Week #279 – Ten Practical Ways to Spread-the-Warmth during a Cold Snap!

Greetings Tribe — and Happy Friday!

I’m running out of daylight here on the West Coast so I thought I’d flash back to one of my earliest posts…Week #17 to be exact.

I had just visited my parents in early January 2015 (just a few months after Rob died) and I had some time to go through the many, many cards and letters they received.  In all the material I read, one of the most frequently used terms to describe Rob was “WARM.”

That may well have been the case…but since it was cold and Jersey was going through a cold snap at that time, my mind was on spreading warmth. So I came up with “Ten Practical Ways to Spread-the-Warmth.” Here they are:

At Home
1. Start someone’s car!  I know many of you have remote starts but there are still a few of us who don’t!  A warmed up car as you’re running out the door is such a blessing!
2. Leave the porch light on!  Nothing says “I love you” like a well-lit door.  (And nothing says, “Ha ha…I’m warm in here and you’re not!” as you fumble for your keys in a dark entryway!)
3. Boost the thermostat for loved ones.  I know a big, tough, maitre d’ who runs a dining room staff like a Don…and yet he told me he sets the thermostat to rise 15 minutes before his youngest gets up for school so that he’ll have a warm bathroom in the morning.  How sweet is that?!
4. Help carry in the groceries — or volunteer to bring home the food!  Either way, plan meals at home during a cold snap.  This not only saves money…it saves valuable time lost to deciding where to go, going there, waiting for your meal, and then coming home.  And who doesn’t need more time?!
5. Snuggle up with hot beverages and watch movies.  As a family, as a couple, with friends, with pets, or all alone…movie night is always a precious way to stay warm, get a little extra rest, and catch up on all those films that you missed during the holidays and nicer weather!

Outside the House
6. Bring donuts/coffee into work.  Be that guy (or gal) — and expect nothing in return!
7. Put the carts back!!!  (‘Nuff said!)
8. Take care of your gas station attendant.  I’ve lived in places where I’ve pumped my own — and I know how to do it — but man, it sure is nice to stay in the car on a cold day!  Be sure to thank that guy or gal who’s making that possible!
9. Know someone else who works outside?  Bring them a snack or something hot to drink!  (This is also a nice way to win over someone’s heart…just sayin’.)
10. Finally…Move It Along!  If someone who works outside is waiting on you to move or make their job easier (gas station attendant, crossing guard, mail carrier, garbage/recycling pick-up, delivery people, etc.) send a warm message and make a way — or move it along!

Your Happyness Challenge for the (Cold Winter) Week Ahead: Spread the Warmth! Does something here ring a bell?  Have you tried something and it worked?  Have someone ever done something like this for you? The cold weather gives us a unique opportunity to get cozy, care for others, and create new memories. Find ways to make it enjoyable for everyone around you!

Spread Happyness — and Spread the Warmth!  Share your ideas in the comments!

1/17/20 by Grace Church
© Grace Church
grace@spreadhappyness.com