Something Exciting This Way Comes
Fall is the season of change and we are certainly starting to see the changing of the leaves in the area. It is a wonderful time of the year, for me at least, because I know what is hiding just around the corner. First Halloween will descend, with all of the ghosts and goblins and candy that one person can stand to pack into a weekend. And as soon as we close the door on Halloween, minds will turn to Thanksgiving and even, dare I say, Christmas. I know that many people abhor dipping into the Holiday Season too early, but not me. I say the longer that we can celebrate and extend good will, the better.
It always seems that people just become a little bit nicer to each other as the days and nights begin to cool. I have no problem lumping Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas into one lovely, continual season. Any reason to be joyful, smile and appreciate each other is a welcome reprise from the dog days of Summer, when the days are long and the tempers are short.
It has been a hard few weeks and months in the County, State and Nation. Perhaps the change in weather and upcoming holidays are just what we need to remember that, no matter how bad thing may appear, they could always be worse. We live in a lovey place and, despite our differences, we are largely surrounded by good people, a fact that is spotlighted every time tragedy strikes our community. It takes so little to make someone’s day just a little bit brighter. This week, this month, for what is left of this year, try reaching out to a neighbor, friend, loved one, stranger. Happiness is contagious if we let it be. Hey, if we can spread the flu, we can spread a little joy. All it takes is the mindset to try!
Last week, I was sitting in line at a local fast food restaurant. As usual, I was in a hurry, pushed for time and unhappy that anyone was in front of me. When I was served and started to pay my bill, I was informed that the lady in front of me, the one that has slowed my mad dash by a full minute at least, had paid my bill. I did not know her and I think that her tags were out of State. She didn’t owe me. She didn’t know me. But she did put a smile on my face and for that, and the generous gift, I owe her my thanks. I assure you that I will be passing on the good will and I hope that you take the challenge to pass it on as well. One person can instigate the change. It doesn’t need to cost you a thing but a generous heart and the willingness to do something nice for someone else. Change begets change and generosity of spirit begets generosity of spirit. What better time than Fall, now, to shed the old harried outlook and adopt a new, brighter spirit!
