Have more FUN SPIRIT this year.

New Year Dog by mphoenix

I’m re-inventing my blog this year. Over time it’s fallen by the wayside. I originally wrote about how to have fun, or how fun is good for your mind and health. Eventually I ran out of ideas. I wasn’t having fun. (Well I was having SOME fun, but not enough for me to have ideas to tell you how to have fun.)

This year the blog will just be anything fun – in any and all of it forms. After all, sometimes fun isn’t about laughter or being silly. For me, lots of times it’s about having time to read a book, or learn a new skill or even bargain shop at the local flea market. (I’ve gotten some unusual things that way!)

Also – what’s fun for me may not be fun for you. Thanks Gretchen for that tidbit of wisdom. So I’m just going to write about my fun. What I know. If you know of other, better ideas – share them. Most of us want to have fun, but sometimes we run out of ideas. That’s why we need this blog. So we never lose that FUN SPIRIT. J

Here’s some fun ideas I’ve heard others doing lately that sound good but I haven’t gotten around to:

• Baking cookies. YUM! Or cupcakes or brownies too!
• Getting a massage. Haven’t had one yet, always make up the time or money excuse, but man this is one I need to do. A coworker came back from a one-day spa day and looked VERY relaxed upon her return. Oh yeah.
• Seeing a play or musical. This is something I’ve been more interested in lately as my tastes have changed. To hear the live music and the bright costumes would be cool. How about the Wizard of Oz?
• Amusement parks and rollercoasters. It’s winter, so most of my parks are closed. But I lived in FL for almost 20 years and they were open all year. I miss going. Hello Disney World!

Some fun ordinary things I’ve done lately:

• Taken a walk at the park in the sun. This was a big deal for me since it’s been a cold winter before winter even officially began. The sun and warm tempatures was a nice change – even if only for a day.
• Read “The Magician – The secrets of the immortal Nicholas Flamel”. This is book 2 in a series. Has everything you need – immortals, monsters, super powers, danger and a quest to save the world. Book 2 in a series.
• Played my new Wii. I finally got one for Christmas. I like the idea of being able to pop in and out of a game for 15 minutes or 30 minutes at a time. This way I don’t have to complete every level or collect every hidden item. Just play for a while and have fun.
• Watched Despicable Me again. I like animated movies, and this one was fun. I don’t know what it is about those funny little minions, but they are just too cute. Of course any movie that includes a freeze ray, shrink ray and octopus gun has to be good.
• Falling off my balance ball. I got a fitness ball for Christmas, and was surprised to find that even simple looking moves are much harder than I thought. The amazing thing is that I had so much fun laughing at myself for not being able to keep my balance that I kept trying the exercise again and again. (Note – the same thing originally happened when I tried to learn to juggle. Some things are too much fun to mess up just once.)

This year, let’s all invest more in our FUN SPIRIT. Let’s have fun, and share that fun with others. Perhaps we’ll find common interests, or explore a new interest. Let’s try hard to make sure we relax, unwind, laugh, smile and enjoy our life more. A worthy goal for anyone.

Happiness How-To.

What’s Happiness by Absolut1

I’m no expert, so don’t expect world class advice. But I can tell you I’ve been studying the habits of happiness myself for the last several years. Some of my friends may tell you that I’m far from perfect at staying happy. A permanently high level of happiness is hard to achieve – but that’s not to say that it’s not worth working for.

Even though I try and sometimes fail, I still think that happiness is under-rated as a success factor in life. Many people brush it off as frivolous, a waste of time, or unreachable simply because there is not set way to accomplish it.

Just because the definition varies by person, doesn’t mean that it isn’t worth pursuing. Of all the skills and habits you’d like to acquire in your life, I’d say uncovering your happiness goals and finding out what actually makes you happy would be right at the top of the list.

Scientists have begun to study happiness seriously in the last 20 years and have discovered a wealth of information. Happiness is vastly wide-ranging topic and covers a variety of ideas and subject such as positive thinking, optimism, humor, goal-setting, gratitude, appreciation, stress relief,

Even if you worked on your happiness for the rest of your life – is that so bad? I certainly enjoy learning new skills, going on new adventures, and finding new interests. Happiness covers all those topics. Happiness is really simply a part of your journey of self-discovery. It’s about understanding yourself.

So here’s my 2 cents worth on some of the most important parts of happiness how-to:

1. Lighten-up. We’re all too serious. We listen to news 24/7, most of which is bad, and wonder why we feel upset and angry. We like to complain, criticize and fault find. But the truth is that wonder, beauty and joy surround us every day. Plus, what does all that misery and frustration get us? Nothing but stiff necks, aching heads and an upset stomach.
2. Appreciate what you have. Too many of us, pass through life with luxuries that at least 50% of the world doesn’t have – yet we complain how poor we are. We need to realize how blessed even our poorest people are compared to others. And how blessed we are to have the freedoms we enjoy.
3. Tell others you love them. If you want to feel happiness and love, try to share some with family and friends. Often we take for granted that others know how much we care. But until we tell them, they may not really know. If you don’t have the words, check with Hallmark, they’re master messengers of love.
4. Slow down. Take time to notice the warm sunshine, the sight of your spouse’s smile, the tantalizing aroma and mouth-watering taste of homemade chicken soup. Take a day off and go to a park, where the naturally slower rhythms of nature will help you settle into a more peaceful frame of mind. Don’t go so fast through life that you miss out on the little things – those are the best part!
5. Today is a new day. The great thing about life is that as long as we still breathe, we have a chance to right our mistakes. It’s never too late to start over, to make amends for our errors, and to make this day the best day of our life. Once you fully recognize this, every day is full of endless possibilities.
6. Smile whenever you have a chance. Because we’re all imperfect people and life is unpredictable, we will always have problems in our lives. That’s why it’s so important to enjoy ourselves when we have a chance. Don’t be afraid to smile at a baby in the store, to laugh at a joke with a friend, or share good news with your coworkers. Joy brings light and happiness into even the darkest room.
7. Do what you enjoy. I don’t just mean a job you love. Whatever you love – photography, fishing, rock collecting or jazz music, do more of it. Join a club, go to a tradeshow, find a Internet site or forum online, teach it to children or simply talk about it with others. Keep your passions alive and well.
8. Love the little things. When is the last time you star-gazed and searched for shooting stars? Or watched the wind blow the grass while you drank a glass of tea? Or read a great book? Saw a fantastic movie? If your answer is “I don’t remember,” you have some work to do. Small joys are some of the best things in life. Like a child’s laughter or a sunset, they are usually free, but fleeting, so it’s best to enjoy the moment while you can.
9. Be open to change. Knowing that things will change is half the battle. The other half is accepting the change. We are habitual creatures, and we enjoy a predictable, set routine. Whether at work, at home, or just the “society norms,” we expect things to be a certain way. When we are open to the possibility of change we can get experience a deep enjoyment of our current happiness, because like Christmas, some things are simply more enjoyable because of their rarity.
10. Be positive. Optimism is a great tool for happiness. When you look for the good in every situation, you are always learning and growing. It also helps you discover kindness, generosity and love you may have overlooked before. Even when times are had, you can still enjoy the love and support of family and friends, your health, or simply the beauty of a new day.

Of course this is merely the tip of the iceburg. Happiness is so much more than this. But it’s important to start somewhere. To help you further your research here are several of my favorite web sites on the topic of happiness:

The Happiness Project

The Happiness Institute

Happiness.com

Chief Happiness Officer

Positive Psychology News Daily

Appreciation Is a Skill.

Sky Palette by Nicholas_T

Appreciation, like gratitude is an often over-looked tool for happiness. Think about it for a moment. How many times in a day, are you appreciative for a kindness someone does for you, or the good service you have received?

Do you notice when a waitress is courteous and timely, refills your drinks without asking and gives you plenty of napkins? Are you aware when other vehicles melt out of your way and lights turn green before you reach them?

What about other everyday items that you take for granted? The kiss from you spouse before you leave for work, or dinner on the table by 6pm. Kids that are doing their homework and get at least most of their chores done each week. Do you recognize the good things you have while their happening?

Appreciation can lead to a more satisfying life. When you notice the good things in life; efficient cashiers, a kind coworker, cherry blossoms in bloom or even your own good health, you feel good.

Appreciation is a gift. It makes us focus on the beauty of the sun, the birds singing in the trees, the wonder of the emerald grass and cobalt sky above. It heightens our enjoyment of simple things like receiving a hug, hearing a child’s laughter or saying the words “I love you.”

Because of our fast-paced lives and the time demands of our jobs, children and personal responsibilities, appreciation helps us be aware of the numerous wonders and beauty that surround us every day. It helps us count our blessings – we have plentiful food, clean water, a warm bed and time to relax and treasure it.

If you want to be more positive and optimistic, take time to appreciate what you have. Your family, friends and coworkers. Your job and steady paycheck. Your health. The conveniences that make life easier – washer & dryer, microwave, TV, CD player, and car. The variety of items for sale in your local grocery store and favorite department store.

During these stressful times when many people are feeling fearful and scared, the power of appreciation can help us to see a variety of people, places and things to be thankful for. Now is when your ability to observe the numerous blessings that still surround you is more important than ever.

"Let us rise up and be thankful,

for if we didn't learn a lot today,

at least we learned a little,

and if we didn't learn a little,

at least we didn't get sick,

and if we got sick,

at least we didn't die;

so, let us all be thankful." – Buddha

Also check out: Appreciation in Action

The Happiness Habit.

Be happy! by Robert Snache - Spirithands.net

Practice makes perfect. . .or so the saying goes. Like many quotes we hear repeated over and over, there is truth to this statement. The more you practice something, the more skilled you become. Whether you are training to be a better ballerina, or are learning to control your anger, the more you repeat an experience, the more you learn and grow.

That’s why I like the idea that happiness is a skill. I firmly believe this it to be true. I first came to hear about the idea after spending time reading some books and teachings by the Dalai Lama, including his book “The Art of Happiness.” As I learned about Buddhism, I discovered that scientific evidence had been found which showed that the brain could and does grow new neural pathways. MRI’s revealed areas of the brain which were different in monks who practice meditation and prayer every day. The longer they meditate, the more pronounced the changes in the brain.

There is also evidence that relaxation is a learned response. Many books and articles have been written on relaxation techniques. One of my favorites is the muscle relaxation, in which you lay in bed and take deep calming breathes as you imagine your muscles as knotted ropes which you mentally untie so you can “un-wind.” You can also mentally send energy to sore spots in your body, or “breathe into the muscle,” to add oxygen to your body. These techniques get easier with practice and bring tranquility and peace after a hard day.

Therefore it simply stands to reason that happiness is simply one more habit to practice. Happiness is so much more than a good mood and a positive outlook. It is going through your day with the fully-intended purpose of adding more comfort, joy, excitement, peace and love to your day. All the various and extensive things that make you happy.

Happiness is many things. It is an attitude, a perspective, an understanding, a pursuit, a discovery, a skill, an action, and a plan. It can make you happy to be at the bedside of a very ill person. Being with them may be upsetting and depressing, but knowing through words or gestures that your presence brightens the day of someone in pain can be very fulfilling. Sharing love is a huge part of happiness.

Happiness as an attitude includes the ability to see positive moments in a negative event. Perhaps you are stuck in a long checkout line at the supermarket, impatiently waiting to pay. As you are standing there you look at the magazine rack and see Mickey Mouse ears on a celebrity’s child in Disney World. It makes you smile and laugh. You start looking for other funny pictures and before you know it the line is moving forward.

Happiness is relaxing and comfortable. It is those little touches that soothe your body and mind, brining a sense of peace and security. A mug of hot tea on a rainy day. Putting your feet up after a long day of work. Thick fluffy pillows and a soft mattress at night. Paying attention to these small details can bring a warm, cozy feeling to your home making it a sanctuary from daily stress.

As with any other skill, making happiness a habit will increase your chances at success. Practicing happiness habits on a daily basis will improve your overall sense of well being so that when life’s inevitable problems occur, you will be more resilient and able to recover more quickly.

Here are a few happiness ideas to practice:

1. Find your joy. Whatever makes you happy, from coaching Little League to growing prize-winning peanuts. Make time for pet projects. They’ll add zest to your life.
2. Enjoy some blessed silence. A little bit of quiet time goes a long way. Even just 5 or 10 minutes of quiet can calm your mind and body and bring peace.
3. Spend time with positive people. Being around grouchy, irritated and negative people can affect your mood. Seek out optimistic enthusiastic friends and coworkers.
4. Get up and move. Whether you stretch, run, dance or take the dog for a walk, exercise helps energize and invigorate.
5. Share your love. Hug the dog, kiss the cat, give your spouse a love poem. Expressing your love freely will bring more awareness of the joy you already possess.
6. Be playful. Wear polka dot socks with your suit. Run through the sprinklers with the kids. Let loose and have fun.
7. Practice gratitude. Give thanks for the beautiful treasures in your life. Count your blessings and watch them add up.
8. Keep learning. Find a subject that fascinates you and learn more about it. Pirates, ancient cultures, or the habits of porcupines. New ideas will widen your perspective on life and make things more interesting.
9. Relax. Read a book, listen to music, walk, or put on a comedy. Get comfy and let your stress melt away for a while. Your body and mind will thank you.
10. Live in the moment. Stop worrying about past things you can’t change, and future events that haven’t happened. The present moment will give you more than enough to focus on.

Check out these sites for more info:

The Happiness Institute

The Happiness Project

52 Happiness Tips – Zen Habits

100 Ways to Keep Yourself Happy

Your Brain in Love.

Love is all. . . by suchitra prints

Is your brain in love? Is it the heart or brain that tells you you’re in love? Doesn’t the brain affect your body with chemical messages? Doesn’t that message system go both ways? Don’t you feel the pain of being “broken-hearted” in your chest?

Love is a funny thing. There are so many different levels of love. You love your partner. Just the thought of spending time with them fills you with joy. You take comfort in knowing someone is there to help you get through life. You love you children. Being with them brings you hours of laughter, and taking care of them gives your life interest and provides you with much satisfaction. You love your dog. You are constantly amazed at the inter-species communication that happens when you dog wags its tail and you reward it with some attention.

Then there’s love of things. You may love your car. It is the perfect color, size, and shape for you. It is a reliable and convenient way to travel and includes entertainment features like music and on-board computers. You may love sunsets. The sight of that magical minute or two when the sky looks like a color-strewn canvas, full of pinks, reds and oranges, that last for a moment or two each day.

So is love all in our heads? Is it in our bodies? Or is it everywhere? Do we love because we think we do, or do we love because we feel we do? Does our brain tell our body we’re in love, or does our body tell our brain we’re in love? Does it really matter?

Love is a glorious wonderful thing. It can glitter and shine brightly like a diamond, or be a mountain of support that never fails you. It lights up your world, brings sunshine into the dark and gives our lives purpose and meaning. Family, friendships, and affections, all of them add those delightful feelings of happiness and those giggly, giddy moments of pure joy into our lives.

Wherever it comes from, whatever is, love is welcome in my house any time. Thanks for reading – and Happy Valentines Day everyone!

Christmas Sprit

City and County Building, Denver, CO by trythil

I love Christmas time. It’s so beautiful and nice. I love the twinkling lights and sparkling snow, the hot cocoa and happy music. Have you ever heard music cheerier than what they play at Christmas? If it was a food it’d be a 10,000 calorie dish it’s so sweet and nice.

People are kinder too. I’m constantly amazed at the generosity of the American people. While they give to hurricane relief, flood relief and help with emergencies and disasters of all kinds, they kick things up into high gear during Christmas. Food pantries, toy drives, money for the needy, hearts and pocketbooks open up so that everyone can enjoy the happiness of a full belly and a gift under the tree.

Sure there might still be a few scrooges or a Grinch or two, but somehow it’s just easier to laugh them off instead of taking their grouchiness to heart. People are more light-hearted and quicker to laugh. We share Christmas cartoons, emails, jokes, recipes and more. We feast and celebrate for an entire month and grow closer together in the merriment.

Have you been putting off your Christmas fun while you get your shopping and cooking and cleaning done? Well, now is the time to enjoy it! It’s the last weekend before Christmas. Time to have some sugar cookies and watch It’s a Wonderful Life or Miracle on 34th Street while you cuddle with your spouse or child. Time to sing some Christmas carols or sit in the quiet of a peaceful night with the glow of the Christmas tree softly lighting the room.

Christmas is too beautiful to pass up. Don’t let the excitement and preparation for the holiday take away your time to enjoy it. Go for a walk or a drive and see all the Christmas lights in your neighborhood. Or have dinner out with friends and take a break from the kitchen. Put the ornaments on the tree, attend church, go ice-skating, build a snowman, bake cookies or whatever else you love to do.

Christmas is a wonderful experience of excitement, laughter, food and family. It is a special time when our abundant blessings are cherished and savored. It only happens one time a year – so live it up! And have a very Merry Christmas! Peace and blessings to all of you.

Looking for the Good

You can’t see me by Piez

Some days it’s hard to find something to smile about. Perhaps like me, you’ve been sick for several weeks, hacking, coughing and sneezing, full of aches and pains, and you just don’t feel like yourself.

Maybe the news about the economy, housing market or inflation has you down. Maybe you know friends or family who have lost money or are struggling, and you feel frustrated and angry.

Now is when your attitude is more important than ever. Positive thinking is not an attempt to sugar-coat the negative events in our life, but rather a life boat that lifts us out of troubled water and gives us the time and space needed to access our situation.

Looking for the good takes effort. It takes work and thought to find the positive stories and happy information in your daily news. You must actively participate while you watch TV or read the newspaper. For instance, just yesterday I was pleased to see that 6-year old Cole Puffinburger was returned alive and uninjured after being abducted at gunpoint from his home. That is something to celebrate!

There are other things too. In my local paper there has been news of public library expansions, donations to build new playgrounds, and openings of new businesses and restaurants in the area. The weather report is sunny and cool - great for outdoor trips. Even the return of a favorite TV show can make you smile. There’s always something good if you look for it.

Many experts from Sarah Ban Breathnach to Oprah have praised the far-reaching benefits of a gratitude journal. From helping you count your blessings, to relieving past pleasurable experiences, a gratitude journal is a great tool in the search for the positive and uplifting. If used daily it can focus your attention on the various accomplishments, fun experiences and happiness of everyday life. It can improve your feelings of satisfaction and fulfillment and give you a written record of the good things that surround you.

Looking for the good is worth the effort. If you practice it enough, it becomes a habit, one that will bring you joy and comfort for many years to come. Positive thinking is a skill that allows your mind to break free of the negativity and find peace and serenity in the midst of turmoil.

Like the old saying “this too, shall pass.” Remembering that will help you to savor joys while they last, and give hope when things look bleak. There is always beauty to be found, but we must open our eyes to see it.

Fall is here!

Loose-Leaf by Nicholas_T

Ahh, fall. Those crisp, cool mornings where stars glimmer and shine in a crystal clear sky. The day begins to wind down a little bit sooner as night falls earlier each evening. Trees begin their brilliant fashion show as they change into vibrant reds, oranges and yellows, dazzling us as take our daily walk. Homemade soup and hot cocoa fill the air as families gather together for a bit of warmth.

As I’ve moved from MD to FL and back north again to TN, I am in love once again with the passing seasons. I am captivated by the noticeable changes in the days. How the cool weather brings thick white fog, that envelopes us in a soft cocoon, muting the harsh noises of traffic. Or the first frost, when plants and grass are coated in a thin layer of white that sparkle in the streetlights overhead.

Fall brings to mind family and friends. Holidays like Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas, when we get together and eat, frolic and enjoy one another’s company. A time to give thanks for all the joys and happy moments we’ve experienced through the year. Fall brings us back together as we shelter from the cold.

Two of my favorite fall activities are decorating a bright orange pumpkin for Halloween (and even Thanksgiving), and going on a hike to see the gleaming colors of the Maples, Ash, Sweet gum, Birch and Oak trees. I love listening the crackle of fallen leaves as they crunch underfoot. The cool air is invigorating and lures me outside day after day.

Some more favorites of mine are; eating Halloween (black and orange) Oreos, visiting family and feasting at Thanksgiving, going to Haunted houses, eating crisp fall apples, the first pot of homemade soup, hot tea on a cold morning, and seeing the first Christmas decorations go up. What are you favorite fall activities?

Happiness Tips from Teens.

Ist das die Sonne? Day 45 by Arwen Abendstern

Who knew those reclusive, moody, opinionated teenagers had so much common sense? Here’s an idea of some of the tips they’d give for a happier life – if only you’d listen to them:

1. Get plenty of sleep. Snuggle under those covers and use those extra pillows to block out the sun. Make sure you get plenty of shut-eye so you can conserve your energy for those important events like skateboarding, football games, socializing and parties.
2. Eat what you like. Your body needs fuel to feel good and work properly. You need food and plenty of it. Don’t skimp on eating and deprive yourself – eat foods that taste great so hunger won’t be a distraction later in the day (or night.)
3. Don’t listen to authority figures. Always make sure those in charge actually know what they are talking about. Question everything. Believe in yourself and follow your dreams even if the experts don’t think it will work.
4. Express yourself. Don’t conform to the expectations of others. Find your own style and personality.
5. Experiment. To keep life from getting dull and repetitive, stay curious and try new ideas. Remember that your future is full of limitless potential.
6. Let loose once in a while. When the pressures and constraints of life bring you down, go a little crazy. Let your hair down (or put it up) and go out for a night of fun. Party your butt off!
7. Remember your friends. They are the ones who pick you up when you stumble, and make you laugh when you have a rough day. Stay in touch through email, phone, letters, and frequent visits.
8. Embrace change. Life is all about learning and growing. Be open to new people, places and changing trends. Embrace new technology and help keep your mind from growing stale.
9. Stay active. Whether you enjoy sports, daily walks, dancing or chasing your younger brother through the house, a healthy body is an active one.
10. Keep your calendar clear. Don’t let chores, work or school commitments keep you from taking time for yourself. Leave free time for activities you enjoy – or for nothing at all.

8 Free Ways to Enjoy Life.

View from Rastaholm by Per Ola Wiberg..(PO...or Powi)

It’s so easy to overlook the wonders and joys that surround you every day. In the rush and hurry of getting through the day, we may overlook the simple pleasures. With all the products and advertising bombarding us, you may have forgotten some of the free and easy ways to enjoy the abundance that is all around you:

1. Look outside your window. Really look. Watch the emerald green leaves sway in the breeze under the golden rays of the sun. Watch as the fire-red cardinal flits and weaves among the tree branches, singing his happiness for all to hear. Smell the wet earthy freshness of the air after the rain. The earth is an enchanting place.
2. Taste your food. Savor the salty sweet buttery flavor of corn; delight in the melty gooiness of a cheese and pepperoni pizza. Let the creamy silken smoothness of pudding slide down your throat. Taste the tangy sweetness of the juicy navel orange. Pay attention to your food and you’ll enjoy it even more.
3. Discover History. From books to TV, the history of the world surrounds us. From the ancient pyramids in Giza to the glistening white expanses of the frozen Arctic, wonder and beauty are everywhere. Learning about the variety of life and culture on our planet is endlessly entertaining.
4. Rejoice in your mobility. From your able-bodied feet to the rolling wheels on your car, you are able to go virtually anywhere. From the beaches and mountains to the community pool and local library, recreation and diversion await around every corner.
5. Musical Madness. From the throbbing drumbeats of African and Native American drumming, to the rousing symphonies of the Beethoven and other classic composers, music is a release for mind and body. Whether dancing to your favorite hip-hop or pop tune or simply relaxing to the tranquil melodies of new age tunes, music is available any time of the day or night.
6. Spontaneous Fun. Surprise your spouse with a romantic candlelight dinner, take your kids for a romp at the local playground, sing in the shower, dance under the moonlight, watch the sunrise, and play flashlight tag in the dark. Be playful and open to trying new things. It will add more laughter to your day.
7. Stimulate your brain and mind. Do a jigsaw puzzle, start a card game and wager potato chips, M&Ms or whatever goodies you have in the house. Play charades or Pictionary for a boisterous, crazy night. Pull out an old favorite like Monopoly, Sorry, Yatzee, or Clue. Or try a classic children’s game you’ve never played before.
8. Create something beautiful. Draw a picture, grow a garden, play an instrument, write a love letter, make a photo scrapbook, or build a bench with some spare wood. Use your chipped china and pots to make a mosaic table, or those extra magazines and ribbon scraps to create a one-of-a-kind greeting card.

Don’t Be a Mutant.

Today I kept thinking about a movie I saw recently “Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium.” In the movie, Dustin Hoffman plays Mr. Magorium, avid-shoe wearer, and owner of the fabulous, magical Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium toy store.

Natalie Portman is Molly Mahoney the manager of the store, and Zach Mills plays the wonderful character of Eric Applebaum, hat-collector extraordinaire. But the character who most captured my attention is Jason Bateman, the accountant Henry Weston, also known as “The Mutant.”

The Mutant is the typical, dull, boring business person who is so focused on work and “the job,” that he takes no time to notice anything around him, so obviously he sees nothing unusual about the store. He is plain, ordinary, and has no outstanding characteristics at all.

I find myself constantly surrounded by mutants. Those people who are so engrossed in the process of living, that they don’t take time to breathe and exist in the moment. You know them as the harried friend who talks on the cell phone while you eat succulent lobster at the restaurant. Or the mom who is so busy trying to keep the house spotless, she doesn’t have time to play dress-up with her daughters.

Be aware of the magic around you; the perfume of freshly blooming jasmine, or the soft downy feel of fluffy puppy fur. The sweet silky taste of chocolate as it melts on your tongue. The flush and rapid beat of your heart as you exercise, dance and play. And the musical melody of chirping crickets serenading the soft silvery glow of the full moon.

Beware the mutants. Protect yourself. Learn to live in the now and focus on what’s in front of you. Stretch, breathe, laugh and love. Watch the sun rise in the shades of pink, orange and purple. Turn up the radio on your favorite song, be the first to hug and the last to let go.

Tips for Staying Young at Heart.

Are we having fun yet? by Super tourist

No one likes being around a whining, complaining, stick-in-the-mud. So how do you keep time from changing you from a fun-loving, spontaneous thrill-seeker, to an angry old curmudgeon who is unhappy with life and everyone in it?

One answer is to keep the goal of staying young at heart on the top of your yearly resolutions. Happiness is not something that happens by chance, it’s something we have to work at every day. And one key to happiness is not to let the sorrows and obstacles of life drag down your body and mind.

We need to get outside our comfort zone, learn and experiment with new things, loosen up and enjoy daily delights. Here are a few tips I’ve rounded up to help keep an optimistic, big-hearted outlook in the coming years:

• Surround yourself with loved ones. Family, friends, coworkers, pets, and anyone else who fits the bill. Staying in touch with people we love helps us feel included and appreciated. Having a friend helps keep loneliness at bay and gives us a reason to recover faster from illness.
• Stay flexible. In both body and mind. Read, do puzzles, learn a new language or play cards. Try a new exercise or sport, anything from tai chi to basketball to juggling. Strengthen all your muscles for a strong and healthy life.
• Be playful. Find activities you enjoy and do them often. Whether it’s riding a bike, going to the movies or joining a clown troupe. Try something you’ve always wanted to do, like learning to play the violin or taking a scuba-diving class.
• Indulge in occasional luxuries. Have lobster at a fancy restaurant; rent the red Corvette you’ve dreamed of for your weeklong vacation. Stay at a 5-star hotel and get the massage, facial and Jacuzzi included. Or simply eat your favorite dessert or soak in a hot bath to relax. Treat yourself to things that make you happy.
• Be silly from time to time. Go the local playground and don’t bring your kids with you. Play hide-and-go-seek with your grandkids. Watch a cartoon, go roller-skating again, hug a teddy bear and smile. Let your hair down (unless you like pigtails better) and laugh out loud.
• Exercise. Exercise of all kinds makes our muscles stronger, helps us breath more deeply and alleviates stress. The key is to find a style you enjoy. If traditional weight lifting and aerobics don’t do anything for you, think about something else. Try a team sport like baseball, join a fossil club and hike to your destination, or add a trampoline to the backyard. Nothing keeps you young like an active and fit body.

Get Out of Your Comfort Zone – 10 Tips.

Houston sky dive by krismartis

Doing something that we wouldn’t usually try is a great way to stretch our minds and bodies. A new thing can be as simple as eating at a new restaurant, or as complicated as learning to play the guitar. But whether you become the next rock star or just expand your taste buds, you will be richer for the experience.

Getting out of your comfort zone is not a test to see how perfect you are at new things. In fact, I hope that you fail at first. Because failure is good for you. Learning how to cope with the frustration and disappointment of failure helps you stick to your goals even in the face of setbacks and obstacles that block your progress.

Trying a new experience may be awkward, embarrassing and even painful at times. But with each new skill you acquire you will gain knowledge, skills and resiliency to guide you in life’s unpredictable waters.

Here are a few tips to get you started:

1. Be adventurous. Try a new roller coaster, go skydiving, hike a mountain trail, visit the go-cart track, or have a paintball competition with 10 of your friends.
2. Try a new food. Spinach, almonds, olive oil, and zucchini, these were all foods I hated as a child. I tried them as an adult and loved it. This also encourages me to try exotic new foods I’ve never had before and give my taste buds a jolt.
3. Join a sports team. Tennis, basketball, soccer, and golf are great to pick up anytime. There’s also surfing, skateboarding, archery, running and weightlifting.
4. Go someplace new. Visit a history museum, go to the planetarium, see the fish at the aquarium, listen to a classical symphony, or laugh at the circus.
5. Learn a skill. Grow roses, take dance lessons, learn French or Spanish, draw cartoons, write a book, take a comedy class, play the bongos, or start a scrapbook.
6. Electronic genius. Learn those skills you’ve been putting off. Make a family video, email a picture slide show to a friend, figure out the music, video and picture features on your cell phone, fix your lawnmower, and find the fun of a digital (erase your mistakes) camera.
7. Be silly. Nothing releases your fear of embarrassment like having a little child-like fun. Blow some bubbles for your dog to chase, have a water gun fight, practice your magic tricks, go to the roller rink, read some comic books, or have a hula-hoop contest.
8. Volunteer. Nobody expects volunteers to be pros. This is a great way to learn something new. Join a clown group, help the SPCA, visit the elderly at a nursing home, or join help your favorite charity with fundraising. Check out Volunteer Match for help getting started.
9. Treat yourself. Get your first massage, have your toenails painted, buy fresh flowers for no reason, have a fashion makeover, see a football game, go to a concert or treat yourself to a great steak dinner.
10. Travel. Swim with the dolphins, go cave exploring, ride a dinner train, take a glass-bottom boat ride, go beach combing for shells and driftwood, or go camping and sleep under the stars. Stay at the hotel with the biggest pool or rent a sports car for your trip.

What Do You love?

Balloons by Crystl

There are so many things I absolutely adore! Anything from visiting an amusement park and scaring myself silly on a roller-coaster, to watching butterflies bumble around on a sunny day. I love my family, and spending time with all my nieces and nephews. I love eating chocolate, rocking out to the radio, reading books of every kind and taking a long, hot shower when I’m cold.

I love the Internet, connecting with people and ideas all over the globe. I love technology, from computers and cell phones to the latest video games. I love going to the movies with that gigantic picture and all the popcorn you can eat. I love fireworks on 4^th of July, snow at Christmas and play in the water in the hot summer sun.

The great thing about love is that when you express your joy and excitement to others, you get to share your passions and then your love grows even bigger. And, the more you think about the things you love, the more happiness you feel. Remembering times of delight and bliss lets you experience what you love over and over again.

Love means pleasure, satisfaction, energy, exhilaration, and cheerfulness. It’s important to know what you love so that you can eliminate things you don’t enjoy to make room for fun, laughter and light-heartedness. If you don’t know what makes your heart smile and your eyes bright, now is the time to start your list.

Here are a few ways you can start your list:

• Think back to experiences where you felt peaceful, full of energy, and bubbly. Write down what you were doing that made you feel that way.
• Look through a magazine at only the pictures. When you see something that makes you laugh or smile, cut it out. Add those activities to your list.
• Brainstorm ideas, places and things that could make you happy.

More things I love are; the smell of freshly cut grass, balloons of all sorts, new sheets for my bed, extra-long hugs, learning about history, the wind singing through the leaves, the color purple, and drives through the country. How about you?

8 Great Ways to Spread Cheer

Owl’s smile by merec0

I admit it, I’m selfish. One of the biggest reasons I love to cheer someone else up is that it also makes me feel better. There’s just something so attractive about the idea of making someone smile. I love that the joy is two-fold, both receiver and giver reap the benefits. A wonderful win-win situation.

So here are a few ideas I rounded up to help make the day of someone you know. Or even someone you don’t. The important thing is to have fun and enjoy the experience. Life’s too short not to play in the puddles!

1. Share a Sweet Treat. One of my all-time favorites is food. Whether it’s sweet succulent strawberries or the crunchy goodness of a chocolate chip cookie, everyone has a delicacy they love. Surprise your coworkers with a bag of bagels or a pizza lunch. Food feeds more than our bodies; it brings to mind emotional connections to happy memories. Spread some goodwill today.
2. Go to the Park With a Friend. You’re never too old to have some fun. Take an hour at lunch or just before going home and visit your favorite playground. Whether you swing on the swing set, feed the baby ducks or take a walk by the water, the fresh air and serenity will invigorate you. Take your tennis shoes so you can skip along the path as you go.
3. Play Some Music Together. Whether you buy a new CD or compile some tunes of your own, invite your sister or niece to sing-along. One of my own favorite activities is to play children’s music for my nieces and nephews that they haven’t heard before. It’s so fun when we all learn the words and sing together. Music helps you forget your troubles.
4. Visit The Puppy Store. Take my advice; if you visit a pet shop with all those fuzzy, wiggling balls of love, you won’t leave in a bad mood. Ooohhh and Aaahhh over the shortest or tallest, the fuzziest and the one with the biggest ears. There’s nothing like playful pooches to tickle your laugh box back into shape.
5. See a Movie Together. Stay at home and snuggle up with a comfy pillow, blanket and your favorite snack or head for the buttery popcorn action of the big-screen. Either way, you’re in for a few hours of excitement and laughter. Movies are more fun when shared, so take your mom out this Mother’s Day.
6. Write a Gratitude Letter. Many of us already write gratitude journals for ourselves to remind us of the many joys we experience each week and then forget. Do the same for someone you love. Write them a letter and give them specific experiences you remember with them that made you happy. It’s guaranteed to delight.
7. Buy Some Humorous Books. This is an easy, often overlooked idea. Even those who don’t read often will enjoy cartoon books like Peanuts, Garfield, Calvin & Hobbes or the Far Side. You can also buy books with redneck humor, blonde jokes, riddles, office jokes and more. Whatever the style theirs a book that fits it.
8. Try a Novelty Gift. We all have favorite characters, themes and styles. Buy your mother an owl for her collection, your buddy a Dwight Schrute bobble head, or your Uncle a Darth Vader t-shirt. Surprise gifts like these can make people smile for days, and they’re really fun to give.

The Ordinary Becomes Extraordinary Through Gratitude.

Gratitude makes your life better. It’s a truth that comes back to me again and again. Practicing gratitude daily and weekly helps you see the beauty and wonder that we lose when we start taking the comforts of our lives for granted.

Simply by watching coworkers who struggle with an unhappy marriage while yours is happy, or seeing that your family is financially stable while a sibling or family member is plagued by money troubles you can find a reason to be thankful. When you click through the television channels and see people in third world countries struggling to find clean drinking water, or receiving the most basic of medical care such as bandages and aspirin, we can come to realize the blessings of the conveniences we use every day without thinking.

How about the benefits of clean, fresh running water? Think of not having clean water to drink, wash and cook with. The next time you turn on your tap, give a big thank-you to the universe for your good fortune. Give a prayer of thanks for the healthy, wholesome food available in your local grocery store. Think of all the people involved; from the farmers to the truck drivers, stockers and cashiers, everyone that helps grow and deliver that food to you.

You can move your attention to the clothes you are wearing. From the plants, factories and workers that make the clothes, to the stores that stock and sell them, and finally to the production and sale of the affordable machinery that washes and cleans the clothes in the convenience of your own home. You can give thanks for the workers who maintain the roads you drive on, from the asphalt layers to the engineers and city planners who regulate and plan the layout and design of interstates and city streets.

Gratitude can be found almost anywhere. Once you start looking, it’s easy to keep finding more and more things to be grateful for. There are books to read, libraries to borrow from, thrift stores with low prices that recycle books and goods for others to use. We have movies to entertain us, video games to play, board games and card games, playgrounds for the kids, zoos to visit and more.

These are just a few of the ordinary, everyday things I am grateful for. I’m sure your list is quite different or even longer. Gratitude is like a magic pair of sunglasses; when you put them on the world seems brighter, kinder and more connected than before. Appreciation for the good things in your life can help you feel more satisfied with life overall, making you feel happier, calmer and more at peace. Increasing the awareness of the beautiful things in life like family, friends, health and home is a great recipe for a fuller life and a more positive perspective, and that can only be a good thing.