People often wonder what they can do to share more love, both with their family members and their communities. It's so easy to get busy with satisfying the demands of everyday life that we miss out on opportunities to bless the lives of others.

Here are a few things you can easily add to your routine that will allow you to ensure the effects of your love last forever.

Tell your stories

When people are experiencing a tough time, it can be reassuring to hear they aren't the only ones who've gone through challenges. Share your experiences when appropriate and what you were able to learn from that trial.

Pass down treasures

Everyone has something to pass on to friends, family or future generations. Consider what you can share that will change someone's life or remind him or her of your love after you're gone. For instance, you might teach a skill, make a handmade gift, record your life story or write a love letter.

Donate to your favorite charity

Do you appreciate the work being done by a nonprofit organization or charity? Sign up to make a monthly contribution, make a one-time donation or shop at an online retailer like Ziphub that donates a portion of its proceeds to your chosen charity. These organizations couldn't exist without the support of generous individuals like you.

Have patience with your children

A quick, unkind word can affect your children more than you know. See if you can't slow down and be patient more often. Your example will affect the way they interact with others and their children someday.

Lend a listening ear

Sometimes all a person needs is someone to talk to. Take the time to listen.

Volunteer for a good cause

Can you spend time volunteering at your local library, a soup kitchen or in your kids' classrooms? Every moment spent volunteering impacts another person's life for good.

Say 'I love you' more often

You can't say this phrase too often. Is there a friend or extended family member you haven't said it to recently? Call them up or send them a card to let them know you're thinking of them.

Keep a gratitude journal

Sometimes we need a reminder of what we have to be thankful for. Your posterity will appreciate seeing the blessings in your life and may be more aware of the blessings in their lives.

Be happy for others' successes

Never feel bad or envious of someone else's success. We're all on our individual journeys and each person's increased happiness should increase your own as well.

Eat with your family

Spending quality time with family members speaks more loudly of your love than words could.

Shop at stores that share your beliefs

Support stores whose beliefs align with your own. Your patronage will help those stores continue to succeed and you'll feel good about living true to your standards.

Admit your mistakes

Admitting you aren't perfect takes pressure off yourself and those you interact with. We should all be allowed to make mistakes sometimes.

Practice empathy

Sometimes love means actively trying to feel how someone else feels. We all need a good friend who will cry with us when times get hard.

Make and take meals

Love might not always require words. Sometimes, it's communicated with service and a full stomach. Who doesn't love good food made by a friend?

Talk to your kids

When was the last time you sat down and had a conversation with your kids? Do you know what they think, what they enjoy, what's going on in their lives? If they're too little to respond, they'll still feel the love of your undivided attention.

Donate blood

Here's a volunteer opportunity that doesn't take a lot of time and is instantly gratifying.

Serve your spouse

While you're serving others, don't forget the person who should feel your love and benefit from your service most frequently: your spouse.

Give hugs freely

Few things can be as comforting or as healing as a simple hug.

Sign up to be an organ donor

You can serve others even in the event you pass away. There can never be too many organ donors, and the simple act of signing up costs you nothing.

Be kind to those less fortunate

When you feel prompted, see what you can do to serve those in your community who are less fortunate. Buy someone a hot meal, listen to his or her story or do some secret act of service.

Forgive

When you forgive, you're giving a gift that goes two ways: to the person who needed your forgiveness and to yourself.

Show your love by using ZipHub where a portion of the money you spend online can be donated to causes you believe in (at no extra cost to you).