Joy

Have you ever forgotten a favorite book, only to have it reappear as you reorganized your things? That happened to me today.

I stumbled upon "JOY", a book that I had purchased on a clearance shelf in 2011. It's a compilation of joyous quotes by M.H. Clark. It's the sort of book that you can read through in five minutes, though if you read with your heart, it might stop you dead in your tracks for long moments, or long hours, or long days ...

The first page announces, "Prepare for Joy". The next page contains only a brief quote, "These are the days of miracle and wonder." - Paul Simon

The second page announces, "Believe in Joy" - and the proceeding page says only, "Remember the feeling as a child when you woke up and morning smiled? It's time you felt like that again." - Taj Mahal

And on it goes ... taking you on a path of discovery. The final page announces, "Be Joy."  But no quote follows. That's my favorite part. The cliff-hanger ending, where the reader is exhorted to take all of the dynamic, inspirational quotes and create joy in her world.

The beginning of the new year is such a busy time in my business and personal life. I scarcely have time to read through a five-minute book of quotes. But I'm inspired to not only observe and be thankful for the joy that happens upon my path, but to thoughtfully and intentionally create joy and sprinkle it there for others.

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.