Spread Happyness…Share Freely!

Week #206 – Summer Fun Challenge: Thank You, First Responders!

Greetings Happyness Tribe!

I have been counting down the Fridays to Labor Day Weekend with some short “Summer Fun” suggestions.  Because —  as I’ve said each week — while many adults are busy planning their kids’ summer fun, they often overlook their own!

But you know who’s been working all summer long to make sure you stay safe while you’re having all that fun?

First responders.

Your police department, firehouse, or ambulance squads don’t close early on summer Fridays.  They don’t get to lock the door and call it quits for the day.  Or close up shop for a summer break.  Even lifeguards are known to stay on duty after-hours to keep on eye on evening bathers.

From the wildfires in California to the flooding in the Northeast — and every emergency and rescue in between — first responders are standing by at all hours of the day, night, weekend, and even those precious summer Fridays, to serve you in case of an emergency.

So…

Your Happyness Challenge for the week ahead: Thank your first responders!  As you are running your last-minute back-to-school errands this week — think about stopping by your local firehouse, police station, ambulance squad (or even your local lifeguard stand) and Spread Happyness their way with a goodie bag, some cookies, or a thank you note letting them know you appreciate their being at the ready while you soak up summer with your family.  Also, feel free to share the photo above with anyone that you want to say thank you to this week!

(And if you are a first responder — I would love to hear your perspective!)

Spread Happyness — thank your first responders this week!

8/24/18 by Grace Church
© Grace Church
grace@spreadhappyness.com

“Show me the way…” (photo credit: Grace Church)

Week #205 – Summer Fun Challenge: Mentor someone!

Greetings, All — and Happy Friday!!!

We are counting down the Fridays to Labor Day Weekend with some short “Summer Fun” suggestions.  Because —  as I’ve said each week — while many adults are busy planning their kids’ summer fun, they often overlook their own!

And I want to make sure you’re having fun too!

But as enter the last two weeks of August — there’s one thing on everyone’s mind: back to school!

It’s that time of year again: many newly minted high school graduates will be heading off to college this week or next.  Last year’s sophomores will be entering their all-important senior years.  There are college grads heading out into the workforce.  And even some adults who like to use the power of August and September to make big changes at home or in their careers.

I wrote once about “Lowering the Ladder” to those who were launching a job search, seeking an internship, or looking to start their own businesses or side hustles at the start of the year.

The same rules apply now!

So here’s an easy way to Spread Happyness this week: mentor someone!

Rock Hunting (photo credit: Grace Church)

Week #204 – Summer Fun Challenge: Spread Good Words!  (Here are three ways to do it!)

Greetings, All — and Happy Friday!!!

We are counting down the Fridays between now and Labor Day Weekend with some short “Summer Fun” suggestions.  Because —  as I’ve said each week — while many adults are busy planning their kids’ summer fun, they often overlook their own!

So I want to make sure you’re having fun too!

But with back-to-school looming — I want to make sure you are prepared to send your kids (or young adults, or teacher-friends, etc.) back to their classrooms with words of encouragement!

Here are THREE WAYS to spread good words to those headed back to school in the weeks ahead!

1. Rock Painting — This is part of a larger movement called “The Kindness Rocks Project” — which is apparently where it all started.  Chances are, someone in your county or region has a Facebook page set up to post pictures of painted rocks, hints about where they are hidden, and pictures of them being found.  The overall message is one of creativity, connection, and community.  And I cannot think of a better way to Spread Happyness than to plant inspiring messages for students to find on their way to/from school!

2. Sidewalk Chalking — Another Facebook friend (a mom in California) was busy decluttering all last summer when she discovered a bunch of sidewalk chalk.  Rather than dump it, she opted to write inspirational messages on her driveway/sidewalk to her kids as they headed back to school — and she invited other parents in her neighborhood to do the same!  The result — kids on their way to/from school were inundated by messages of love, encouragement, and wise advice as they began a new school year.

3. Parking Lot Painting/Chalking — Some schools around the country are allowing their students (especially seniors) to paint/chalk their parking spots for the year.  Check with your school first…but this may be something you can start in your own community.  Sending students into their senior years (especially) with words of wisdom and encouragement could be a beautiful thing!  (Just remember…be sure to check with your school first!)

What other ways could you spread words of love, encouragement, advice, or support to a returning student/teacher/administrator this week?

“County Fair” (photo credit: Grace Church)

Week #203 – Summer Fun List: “Take your baby to the carnival…” (or county fair, or farm and horse show!)

Greetings, All — and Happy Friday!!!

We are counting down the Fridays between now and Labor Day Weekend with some short “Summer Fun” suggestions.  Because —  as I’ve said each week — while many adults are busy planning their kids’ summer fun, they often overlook their own!

So I want to make sure you’re having fun too!

And this week, I am (once again) headed to the FAIR!!!

It’s that time of year for county fairs or farm and horse shows.  And no matter how magical Disney may be, or how great an adventure Six Flags is…there is nothing like staying local and taking in your town’s carnival, county fair, or farm and horse show!

And while you’re there, don’t forget to RIDE the RIDES!!!  You can get some scream therapy on a roller coaster, battle it out on bumper cars, let loose on the swings, or laugh yourself silly on the Rock-n-Roll Express.

But if you find yourself saying, “I’ll wait right here…” — take that as a cue to buy yourself a ticket, a token, or a wristband and GET IN LINE!  It’s easy to sit back and watch…but it’s more fun to get over yourself, get in line, and be a kid again!  (Bonus — waiting on line with your spouse/kid/friend/loved-one offers great conversation time.)

James and I are headed up to the Ventura County Fair once again this Saturday to listen to some music, take a look at the livestock and garden displays, and maybe catch a little rodeo!  We may even get in line for an amusement or two…especially a ride on the Ferris Wheel!

So Spread Happyness this week — and take your baby to the carnival!  🙂