Let’s imagine together.
Imagine all the people living for today. Imagine all the people living life in peace.
You may say I’m a dreamer. But I’m not the only one.
I hope today you’ll join us. Its International Day of Happiness!
How will you celebrate?
Think about it this way:
What if…. you called someone you have not spoken to for a long time to find out how they are?
What if…. you said “hi” to a stranger?
What if…. you owned your part in an argument?
What if…. you planted some seeds in a pot?
What if…. you sang a song to a child?
What if…. you made the choice to be happy today, no matter what?
Look, we know that emotions can be contagious. Anger breeds anger and fear breeds fear. And happiness? Yes, if you are happy and you know it, that also can spread to others.
Here’s what happened a few years ago on International Happiness Day that still brings a big juicy smile to my lips.
I was on my way to pick out some fabric for new curtains. Happy I got the last parking space in a crowded parking lot. When I closed the door of the car, ready to cross the street to the store, I heard loud, really, really loud yelling.
Two very tall, strong men were just about to have a fist fight. No idea about what, just knew someone was going to be badly hurt.
Now, I’m 5’2” standing tall and the safety part of my brain said, “Just cross the street and keep going, its none of your business.”
However, another voice in my head said, “Do something!”
That voice won.
I marched up to those two men, fully aware that both had arms back and fists curled, ready to take that first swing.
I looked up at their well over 6’ frames and yelled at the top of my lungs, “STOP!”
Well, that’s what’s called a “pattern interrupt” and it certainly caught them off guard.
They stopped.
One of the men finally found his voice and said, “Yeah lady, what do you want?”
And I thought, “Yeah lady, what do I want?”
“Look,” I said in a strong, yet soft voice. “Today is International Day of Happiness. Can’t you find a better way than punching each other out?”
A crowd had gathered by now. It was as if we were watching a movie together. The men looked at each other and finally one put his arms down and said, “Maybe she’s right.” Then he looked at me and said, “What do you think we should do?”
And without missing a beat, I said, “Hey, why don’t you give each other a hug?”
The crowd started to applaud and cheer.
And yup, in a split second, these two men were hugging, you know, man style – slapping each other on the back.
And you know what? Just at that moment (honestly, I couldn’t make this up), just at that moment, the sun burst through the clouds on that overcast day.
Later, after I got the fabric I wanted and was headed back to the car, one of the men was still in the parking lot, waiting for me.
“Hey lady, thanks. We were fighting over something stupid and we got it handled right after you left. Thanks.”
So, one more – What if… you take a risk to get involved and help?
What if we all made the commitment to make a difference? As an extra goodie, read Vanessa King’s book, “10 Keys to Happier Living.”
Let’s create a happier world together!
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