Not Always a Rockwell Christmas

Most of us have Christmas expectations. Many of these are erroneously based on previous Christmases even thought time and circumstances have changed. The players have changed, but we have these wistful memories.
However, with each Christmas, we have the opportunity to make new memories or start a new tradition. As long as we view life through the rear view mirror, we will miss the hope and joy of this Christmas.
Christmas is all about giving. If that stretches you, because you are looking at your bank account instead of your heart, start with a smile. Set a ridiculous goal like give 25 while at the grocery store. This means you make eye contact with someone and flash your biggest smile with 25 different people. The potential to change the environment in that store.
Well, what if you went to Wal-Mart this time of the year where you will have their notoriously long lines and you made eye contact and smiled at 25 people just while standing in line remembering how many people don't even have enough money to buy anything to stand in line for. What if you greeted the cashier with a hearty thank you for her part in your Christmas.
Shortly we are going to a nursing home to give gifts and sing, because you spell love T-I-M-E.
Some of these residents have been forgotten. A smile can make them feel remembered.
I may never have another Norman Rockwell Christmas, but I will always have a merry Christmas.

What Does Your Face Say?

Ever wonder why we wait until someone comes into our space to smile?
Smiling or even someone else smile releases endorphins that work in the brain to transmit an overall feeling of well-being. so why not do that for yourself today.
There is an old South Pacific song called Happy Talk. Just listening to the song makes you feel happy.
What makes you think happy thoughts? Talk a happy talk?
Why not go there instead of unloading the stresses of the day?
You were born with the ability to smile. Let somewhere along the way as we pick up the cares of the world, we quit using that ability. Did you know that adults laugh approximately 15 times a day, while children laugh FOUR HUNDRED times a day.
My personal opinion is that we think too much. That thinking often turns to worry.
And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Matt.18:3
Why not change courses today?
Smile at everyone, yes, everyone you see today. If you need to practice, make funny faces in the mirror. This will amp up your giggle meter.
Someone once said, Happiness leads to smiling and smiling leads to happiness. That may not be a truism in all cases but I do know it is a good beginning.
So what are you waiting for?
Go ahead. Give the world your biggest smile.