Author Archives: Grace Church

Week #210 – Welcome Fall! (Celebrate the first days of Autumn!)

“Welcome Fall!” (photo credit: Grace Church)

Week #210 – Welcome Fall! (Celebrate the first days of Autumn!)

(This topic is a perennial favorite — and worth repeating!)

Greetings All — and Happy Friday!

The Autumnal Equinox will occur at 9:54p ET tomorrow (Saturday, September 22nd).  It’s the exact moment when the sun shines equally on both sides of the Equator.  The word itself means “equal night” — as these days are marked by equal parts sunlight and darkness.

And for a moment — perfect balance.

I know for many of you, the “end” of Summer is a sad time: light fades, the air cools, summer flowers surrender.

For others, the “beginning” of Fall is a celebration: work/school routines are back in place, trees start to show their colors, football, sweaters, boots, and pumpkin-everything is back!  🙂

Whether you’re on Team Summer or Team Fall — I hope you squeezed all you could out of the Summer of 2018.  But if not, don’t despair.  Another 13-week season starts today!  A new beginning, a new quarter, and for many a new year ahead!

The Autumnal Equinox gives us the perfect opportunity to step back, take stock, re-balance — and to finish the year strong!

Your Happyness Challenge for the Week Ahead: WELCOME FALL!  Welcome this season of harvest, storage, and preparation by turning inward: take stock in yourself, make room for only what’s necessary, and set a goal or direction for the next three months of your life.  The Winter Solstice is exactly thirteen weeks away!  Don’t wait until December to start thinking about New Year’s resolutions and goals…START NOW!  Use the Fall Season as a runway into 2019.  The next thirteen weeks are going to pass one way or another…how do you want to spend this season?!

Some ideas:

  1. DECORATE — this is the easiest way to mark the change of seasons.  Don’t wait for the leaves to turn or for Halloween decorations to appear…get out your scarecrows and pumpkins now and give yourself a visual cue that a new season has arrived.  WELCOME IT!
  2. CLEAN — there is a lot of talk of “Spring” cleaning at the Vernal Equinox — but Fall has it’s own cleaning and decluttering rituals too.  As we turn our focus inward to our homes — it makes sense that we would declutter and clean in preparation for the indoor months ahead.  Use this time to get rid of things you no longer need — and make room for the things that will sustain and nurture you through the dark and cold of winter.  MAKE ROOM OR IT!
  3. SET NEW GOALS — Just like cleaning and decluttering makes room in our homes, cleaning and decluttering of the mind makes room in our psyche.  Every thirteen weeks we are given the opportunity to start a “new season.”  Start this Fall with a little quiet time to consider what you’d like to accomplish by the END of the year, what obligations or habits you need to shed to make that possible, and what new resources you may need to help you get there!  DREAM ABOUT IT!
  4. PLAN FALL FUN — NOW is the time to look at your fall calendar (October/November/December) and plot some time for the activities you like best.  Harvest festivals, ghost tours, apple picking, that one last Indian Summer day at the shore…think about the things that bring you joy this time of year and plan them out ahead of time!  PLAN IT!
  5. START TALKING ABOUT THE HOLIDAYS NOW — This one is a little controversial because nobody likes to be rushed into the holidays…but waiting until November 23rd to start talking about who is spending which holiday where is too late!  And I don’t know about you but I like to enjoy Thanksgiving Weekend for what it is (a very rare 4-day holiday weekend) — not some violent launch into what is supposed to be such a peaceful/magical season!  GET OUT AHEAD OF IT!

At the very least — set aside time this weekend to think about what you need to feel happy in the 13 weeks ahead.

Remember — it takes a happy person to Spread Happyness!

Spread Happyness — share your favorite Autumn rituals and activities in the comments!

9/21/18 by Grace Church
© Grace Church
grace@spreadhappyness.com

Week #209 – Lend a helping hand!

“Superstorm Sandy 2012” (photo credit: Grace Church)

Week #209 – Lend a helping hand!

Greetings Tribe — and Happy Friday!

There have been several reminders of crisis in the past few days: the anniversary of 9/11 and last year’s flooding in Texas come immediately to mind.  And now, as Florence bears down on the East Coast…I see many people remembering and sharing the lessons they learned from Superstorm Sandy.

But what pops up again and again is how people helped one another.  How communities pulled together.  How differences in politics, religion, and all other manner of division fell away in the face of the work in front of us: to weather the storm and come through stronger than before.

This week’s post is short…but the challenge is far-reaching, possibly years into the future!

Your Happyness Challenge for the Week Ahead: Lend a hand!  This week, as the effects of Florence unfold — or as a crisis occurs in your own backyard — set your differences aside and lend a hand.  If you aren’t sure what to do, check within your community for crisis response teams or organizations that are coordinating assistance.  Many hands make light work, even when the burden is overwhelming.  The old adage is true…united we stand!

Do you remember a time when your community rallied together to lend a hand?  I’d love to hear about it!

Spread Happyness — share your thoughts in the comments!

9/14/18 by Grace Church
© Grace Church
grace@spreadhappyness.com

Week #208 – Reflections at the Four-Year Mark (and 208 Ways to Spread Happyness!)

(Photo credit: Courtesy of Gina Buongiorno)

WAVE BIG!  (Photo credit: Courtesy of Gina Buongiorno)

Week #208 – Reflections at the Four-Year Mark (and 208 Ways to Spread Happyness!)

Greetings Happyness Tribe — and welcome to WEEK #208!

Four years ago on September 5th our world changed forever — and on September 8th, SpreadHappyness was born.

It seems like forever ago and just yesterday all at the same time.

And sometimes, it feels like not at all.

Because four years later, other than missing our brother/friend every single day and knowing that he’s gone, Rob feels so very present to me through all the people that knew him and loved him and enjoyed his company!

Someone asked me recently why I blog.  There are practical reasons, of course — but the heart behind Spread Happyness remains the same.  Here are the original words from my very first post:

It is my wish to identify and carry forward (through weekly blogposts/challenges) the torch of Rob’s legacy — which I believe was his natural ability to spread happiness to anyone who was lucky enough to cross his path.  If you knew Rob, you already know this to be true…If you didn’t get to meet Rob, let me introduce you.  I pledge to deliver a little dose of him to you every Friday morning (at least) via this blog.  Because cancer is not the only thing that can spread.  Happiness can take on a life of it’s own too! 

So here we are…and here are all 208 ways we have Spread Happyness from the very beginning!  Do you have a favorite?!  I’d love to hear about it!  (And if you have an idea for a future post…I’d love to hear that, too!)

But before we get to that, let me take this moment once again to say THANK YOU to each and every one of you who have logged on, followed along, shared your thoughts, supported the effort, and above all — who’ve SPREAD HAPPYNESS this past year!!!  Year Four has nudged us to move forward — which is hard.  But once again, in the “doing” of this blog, there is direction, and in the direction there is hope, and in the hope there is Happyness: one week at a time!

208 Ways to Spread Happyness!
#1 – Wave Big!
#2 – Say Hello Like You Mean It!
#3 – Nicknames…and other ways to win friends and influence people!
#4 – Build Your Character Muscles
#5 – How to Be Beautiful (in Three Easy Steps)
#6 – Pure Energy: Are you an outlet or a plug?
#7 – Don’t Pretend…Make Plans (Go get your wings!)
#8 – Are you a Smiling Guy (or Gal)?
#9 – Who’s ready for some “Strange Magic?”
#10 – What’s on your wish list?
#11 – There’s no “I” in “Generous.”
#12 – There’s no “I” in “Thoughtful” either!
#13 – Hey, how ya’ doing?
#14 – Do you have a “Happy Heart?”
#15 – Looking Ahead: Remember the Why behind your What!
#16 – Can you say, “I love my life!”?
#17 – Ten Practical Ways to “Spread the Warmth” this Cold Snap
#18 – Roll Me Away: What’s your escape song?
#19 – You are worthy!
#20 – How about a “Breath of Fresh Air?”
#21 – Have a “Rob Church Kinda Day!”
#22 – Come on, get happy! (And give some, too!)
#23 – “Fitness never takes a snow day!”
#24 – “Keep it shiny side up!” (Dedicated to Gregory Pellinger)
#25 – “Ride the Wave!” (Reflections at the Six-Month Mark)
#26 – There’s always…Bowling!
#27 – “Let the balloon go…” (What are you holding on to?)
#28 – “Take the long way home…”
#29 – “Where to now?” (Happy Spring!)
#30 – What is your “Always…”?
#31 – “Honoring & Remembering”
#32 – “Where do all the socks go?”
#33 – “Heavy on my mind…” (Who are you thinking of?)
#34 – Start with your Heart (Nine ways to be “Truly Compassionate”)
#35 – “My sunshine on this earth!” (What weather best describes you?)
#36 – “Remembered Always…” (Putting the Memorial back in Memorial Day)
#37 – “The Power of Love” (What’s on your summer playlist?)
#38 – “Keep Going!”
#39 – “Summa-time is Funna-time!” (Are YOU having FUN yet?)
#40 – Summer Fun Challenge: “Come play with me!”
#41 – Summer Fun Challenge: “Ride the Rides!”
#42 – Summer Fun Challenge: “Family Time!”
#43 – Summer Fun Challenge: “Walk the Boards and Ride the Waves!” (Dedicated to Rob Kalp)
#44 – Summer Fun Challenge: “One Tank Trips!”
#45 – Summer Fun Challenge: Pool Volleyball (and other ways to GET WET!)
#46 – Summer Fun Challenge: “Quiet Time!”
#47 – Summer Fun Challenge: “Lessons Available!” (Learn to ___________!)
#48 – Summer Fun Challenge: “Just Watch!”
#49 – Summer Fun Challenge: “Feeding Time!”
#50 – Summer Fun Challenge: “Keep ’em Flying!”
#51 – Summer Fun Challenge: “CELEBRATE!”
#52 – Endings and Beginnings (A big wave hello or goodbye?)
#53 – The Next Wave
#54 – Welcome Fall! (Celebrate the first days of Autumn!)
#55 – Which way to Happyness?
#56 – Looking for Signs (Which do you see first?)
#57 – Are you “Loving Life” in 2015? (Ten weeks left to make it happen!)
#58 – Ten Weeks to Happyness: “Get your priorities straight!”
#59 – Nine Weeks to Happyness: “Don’t dream it…BE IT!”
#60 – Eight Weeks to Happyness: CONNECT! (Dedicated to Jodi Lupo and her beautiful Val.)
#61 – Seven Weeks to Happyness: TAKE ACTION! (What coffee cups and Christmas Trees taught me this week!)
#62 – Six Weeks to Happyness: EXPRESS YOURSELF! (Happyness in Action – with Scott Cuzzo)
#63 – Five Weeks to Happyness: TOYS for…TRUCKS?! (Happyness in Action – with Amy Wood-Oblen)
#64 – Four Weeks to Happyness: RANDOM ACTS of KINDNESS (Happyness in Action – with Kindness for Christopher)
#65 – Three Weeks to Happyness: SPREAD THE WARMTH! (Happyness in Action – with Aubrey McCarrick)
#66 – Two Weeks to Happyness: SPREAD THE LOVE! (Happyness in Action – with Sarah Harmeyer)
#67 – One Week to Happyness: SPREAD HAPPYNESS!
#68 – One Surefire Way to “Love Your Life” in 2016!
#69 – Back to Basics: SMILE!
#70 – Back to Basics: WAVE BIG!
#71 – Back to Basics: Say Hello Like You Mean It!
#72 – Back to Basics: Hey, how ya’ doing?”
#73 – Happy February!  “Have a Rob Church Kinda Day!”
#74 – “I believe in you!” (Encourage someone today!)
#75 – Rough Road? (Take a closer look!)
#76 – Lose someone? Tell me…”What was he/she like?”
#77 – One Year, Six Months: “Ride the Wave!”
#78 – “Forever Young!”
#79 – Hidden Treasures
#80 – To Life! (Happy Spring!)
#81 – Row or Float?
#82 – What color are your memories?
#83 – “All I need is a pair of wheels…”
#84 – What is Your Art? (Dedicated to Phil Hirlemann)
#85 – Mother’s Day is May 8th (Read this before making reservations!)
#86 – “Take care of yourself!” (Especially on Mother’s Day)
#87 – “Keep playing that guitar!” (Don’t let your dreams gather dust!)
#88 – Go Fish! (What’s on your mind?)
#89 – Remember: Keep the “Memorial” in Memorial Day!
#90 – Summer Fun List! (37 random ways to have fun this summer)
#91 – Father’s Day is June 19th! (Read this before you buy another necktie or coffee mug!)
#92 – Watch for Rainbows!
#93 – Live Your Legacy (in memory of Sean Rollnick)
#94 – Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of…Happyness!
#95 – Hard at Work?  Stay Cool!
#96 – Sit down and rock a while!
#97 – Start spreading the news!  (The news you want to see!)
#98 – Stop and smell the… (whatever makes you happy!)
#99 – Go Ahead…Reminisce (and Remember Together)
#100 – Just…Breathe.
#101 – Good Company
#102 – The Gift of Time
#103 – No Regrets (What’s in your bucket?)
#104 – 104 Ways to Spread Happyness!
#105 – Another Wave!
#106 – Welcome Fall!  (Celebrate the first days of Autumn!)
#107 – “How can I help?”
#108 – When in doubt, reach out!
#109 – Send a smile…send mail!
#110 – Countdown to Happyness! (Spread the Word!)
#111 – Ten Weeks to Happyness! (“Go get your wings!)
#112 – Nine Weeks to Happyness: Vote “YES” to Happyness!
#113 – Eight Weeks to Happyness: Thank a Veteran!
#114 – Seven Weeks to Happyness: Spread Kindness!
#115 – Six Weeks to Happyness: Count Your Blessings!
#116 – Five Weeks to Happyness: Monster Trucks for Toys!
#117 – Four Weeks to Happyness: Send Happy Mail!
#118 – Three Weeks to Happyness: Spread the Love!
#119 – Have a “Happy Heart-mas!”
#120 – Did you “Love Your Life” in 2016?
#121 – New Year, New View! (What are you looking toward in 2017?)
#122 – Plan Ahead (Your year…at a glance!)
#123 – Lower the Ladder!
#124 – Back to Basics: Smile, Wave, Say Hello, and ask “How are you doing?”
#125 – Valentine’s Day is February 14th!
#126 – “Have a Rob Church Kinda Day!”
#127 – Prepare to FLY!
#128 – Happyness in Action (Take the Giving Challenge)
#129 – WANTED: Happyness Spreaders!
#130 – Two years, six months: “Ride the wave!”
#131 – Out with the old!  (What are you holding on to?)
#132 – “We’re all on our own stage…” (In memory of Cindy Tedesco)
#133 – Feedback & Follow Up!
#134 – Forgive!
#135 – TO LIFE!  (What are you looking forward to this spring?)
#136 – Repost: “All I need is a pair of wheels…”
#137 – “Grab a coffee!”
#138 – Mother’s Day is May 14th!
#139 – “Take care of yourself!” (Especially on Mother’s Day)
#140 – Clear the deck!  (Summer’s coming!)
#141 – REMINDER: Keep the “Memorial” in Memorial Day
#142 – It’s Graduation Season! (What’s the best/worst advice for grads?)
#143 – Father’s Day is June 18th!
#144 – BE STILL! (Celebrate the Solstice!)
#145 – Summer Fun Lists: What’s in YOUR top ten?
#146 – Summer Fun: Take a hike!
#147 – Summer Fun: Take a seat!
#148 – Summer Fun: Take a drive!
#149 – Summer Fun: Make memories! (And share them, too!)
#150 – Summer Fun: Invite someone along!
#151 – Summer Fun: Mentor someone!
#152 – Summer Fun: “Take your baby to the carnival…”
#153 – Summer Fun: Spread Good Words!
#154 – Summer Fun: Play Tourist…in your Hometown!
#155 – Summer Fun: Spread Happyness (and start with yourself first!)
#156 – Three Years! (and 156 ways to Spread Happyness)
#157 – Another Wave! (Reflections at the Three Year Mark)
#158 – Welcome Fall!
#159 – Not sure what to do? (Reach out and help someone!)
#160 – Q4 is Here! (What do you have left to do in 2017?)
#161 – Roll Me Away! (Listen to your longings this week!)
#162 – To Whom It May Concern (Say “Thank You” this week!)
#163 – Ten Weeks to Happyness! (Don’t pretend; make plans: “Go get your wings!”)
#164 – Nine Weeks to Happyness: Vote “YES” to Happyness!
#165 – Eight Weeks to Happyness: Thank a Veteran!
#166 – Seven Weeks to Happyness: “If it feels like you have forever; you don’t!” (JoCheryl Holcombe)
#167 – Six Weeks to Happyness: Count Your Blessings!  (30 Days of Gratitude Starts Now!)
#168 – Five Weeks to Happyness: MONSTER TRUCKS for TOYS! (Happyness Re-Revisited with Amy Wood-Oblen)
#169 – Four Weeks to Happyness: Make your house a Special Delivery! (Happyness in Action with Jessica Suto)
#170 – Three Weeks to Happyness: Thank You, First Responders!
#171 – Two Weeks to Happyness: “Love those to the left and right of you” (Happyness Re-Revisited with Sarah Harmeyer and Neighbor’s Table)
#172 – Did you “Love Your Life” in 2017? (How’s the view?)
#173 – Welcome to 2018!!!  (What tracks do you want to make this year?)
#174 – PLAN AHEAD! (And USE those calendars!)
#175 – Spread Happyness: SEND MAIL!
#176 – Happyness Re-Visited: 2,000 Smiles and Counting! (with Renee Eisman)
#177 – Valentine’s Day is February 14th!  (Read this before buying that expensive gift!)
#178 – Have a “Rob Church Kinda Day!”
#179 – Back to Basics: Smile, Wave, Say Hello, and ask “How are you doing?”
#180 – Spread Happyness: CONNECT!
#181 – Three years, six months: “Ride the wave!”
#182 – Share good news!
#183 – “I believe in you!” (Encourage someone today!)
#184 – “We are all on our own stage, and it’s up to us how to act!” (In memory of Cindy Tedesco)
#185 – “Take the long way home!”
#186 – Notice the color of someone’s eyes!
#187 – Repost: Happyness in Action – Take the Giving Challenge!  (with Stephanie L. Jones)
#188 – Are you an outlet…or a plug?
#189 – “Heavy on my mind…”  (Who are you thinking of?)
#190 – Mother’s Day is May 13th! (Here’s a dozen ideas that DON’T involve reservations!)
#191 – Take care of yourself! (Especially on Mother’s Day)
#192 – Don’t let your dreams gather dust!
#193 – REMINDER: Keep the “Memorial” in Memorial Day!
#194 – File a COMPLIMENT!
#195 – Father’s Day is June 17th!  (Remember: the best gifts start with an “F”)
#196 – Make a Lane! (Dedicated to Sean Young, HHS Class of 1992)
#197 – Summer Fun Lists! (What’s in YOUR top ten?)
#198 – Summer Fun List: It’s the Fourth of July!!! (Do you know where your fireworks are?)
#199 – Summer Fun List: “Walk the Boards and Ride the Waves!!!”
#200 – Summer Fun List: Sit a spell!
#201 – Summer Fun Challenge: Don’t forget to water your mail carrier! (And other service professionals, too!)
#202 – Summer Fun List: Watch the grass (or weeds) grow!
#203 – Summer Fun List: “Take your baby to the carnival!” (or county fair, or farm and horse show!)
#204 – Summer Fun Challenge: Spread Good Words!  (Here are three ways to do it!)
#205 – Summer Fun Challenge: Mentor someone!
#206 – Summer Fun Challenge: Thank You, First Responders!
#207 – Summer Fun: It’s Labor Day Weekend!  (What’s left on your list?!)
#208 – Reflections at the Four-Year Mark (and 208 Ways to Spread Happyness!)

There you have it!!!  All 208 ways (and counting) to Spread Happyness!!!

(And here’s one more…)

Your Happyness Challenge for the Week Ahead: I WANT YOUR FEEDBACK!  If you’ve scrolled this far…you are a most loyal supporter and so, again, I say “thank you!”  It’s that time when I have to think about the year ahead — and the future of SpreadHappyness.com.  Whether you’re a first-time visitor — or you’ve been with me since the beginning — your input is welcome!  What do you like most?  What has been most helpful to you/others?  What else/more would you like to see?  How can I make SH better/more relevant?  How can SH help spread EVEN MORE happyness in the year ahead?  I invite you to respond to me in the way that works best for you: through the comments, on Facebook, or at the email below.  Your perspective is invaluable — and I’d love to know what you think!

To life!  To love!  To Happyness!

Grace (aka “Rob’s sister!”)

Spread Happyness — please share your thoughts in the comments!

9/7/18 by Grace Church
© Grace Church
grace@spreadhappyness.com

Week #207 – Summer Fun: It’s Labor Day Weekend!  (What’s left on your list?!)

“Labor Day” (photo credit: Grace Church)

Week #207 – Summer Fun: It’s Labor Day Weekend!  (What’s left on your list?!)

Greetings, All — and Happy Friday!!!

I’ve 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!

And here we are!  It’s Labor Day Weekend!

Do you know where your fun went?  😉

If not, don’t despair!  I know Labor Day Weekend marks the “unofficial” end of summer — but dedicated summer peeps know there are really THREE FULL FRIDAYS on the calendar before the first day of Fall. Not to mention…the best weather (and parking) await!!!

There’s still time!!!

(The rest of you are already decorating for Halloween…I just know it!)

Your Happyness Challenge for the Week Ahead: What’s left on your list?  Is there something you wanted to do this summer that you haven’t gotten to yet?  Is there a project or day trip or promise that you made that’s nagging at you?  There’s still three full weeks of summer left — and plenty of good weather to come!  Get out your calendar and GET IT DONE!!!  The best of summer can still be yet to come!!!

And in case you need a few ideas, here’s a recap of this year’s Summer Fun List:

Spread Happyness — share your thoughts in the comments!

8/31/18 by Grace Church
© Grace Church
grace@spreadhappyness.com

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

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

Week #205 – Summer Fun Challenge: Mentor someone!

“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!

Your Happyness Challenge for the Week Ahead: Mentor someone!  Do you know someone headed off to college?  Into their senior year?  Or into a first job (or new job)?  Don’t wait for them to ask you for that oh-so-awkward informational interview.  Take the first step — and offer to take him/her out for lunch or coffee or a tour of your workplace.  Think of the people who helped you get where you are right now…that first contact, that first referral, that first interview or hire.  The first person who treated you like an adult!  No matter what position you are in…you are more than likely in a position to help someone take their very next step.

Spread Happyness — mentor someone, and show them the way this week!

8/17/18 by Grace Church
© Grace Church
grace@spreadhappyness.com

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

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?

Your Happyness Challenge for the Week Ahead: Spread Good Words!  Whether it’s painting a rock, chalking a sidewalk or parking space, or hiding secret messages in lunch boxes and briefcases — find a way to spread good words to a student/teacher/administrator or first-time-parent-of-a-student this week!

Spread Happyness — and Spread Good Words!  🙂

8/10/18 by Grace Church
© Grace Church
grace@spreadhappyness.com

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

“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!  🙂

Your Happyness Challenge for the Week Ahead: “Take your baby to the carnival!”  Whether it’s the town carnival, county fair, or your favorite boardwalk…grab the ones you love and head out for a night of fresh air, food trucks, and festivities.  Ride some rides, play some games, walk in circles, and watch the fireworks.  Farm and horse shows also offer educational opportunities, history lessons, and local participation and competition that you won’t find at a corporate theme park.  So get out there…ride some rides, and have some fun at the fair!!!

Spread Happyness — get out to the carnival, fair, or farm and horse show this week!

8/3/18 by Grace Church
© Grace Church
grace@spreadhappyness.com

Week #202 – Summer Fun Challenge: Watch the grass (or weeds) grow!

“Hey, you…look around!”  (photo credit: Grace Church)

Greetings Tribe — and Happy Friday!

We are counting down the Fridays between now and Labor Day Weekend with some short “Summer Fun” suggestions because — I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again — while many adults are busy planning their kids’ summer fun, they often overlook their own!

But this week, I want you to stop all that fun for just a red-hot second…and watch the grass (or weeds) grow!

Back home in New Jersey…Queen Anne’s Lace is everywhere this time of year.  It’s a flirty little weed that always got my attention in late July — and seemed to yell at me:

“Hey you…look around! It’s almost August!”

There is a wonderful stillness this time of year as summer reaches its peak.  Gardens are bursting, trees are at their fullest, the grass is at its longest…but harvest season isn’t quite here yet.  There seems to be nothing left to do except sit back and watch it all grow.

Of course, with our modern schedules and technology there is always plenty to do: work continues, activities go on, there are vacations to take, and places to visit, and back-to-school shopping to do…

…but nature knows better.

Take a cue from your garden or lawn, flower bed or park!  Make like a tree…and be still!  😉

Your Happyness Challenge for the Week Ahead: Watch the grass (or weeds) grow!  As we move through these last few days of July into the first week of August…kick back with your favorite beverage (and maybe your favorite person or pet) and watch the grass grow!  It may be uncomfortable to sit still and do (gasp!) nothing for a few minutes.  Do it anyway!  Try it.  Take five or fifteen minutes once a day (or once a week) to sit in the same spot and notice what is happening around you.  I know the clock is ticking…but our world keeps its very own perfect time.

“Live each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influences of each.” (Henry David Thoreau)

Spread Happyness — where do you like to stop and watch the weeds grow?

7/27/18 by Grace Church
© Grace Church
grace@spreadhappyness.com

Week #201 – Summer Fun Challenge: Don’t forget to water your mail carrier! (And other service professionals, too!)

Week #201 – Summer Fun Challenge: Don’t forget to water your mail carrier! (And other service professionals, too!)

Greetings Tribe — and Happy Friday!

We are counting down the Fridays between now and Labor Day Weekend with some short “Summer Fun” suggestions because — I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again — while many adults are busy planning their kids’ summer fun, they often overlook their own!

But this week, I want you to look no further than your very own mailbox!

Because the high summer heat (coupled with a water main break at my apartment complex, which has complete shut the water off for four days straight now) has me thinking about our most precious resource…and my post from Week #95:

During a hot summer just two years ago, a classmate of Rob’s who works for the post office put this suggestion on Facebook: “If you feel like doing something nice today, leave a bottle of cold water for your mailman/lady🌞”.

(Thanks, Ralph!)

I thought that was a pretty cool idea — and a super easy way to Spread Happyness!

And then I got to thinking — what are some other “cool” gestures that could Spread a little Happyness to the casual connections in our lives?

The winter holidays are a natural time to leave a little something for your mail carrier, doorman, landscaper, bank teller, stylist, or garbage/recycling service.

But what about the rest of the year?  Especially during the height of summer when it’s hot, stinky, overcrowded — or maybe even a little slow?

Your Happyness Challenge for the Week Ahead: Help someone else stay cool!  Leave some cold water for your mail carrier.  Provide an umbrella or pop-up tent for someone working in your yard.  Bring some good old fashioned ice cream sandwiches or novelties to your bank, stylist, mechanic, or coworkers.  Offer to make that 4 o’clock frappucino run!

And if you need more ideas — I polled a few friends a got some additional suggestions:

  • Carry $5 Starbucks cards to give to someone who goes above and beyond. (Thanks, Scott!)
  • Give free cupcake/yogurt/ice cream cards to someone who needs a pick-me-up. (Thanks, Heather!)
  • Scroll through Stephanie Jones’ daily #givingchallenges on Instagram or Facebook! (Thanks, Stephanie!)

What other ways can we help someone else stay cool this week?

Spread Happyness — share your ideas in the comments!

7/20/18 by Grace Church
© Grace Church
grace@spreadhappyness.com