QUESTION #12--December 16, 2008
Feeling a little bit of the collective malaise? Worried about the future, the state of your finances, how you're going to land a job after being unexpectedly laid off? You are not alone. As the expense of sounding like a Pollyanna, I'd like to think once we weather this societal earthquake, which I believe we will, that an exciting, clean canvas awaits us where we will create a new kind of lifestyle devoid of
all the ugliness that landed us here in the first place.
In the meantime, our health, families and friends take on more sacred proportions than usual. So I ask you to 'kvell' (one of my favorite Yiddish words) in ....
QUESTION #12--WHO DO YOU COUNT ON MOST TO MAKE YOU SMILE THESE DAYS, AND WHY?
I count on myself most to make me smile these days because I need to practice this ability. Don't know if it is good to rely on others. It is not very easy so far but feels very good when I achieve it, makes me feel very strong.
But I always appreciate other people make me smile of course. Maybe Santa?
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apologize for previous oops!
I count on friends and strangers for smiles. It never fails.. when I give a smile, I get one back...from even the most unexpected individuals. I believe you get what you give, eventually. I know it sounds really naive..I just think that once eye contact is made a smile shares the wealth...my smile is worth millions...It's given freely, often, and my return on investment is out of this world...I don't care if it's woman, man or child...a smile has immeasurable value.
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One of the things that always makes me "kvell" (one of my favorite words too) is when someone tells me that I did something that made them feel better. Whether it was an encouraging word I said in passing, the sharing of misery. (oh I feel that exact same way too!), or making someone laugh, I always get that inner smile when I find out that I helped somebody.
I recently read that we are hard-wired to feel pleasure when we do something altruistic. It's part of our primitive brains. So it does seem that the best way to get yourself smiling is to practice a bit of selfish/selfless altruism.
In terms of who else I can count on for a smile? My old friend Kara. Every conversation we have is absolutely absurd. Anyone listening would think we must be on some very special drugs. The first ten seconds of each conversation begins with repeating each other's names... repeatedly... Kaaaaarrrrraaaa? Joaaaaannnie? Kaaaaarrrra? Joannnnnie? By this time we are already smiling- and keep it up for the rest of the conversation.
No matter what we have to say, whether it's about vitamins or vacuum cleaners, it just seems funny.
Kaaaaarrrra, are you out there? You always make me smile.
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My job requires for me to smile at people and of course people offten smiles back at you but is funny that you ask becouse just last nite coming back home from work my cat was there to greet me and somehow i found my self alone with him in the house with a genuine smile on mi face thinking how a simple thing can lighten up your day.
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Great question Cali, and I completely agree that after this storm passes, a new way of life will show a new focus and a profound growth...
I find smiles with my girlfriend Stephanie!
We act like 2 little kids sometimes, and it's this refreshing lightness that helps me forget the day to day bills and adult responsibilities!
A few days ago we bought a Christmas tree and walked it home in the snow singing carols and giggling the whole way!
Sometimes it's the little moments we take here and there to laugh with someone that make it all worthwhile!
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That's a great question. And during these times, it really is one that we should focus on. I rely on myself to find the joy in what I'm doing and the joy that comes with interacting with others. The reciprocal smiles lighten my day. But for my own immediate personal smiles, I get them from my four legged children. Most often from Gizmo, my French Bulldog, and many times from my two kitties, Remy and Slim.
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Edgar, my six month old puppy makes me smile everyday. He may make mistakes and chew on my favorite shoes but he cracks me up with his innocent smile and welcoming looks.
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People with cameras consistently force me to smile... or else... its a bad picture. Still I'm flattered, so why not.
Otherwise, it depends on what pleases me enough to part my lips and show my pearls. Sorry, I can't rely on anyone to consistently please me.
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