Monday, December 31, 2018

Happy New Year!

May your New Year
be filled with health,
happiness,
and the joy of fresh possibilities.

(photo courtesy of pixabay.com)

Saturday, December 22, 2018

Happy Holidays

May the blessings of the season
and peace
be real in your life
and in your heart.

(photo courtesy of pixabay.com)

Saturday, December 15, 2018

'Tis the Season, Part 3

     How did you do last week, saying all those kind, positive things?  It changes your outlook a little bit, doesn't it?

     Good for you.  You're helping to change the tone of the world right now, even in your corner of it.

     For this week, let's up the game a little bit and add to our kind thoughts and positive words this -- kind deeds.  This may be more of a challenge, given the busyness of the season, but I have confidence in you.  Here are a few ideas, but again, feel free to come up with some of your own:
  • Pay for the coffee for the person behind you in line.
  • Leave a thank-you note or send an email for someone you don't normally talk to -- the mail deliverer, your favorite columnist, the person who does such a nice job making your life easier or more beautiful.
  • Give a child a hug (first getting the parent's permission is a good idea).
  • Hug your pet.
  • Hug yourself.
  • Trade chores with your significant other if it helps them relax.
  • Allow yourself a little time to put your feet up and relax.
  • Leave an anonymous gift for someone who helps you at work or home.
  • Smile at strangers.
  • Smile at yourself.
  • Laugh with others.
  • Watch a funny, uplifting movie with your family or friends.
     We'll change this world yet, one kind deed at a time.

(photo courtesy of pixabay.com)

Saturday, December 8, 2018

'Tis the Season, Part 2

     How did last week go?  Did you manage to have at least a couple positive, kind thoughts every day?

     Well, good for you.

     Now, let's take a new focus for this week.  Let's keep the good thoughts going and add words.  Yes, let's work on saying kind, positive things for the next seven days.  Like last week, you can choose from the following list of ideas, or come up with some of your own.
  • Give a compliment to someone you don't know well, whether the cashier, the bus driver, or the driver in front of you (no sarcasm allowed).
  • Say "thank you" to at least five different people each day.
  • Tell someone about a positive trait you admire in them.
  • Tell yourself about a positive train you admire in yourself.
  • If you find yourself in a dialogue where discussing another person comes up, take the high road and say only positive things about that person.  Yes, even your boss.
     I'm sure you can find more ways to say kind or positive things.  Keep the change going!

(photo courtesy of pixabay.com)

Saturday, December 1, 2018

'Tis the Season

     Yes, the stores have been packed with holiday décor and gift ideas since October and we are all sick to death of hearing "fa-la-las" blasted from every speaker, and if I hear "The Carol of the Bells" in one more commercial, I'm going to . . . .

     Well, you get the idea.  It's a stressful time and being nice about it is not high on my priority list.

     So, take a deep breath. Take another.  And now let's think of how to get through this month.

     You have no doubt heard, "Be the change you want to see in the world."  Let's take this in baby steps, shall we?

     For this week, let's focus on thinking kind thoughts.  Keep it simple.  Take any or all of these ideas, or come up with some of your own.
  • Mentally bless the person in front of you, whether in line, or near you in traffic or on the bus or train.
  • Find something to admire in a person.
  • Imagine hugging a person who seems to need it.  
  • Be grateful for something in a situation.
  • Be grateful for something in a person.
  • Be grateful for something beautiful in your surroundings.
  • Be grateful for when your needs and/or wants are met.
  • Don't be so hard on yourself.  
  • Forgive someone -- or yourself -- today.
  • Tell yourself a joke.
  • Dwell on a happy memory.
  • Smile in the mirror.
     For one week, let's make this our mission.  Be the change!

(photo courtesy of pixabay)