Don't be Sad, Be Silly

So much seriousness in the world this week after the atrocious attack in Boston I need something to lighten things up a bit. It's scary and sad to see the world unraveling. But like Mr. Rogers mom said, "Look for the helpers." There is hope, there is always hope. So today maybe we remember to hug our kids, friends, families a little tighter and have some fun.

Get outside. Start a game of Ultimate Frisbee, volleyball or dodge ball. Endorphins will make you happy and you'll probably get a good laugh just playin' around. I have this book and love it! Lots of great game ideas can be found in it, and most don't need expensive equipment. 

Visit a new place. Trying new things expands our perspectives. I found an awesome new modern art gallery in The Gateway. It sells local artist's items and has some cool stuff. It's on the bottom level by The Body Shop. Every community has at least one or two things you haven't had the opportunity to discover yet, so this weekend, give it a shot.


I've said it before, and I'll say it again, when you are in your own head, holding a pity party for one, leave the party and do some service. Call a local shelter, senior center or city hall and get involved in making your community a better place. There are people right under our noses that can use a little bit of help. I hate to toot my own horn, but recently I've been involved in two fundraisers to help young families who have lost a parent. These families have young kids; the parents who have passed on are my age--way too young to die. From personal experience I know what it feels like to be a child in this situation. The impact service can have lasts a lifetime for everyone. It has been amazing to see and feel the love these families have received from perfect strangers who just want to help. And, let's be honest, when we serve the emotional boost we receive from helping is better than winning the million dollar lottery. Your service can be something simple and silly like taking a bunch of flowers or cards to cheer someone's day. Listen to your intuition and see what good you can do today.
Just a few ideas to get you started: The Road Home; local hospitals; Make A Wish;The Dodd Family (who recently lost their 36 y.o. Dad) and Kim Milligan family.
 
Turn dinnertime into playtime. When I was a teen there was this huge trend to do silly things for date nights that involved a school dance. We would serve spaghetti dinners and give our dates chopsticks or tongs to eat with; we'd play games that involved popping large amounts of clue filled balloons to find out the details to the night's events; we would do treasure hunts that ended with a picnic in the park. Lots of laughing and silliness was involved, but we always had fun. You can do this same idea with your family or a bunch of friends--really a great way to step outside the stress and just be silly.

Take five minutes each day to blow bubbles, jump rope, write a note, or listen to your favorite song. Be silly --if just for a moment--and remember what is important to YOU. We all are riding a "crazy train" of some kind~enjoy the journey.