a chain reaction

Image by rustman via Flickr

This world does not work without friends. Someone to hang out with, to lean on, to ask questions, to go shopping with, to learn from…we all need friends. Studies have been done on happiness and the main factor in determining whether or not one will find happiness is whether or not the individual has any meaningful relationships—friends. You have an amazing network of people around you at all times.

Who are your friends? When was the last time you told them that you appreciated them? Stay connected. Don’t feel that you have to be joined at the hip. There is some truth in the saying good fences make good neighbors. Just make sure it’s a low, picket fence rather than the Great Wall of China. Connections can remain strong across continents and through the years. What is necessary is some sort of conscious thought about your friend. Keep that person in your heart and occasionally (or regularly!) pop in his or her life.

What could you do today to put a smile on your friend’s face? Yes, a giant gift would work, but let’s be reasonable! Can you squeeze in a five minute phone call? What about a “hi” note dropped in the mail. At the very least, switch over from this blog and send that friend an email consisting of a colon, dash and parentheses :-)

You will start a chain reaction of good feelings. Even better, it’s not like those emails where you fear the worst of you don’t forward it to 10 different people. You simply put the good vibes out into the world, hoping only for a smile in return.

The great thing about smiles is that they’re contagious. Once you start this chain of events, there’s no telling how many people will be touched. Next thing you know, the good vibes are coming right back at you, and another smile is on your face.

On a personal note: While I’m not resisting technology by any means, it does seem to go a little bit faster than I do. This blog is new. Without the help of a wonderful friend, it never would have happened. Thank you, Bob, for all your help! I couldn’t have done it without you :-)