Week #280 – How about “A Breath of Fresh Air”?
This past week, Facebook reminded me of a “memory” from this time of year in 2015. I was out taking a walk between NFL playoff games, and noticed that the trees on the North side of Main Street were blooming. Even in the middle of January…Spring was in the air!
And it felt so good!
It reminded me of this post from Week #20 — just a few months after Rob passed and someone remembered him to me as a “breath of fresh air.”
“A breath of fresh air…” It’s one of those phrases we throw around a lot — but do you ever stop to think about what it really means? The literal definition is a breath of air (most likely from outside) that isn’t stale or stinky. Figuratively — it’s a new, innovative, or imaginative approach. But did you know there is another meaning? According to American Heritage Dictionary, it also means “a welcome arrival” — replacing the terms “breath of Heaven” or “breath of Spring”.
I found it especially poignant at the time (and still do, really) that someone who longed to take just one, long, easy breath — was remembered as a “breath of fresh air.”
It’s that cabin-fevery time of year again — and I’m still very much aware of areas of staleness in my own life: unpacked boxes, undone to-do’s, and other unfinished business — all standing in the way of new ideas, new approaches, new arrivals, solutions, or just a clear and happy head (and heart)!
How about you?
Your Happyness Challenge for the Week Ahead: How about a “breath of fresh air!” Are there areas of staleness in your life where you need “a breath of fresh air”?
- Cabin Fever — Maybe just a change of scenery is enough. One of my fondest memories as a teen was when my parents would treat us to a day trip to the shore in the middle of winter. We weren’t used to seeing it so barren and vacant. My brother and I would walk the beach, eat lunch on the sand, and take in some much needed sun and salt air. Take a ride, take a walk, or take a trip…get out from behind those four walls and see something new!
- Indecisive, Confused, Blocked — Are you asking the same people for input, feedback, and advice? Maybe a new perspective is in order — someone else’s! Seek out those who have achieved what you want, are on that track, or who know something about the topic at hand (maybe even someone who disagrees with you). Fresh perspectives are the stone that sharpens the sword…seek them out and leverage them to their full effect!
- Welcome! — Are you rolling out the welcome mat for the right people in your life? Are they people who lift you up or put you down? (Maybe you need to put out the “closed” sign instead!) And what about you? When you cross someone else’s threshold, are you spreading happyness — or just stale and stinky air?
Get some fresh air this week — and give some in return! Change your scenery, change your perspective, or change the company you keep. Happyness in…Happyness out!
Spread Happyness…and share your “fresh air” ideas in the comments!
1/24/20 by Grace Church
© Grace Church
grace@spreadhappyness.com