If Everybody Did

Today I met several smiling people, each wishing "Happy New Year" as we passed on the sidewalk, passed through doorways, passed through life. It reminded me of Jo Ann Stover's 1989 classic, "If Everybody Did" - except the opposite.

Stover's little book introduces children to the concept of "cause and effect" by stretching their imaginations to visualize what would happen if everybody did things like pull off a bud? ... jump in mud? ... slam the door? ... stomp and roar?

Each negative behavior is seemingly innocent, until "everybody did", and then the illustrations make it clear that if more than a few people acted in these ways, the results would be disastrous.

I thought, as I smiled at another happy face, that I'd like to commission an artist to illustrate, "If Everybody Smiled," because as each stranger shared their grin, my day grew brighter and brighter. Smiles don't cost a dime, don't require any investment of time, and yet have a contagiously positive impact upon the recipient.

Now, as I turn off the lights on January 2, 2013, I am filled with gratitude for the handfuls of happy people that passed my way today. I can still see each one of your smiles ~ though you were strangers ~ and each was a unique blessing to me. Thank you.

Welcome to My World, 2013

Aaah. January the First.

Each January is welcomed with so much ceremony. People the world over make resolutions to change for the better. I'm one of those people. I think it's a good exercise to stop & reflect upon where you are and where you are going. Each year, I get a mid-winter high from the process of looking forward and imagining the possibilities in the year to come.

This year is no different. I've written business goals and personal goals, everything from Anatomy to Zoology. I've written each as a SMART goal, a goal that is Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Time-Bound. And I've written each goal with gratitude. I am so very grateful for the seemingly endless opportunities in my life. In fact, the only goal that isn't SMART is this:  Gratefully choose to say "No" to the many interesting & fascinating projects that I don't have time to accomplish in 2013.

Here's to the 365 days before us. May we each strive to make the most of each day, and may we thankfully receive the innumerable blessings that are showered upon our lives.

Writing More ~ and More Often

It's been about six months since I've darkened the doorway of this blog. I've had plenty of reasons to pause and reflect thankfully on the goodness of my fellow man, but I haven't. I've been busy, or lazy, or just not in the mood. And sometimes, the limited theme of this blog has felt ... limiting.

For those last two reasons, I have decided to expand the theme of this blog. In 2013, I intend to write about the beauty I find in the world around me. I'll still write about the wonderful people I meet (which was previously the singular theme of this blog), but I will also write about all the places my eyes and heart and feet take flight.

It's going to be a wonderful adventure, writing about all the blessings that I welcome in the New Year. I have my pen in hand and I'm ready ~