Happy Holidays, Friends!
I am starting a “Campaign For Peace And Joy” this month and I need your help!
We all know that watching the news is disturbing and the divide between people seems to be growing again. Most adults feel lonely even though we live in crowded spaces surrounded by other lonely adults. I think winter weather exacerbates this problem because people walk faster and their faces are covered by masks or scarves or stressful frowns.
But, I have a two part plan to combat this problem!
#1: I am going to smile and say hello to everyone I pass this month! Seriously. I am doing it. When someone is ten feet away from me I am going to smile. When they get to five feet, I am going to say “Hello!” This is a radical act of connection that is so easy and weirdly challenging at the same time, but it gets easier with practice. Plus the looks of surprise and the warm smiles you get in return will make every shopping trip really entertaining this month!
#2: I am going to leave random notes of love and joy everywhere this month! I got a stack of red post-its last week and every morning I‘ve been writing out a few to stick on cars, telephone poles, my annoying neighbor’s mailbox, shop windows. I am hoping my happy notes will help people feel less scared and alone in the world - or just make people smile, which should help with plan #1. Here are a few samples:
The cold air makes your cheeks all warm and rosy!
I love those boots - stylish and super sexy!
Your eyes are sparkling in the streetlights.
You are so brave for trying today!
You can also write notes to specific people. I gave one to my Dunkin Donuts barrista last week that said, “Your positive attitude warms my cold morning. Thank you!” You can also make sketches on index cards and just put them up all over town. Free sketches are fun and will certainly make people smile - including you!
Whichever idea you like best, do something to spread the joy and pass the peace this month. The world needs us! Just reach outside of your bubble and be brave enough to smile at a stranger. We got this!