week no matter how small, every step matters.”

“Zyra was beaming when she read that she had made someone’s day,” said Leesa.

“I am so proud of her. She has so much empathy and emotional intelligence.”

The Facebook post responding to Zyra’s note said the “kind and thoughtful gesture made mine and my daughter’s day that bit sweeter”. It was the first time Zyra has seen the positive impact of her messages.

“I haven't witnessed anyone’s reaction yet,” says Zyra. “I think this is what makes it extra special because I place the note and go on my way.

“There was one time I saw the reaction of two young girls looking at the flower I attached and reading the note I left on a sign near Surf Beach in Kiama which was sweet to encounter.”

Zara adds flowers to her notes because they bring her “so much happiness”.

“I am always buying the most beautiful flowers from the Kiama Farmers Markets and my parents often joke that my bedroom looks like a florist,” she said.

“But it’s scientifically proven flowers have the ability to increase serotonin and I hoped the bright colours would make someone smile and remind them they aren’t alone.”

Gerringong author Juliet Madison knows well the impact of a simple act of kindness. She started the Secret Letters & Kindness Community on social media after releasing her book The Secret Letters Project in 2017.

“Thousands of people around the world have taken part in the project, writing letters to strangers to leave in public as anonymous acts of kindness,” Juliet said.

Juliet recommends writing “from the heart”.

“Say something that you’d like to hear yourself, that would give you a boost.”

Those involved in the project have left letters in bookstores, libraries, on a park bench, in movie theatres, cafes and like Zyra in hospitals or car windscreens.

“Kindness is truly like a wave, all it takes is one person to begin it,” Zyra added.

“I strive to be a kind person because I know the immense impact other people's kindness has had on me.”