Bonus Day

This year we get a bonus day.  It happens every four years.  Today is Leap Day.  One of the fun things about this day is that if this is your birthday, instead of saying how old you are, you can instead state how many birthdays.  For example, on your tenth birthday you would be forty years old!

 

Some folks use this extra day to do something special, and I think that's a great idea.  How about a day of extra kindness or a day where you give back to your community?  A day of volunteering is another good idea, or a day spent helping raise money for charity.  I wrote yesterday about how good it feels to give back, and what better time to do it than this extra day!

 

Of course you can also use it to rest and relax and enjoy something you might not otherwise do.  Go see a show or go dancing or out to dinner.  A quick one-day road trip is another idea.  Actually the ideas can be endless. 

 

So how will YOU spend this bonus day?  Let's hear some of your ideas!

Who are you?

For the past twelve years now, I wake up in the morning, and before doing many other things, I sit down with my tablet or my laptop and say a few things here. We have a counter that tell how many people visit the page and the number is fairly steady with big spikes when we write about someone or something that every search engine directs you to.

 

Who comes here?  I actually have no idea!  The counter shows numbers only.  It also shows search engine referrals, so I can see that someone came from a facebook hyperlink for example, or from a bing or a google search of a keyword I may have used.  It doesn't say who was referred though.  Even more important - I have no idea if my words were actually read, only that someone came to this page.

 

I only mention this because it is nice to know if you are making an impact.  Sometimes it can help with your direction.  So, who are you?  Please let me know from time to time.  You don't have to give your name, but an occasional comment (you can use the comments section below) helps a lot.  Are any of my ideas any good?  Should I go in a different direction?  Is there an individual or an organization that I should tell people about?  Pour a second cup of coffee, and let me know!

the way to feel good is to do good

It's been awhile since I wrote here about one of the nicest guys in the world, Jon Bon Jovi, and after seeing him on television, I simply had to update what I have previously written.  (The picture by the way, is from CBS news which did a report on him during their Sunday Morning program). 

I could tell you the story of his very special restaurants, but many of you probably saw the report.  I hope it leads you to get involved though.  Check out their website at https://www.jonbonjovisoulfoundation.org/ and see how you can help.

It's not just what Bon Jovi is doing that inspires me.  I also paid close attention to what he said during the tv interview and was greatly encouraged by the words describing his work in his Soul Kitchens.  "It can obviously never compare to performing or writing songs," he said. "But what it does do is it gives you the same sense of fulfillment, I think, when I leave here at night and you see the lives you touch.  I have left here, you know, after a long night of volunteering and said, 'That makes you feel the same kind of good.' You know? And that's what I say, the way to feel good is to do good, you know?

"Find your good – and do it."  Excellent advice for us all!

How to get to Sesame Street

Everybody sing!  (You know you want to).

Sunny days
Sweeping the clouds away
On my way to where the air is sweet
Can you tell me how to get
How to get to sesame street
Come and play
Everything's a-okay
Family neighbors friends
That's where we meet
Can you tell me how to get
How to get to sesame street How to get to sesame street
How to get to sesame street
How to get to sesame street

Even if you can't remember the words or the tune, you know the song.  Most of us have grown up with it.  Our kids have too.  It's the theme song of course from Sesame Street, the long-running children's tv show that turns 50 today.

Fifty?  Is that possible?  Yup.  The program began even before PBS, its home for most of its run.  That first year they were on NET (National Educational Television).  Some more numbers - 4,500 episodes have been produced.  There have also been 35 TV specials, 200 home videos, and 180 albums.  Oh and they even have a very popular YouTube channel.  These days they are also on HBO.

 

Is there anyone out there who has never watched this great show?  It doesn't just keep kids occupied, it help them learn.  What a difference it has made over the years in the lives of so many.  May it continue forever!

Stay Positive

Who thinks there is too much negativity in the world?  (Can I see a show of hands)?  Yes, I know how difficult it can be to stay positive when you are surrounded by negative energy, but there are things you can do.

The latest argument between Joy and Meghan getting you down?  Turn off The View!  Good honest discussion is always a good thing, but constant bickering is another matter.

Do you have a Debbie Downer at work or school or on social media?  Show that person the high road and the benefits of being positive.  If it doesn't work, don't let them drag you down.  Move away from them and toward those brighter lights.

Don't sweat the small stuff.  A very wise person once said this to me and it is so true.  Some things seem very important at the moment, but step back and have proper perspective.  Maybe your current situation isn't that important after all.

 

Stay healthy.  Positive people are generally healthy people, or those who are trying to be healthy.  Yes, colds and illness may show up, and sadly major medical conditions may arise.  Work through the situation though and attempt to have a healthy body.  Diet and exercise play a big role here.

 

Don't worry if you are not always happy too.  It's okay to be sad about certain things.  We all might have those bad moments.  You can still be positive though even in the face of sadness or sorrow.  Set some goals too.  Knowing what you are looking for in the future is a very positive attitude.

Free hugs!

I

I saw someone at a parade this summer, with a sign that read "free hugs."  People smiled when they saw it.  When people post in social media that they are having a bad day, it isn't long before the virtual hugs begin showing up.  Hugs make you feel good and even just the idea of a hug is rather pleasant. 

Do you realize that hugs cost nothing?  They are not taxable.  They don't require batteries.  They are returnable.  They make you feel good.  They are extremely personal. They reduce stress and generate goodwill.  Hugs are non-polluting.  A really is an excellent gift!  Actually they are fun to give and to receive!

Oh and as nice as it may be to receive or give a hug, research shows that there are actually medical benefits.  Hugs can instantly boost oxytocin levels and serotonin levels, healing any feelings of loneliness, isolation, and anger while elevating our mood and creating happiness. 

What's to not like about a hug?

Grassroots campaigns work

Do you like what is going on in Washington, DC these days? Are you happy with the workings in your own state or local governments? How many of you can name your mayor or your representatives in Congress? When things are going like the people want them to, and when justice and equality fly out the window, it's time to get involved!

 

I actually think it is ALWAYS good to be involved. An example: where I live there are a couple of county officials that have recently made some outrageous statements. One was very racist, the other anti-gay. Some folks did turn out to protest, but only a few. We ALL need to keep up with these things. it matters. Turn on the evening tv news or pick up the morning newspaper. Stay aware, and then get involved.

 

It's amazing what a simple grassroots campaign can do. Seriously. The folks who say "You can't fight City Hall" are wrong. You can write letters, send emails, make phone calls and you can make a difference. To begin though, you need to know what you are doing. Inform yourself. A good way to find out about government bodies, is to look at their websites. Head on down to your local city hall and see the city council in action. Know about it, and then do something.