Sunday, November 30, 2008

"Don't Worry. Be Happy" Week One



I’m sure most of you remember the peppy song that told the world “Don’t worry. Be happy.” Many of us thought it was corny the first time we heard it, but still grasped the underlying significance. Well, it’s time to start blasting it over the radio stations once again. In this economy, it is easy to drown in a pool of negative thoughts. Giving into depression isn’t going to help you, your family, or your creative energy – unless you’re writing about people in a state of depression.

Instead, let’s grasp onto every happy moment we can. One happy thought will lead to another and then to another. Before you know it, you’ll be smiling and others will smile back at you. It really works. I wish I could remember what I was thinking about, but I know I was smiling on my way into the grocery store and when I looked up a handsome man was smiling back at me. Okay, I probably blushed, but it was worth it. LOL

So smile! The holidays are about peace and joy. Let’s start spreading it!

Over the next few weeks, I’ll be posting what I am doing to stay happy. I hope you’ll let us know what you are doing.


This past week I:

*Spent the holiday with family and friends. I made sure I treasured every second.

*Rented a funny movie – Get Smart is playing on the television at this very moment. I saw it in a theater and laughed throughout most of the movie. Steve Carell has a talent for making films both men and women enjoy. I love the Chuck Norris with a BB gun line.

*Bought a calendar that makes me feel good. Last year, I was drawn to the pictures in “Forces of Nature,” This year, I was in Barnes and Noble when “Jets,” put out by Silver Lining, called to me. I know that must seem strange to you, but I’m an Air Force brat. For as long as I can remember, every time I’ve heard jets overhead, I’ve had to stop what I was doing and watch them fly. January has a picture of a cool looking Stealth. (Okay, my age is showing.)

*Looked into the faces of happy children. I teach at a Title I school, so we are able to give the students free breakfast in the classroom. Every day, I tell each child “Good morning,” and hand over their spork/napkin package. This past week (before Thanksgiving break), I waited for them to make eye contact, so it was even more personal. They smile and melt your heart. I love starting the day, knowing I gave each child individual attention. Tell the child in your life (if one have one) that you love him/her and make sure they are looking you in the eyes when you say it.

*Received another angel for my Christmas tree. Okay, I didn’t have control over receiving it, but I have admired its beauty several times since. Find something in your home that makes you feel good whenever you glance at it and make a point of doing so every day.

*Watched several sunsets. There is so much beauty in nature. Every day, I admire the cloud formations in the sky, and when I’m home, I lean against the back porch railing and gaze upon the spectacular colors in the AZ sky at sunset. There is a spot between two apartment buildings across the street where I can see the colors just beyond the silhouette of palm trees. I also love storms. Not too long ago, I stood on the porch in my socks, while drinking coffee, and watched the hail hit the cement floor all around me. It was the closest thing to snow I had seen in years. An hour earlier, I had seen a hummingbird flying close to a woodpecker in the pine tree six feet away. I hope it was a woodpecker, if not it was a psycho bird hitting its head against the trunk of the tree. “Why did I eat that worm? Why did I eat that worm?”

Now I am going to make myself feel really good by eating a slice of pumpkin pie.
What are you going to do to feel good? Keep it clean. (Unless I kinow you, then you can whisper it to me at the Valley of the Sun party. LOL)

Tina LaVon

8 comments:

Liana Laverentz said...

My son and I watched Get Smart last night and hooted over the BB gun line.

Liana Laverentz said...

For several years I subbed in the dishwashing room of an elementary school, and I would smile and say a very enthusiastic thank you when the kids would bring their tray to the window, make a big deal of it, like they were giving me a precious gift. It got to be that if I was busy at that moment, some would stand there with their tray, waiting, until I was available to smile and say thank you. I sometimes wondered if that was the only big smile and thank you they got all day. But they were so precious, and I loved making them smile.

Anonymous said...

Great post, Tina. Can't wait to read your next one. Since I'm pretty much done with the shopping, decorating, family cards etc, I'll have lots of time to sit back and enjoy the holiday season to the fullest. See you soon.

Anonymous said...

Great reminder, Tina. Even though counting your blessings seems like a trite phrase, it really does help dispell the gloom. Taking time for the little things makes a big difference. This week I was also reminded to show extra little kindnesses to others to help keep a cheeful attitude.
Good advice, all.
Donna

Anonymous said...

Thank you for posting, ladies.
We all do need to remember to be having and enjoy the holiday.
Liana, that may have been the only smile from an adult those kids received all day, so I am so glad you gave it to them and cheered up their lives.
Tina

Pat Cochran said...

I spend as much time as possible with my grandchildren. I especially enjoy snuggling with my 7 month old grandson, Jude. There is not much
that can top that!

Pat Cochran

Anonymous said...

Okay. That will teach me not to talk to my daughter and type at the same time. It was suppose to say to remember to enjoy the holiday. LOL
Tina

Jennifer Ashley/ Allyson James / Ashley Gardner said...

Great post, Tina. I guess this means I'm old, but I've seen economic downturns in the past (in the 80s for example), and we all made it through. There have been others as well.

My response to bad economy is to go shopping! LOL Hey, it makes me happy, and it stimulates the economy. We should all go out and buy something! We're helping each other if we do that.

To stay happy I am (besides shopping), writing novels, spending time with my family, baking, and enjoying the good weather. And reading books! I have a little lull in my schedule (very little, LOL), but I'm indulging in reading books that I've let pile up. That doesn't mean I haven't bought any new ones. It's an addiction.