Holiday Reflections

As this rollercoaster of a year comes to an end, perhaps we should all take a moment to ponder the good things that happened to us amidst the chaos. There is usually a silver lining that can be found if you look for it. Start with positive thinking, a glass half full mentality and an introspective look at how you can bring about a shift in our current paradigm.

What are three things you would consider silver linings for you this year?

It is human nature to focus on the negative things. But, here’s the thing, what is done is done. There is really nothing we can do about it besides learn and change going forward. As the saying goes, “Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” I think that change starts with “me”. If enough “me’s” do the right things then we will collectively reach a tipping point toward to a new and healthier normal. Hopefully different from the one we currently inhabit.

It’s the little things, the everyday choices we make as we navigate life. Maybe if everyone considered the ramifications of their actions or inactions we can steer our ship into calmer waters. Daily decisions that, by design, solve problems not create or exacerbate them.

Here is what I mean by the little things:

• Say thank you to someone who has served you.
• Wear a mask, social distance, wash your hands. And consider the taking the vaccine.
• Count to ten before you go into attack mode. Perhaps silence is the better choice.
• Write a letter to a family member, former teacher, camp counselor or friend expressing your thanks for things they have done for you.
• Express positive sentiments when you speak to others. Be descriptive not evaluative.
• Make it a habit to give praise to the people around you. Do it every day.
• Stretch you empathy muscles daily. Walk in someone else’s shoes before you judge them.
• Volunteer. Build community service into your schedule, regularly.
• Be a role model. Don’t expect others to do things you are not willing to do yourself.
• Use your words; tell someone who you love, that you love them.
• Find the good in a child and let them know they matter and that you are proud of them.

What are your little things?  Make a list, check it twice, and do the things you know will
make a difference. Assertive behaviors not words on a page are what bring about change in our micro-worlds. Enough micro-world changes might just spread. It’s worth the experiment.

It’s the little things that matter. If you do your part and the next person does there part and the next person does their part….perhaps we can create a tsunami of positivity that takes over. Maybe we can create new norm that is rooted in kindness, empathy, and honesty (without being hurtful). Choosing to live life in the moment with an eye toward building a positive community. Most importantly – How we play a part in making it so.

What a refreshing concept! Pie in sky? I hope not. Something has to give, something has to change. It’s time for the pendulum to swing back toward kindness and concern for the greater good. Fingers crossed a message like this will catch on and simply make all of us exhale with
feelings of safety, connectedness, and well-being.

The end game: Our kids and theirs kids will thrive in that kind of world. There just doesn’t seem to be a down side to spreading kindness and positivity.

Happy Holidays! Here’s to better things to come.

Jay