Remember when you were a kid and your parents told you it was more fun to give than receive … and you were like “That’s crazy talk!”?
You never quite got the end of the Grinch, when all the Who’s down in Whoville sang together, not bummed at all that their gifts had been jacked.
I’m not saying I wouldn’t be upset if we were robbed Christmas Eve, but let’s just say I don’t need a thing under my tree. Â (And I’ve been a very good girl this year – I now compost and ‘buy local’ and think only super positive thoughts! And I even stopped using my college ID to get movie discounts!)
Now, I am just grateful to have people to love and be healthy and happy. Â It sounds like a rehearsed pageant answer, but I wish I could give that gratitude, love and security to every one this season–heck, all year long! Â You know what, make it a lifetime supply. Unlimited Love and Gratitude, for all.
Maybe you have to grow up, or experience loss, or just realize how lucky you are to see the joy in giving rather than receiving. (or just move a lot and realize what a pain in the rump it is to have too much stuff!)
Any whos-down-in-whooville, I hope you all are giving love love love this Christmas. Â Isn’t that the point?
Dr. Maddy Day 
That’s the point, Merry Christmas:)
You are waaaaay wonderful in your “if I can do it you can too” attitude. There is simply nothing better than a well-educated incredibly bright person who is personable as well. You cover it all. and Elsa – so joyful. OK – end of my pageant answer, but couldn’t resist. Much love to you, Tommy, Elsa and Maslin – my second family. Jane
Such kind remarks, Jane! I am truly touched.
This Harvard professor is all the rage these days – I just saw him speak at a conference where he was speaking on all the research related to happiness….I don’t know if he talks about this on this linked TED talk but…. There was an experiment where folks had to go out with $20 and buy something. the control group bought something for themselves and the others had to buy something for somebody else. then they measured their happiness based on the act and the ones who bought for somebody else were WAY happier. so actually, statistically, literally, giving to others makes you happier. kind of awesome. xoxo
Very cool. thanks for sharing (and giving 😉
This guy is all the rage these days, I just saw him speak at a conference about happiness. I don’t think he talks about it in this TED talk, but he references some research where they gave a control group $20 and they had to go spend it on themselves, and another group had to spend the $20 on somebody else. Then they measured their relative resulting happiness and the ones who spent it on somebody else were WAY happier. There is a ton of other similar research. So actually, literally, dramatically and cleary, giving to others actually DOES make us happier. cool. xoxoxo
Ditto on Jane’s comments. Also noticed you are a terrific writer, look forward to maybe a novel or biography one day. Ho Ho Ho
Well aren’t you sugar-sweet Kdubs!
I appreciate your reading!
much love to you!