More Finding Your Funny!

More Finding Your Funny!

©Allen Merritt (2016)

One year ago I posted a blog entitled, “Find Your Funny.”  I mentioned how I wrote a children’s manuscript that got rejected at least 60 times. I remembered this story while I was writing last week’s blog post. I had a recollection of how I took the idea and coupled it with my interest in improving human capacity by starting the Find Your Funny Campaign. In many ways, this blog is part of that great idea. (I know I wasn't too far off track, because now there are some teen books called Find Your Funny.)

The FYF Campaign is a chance to help others find more ways to turn things around for themselves. As I continue to think on it, I remembered some of those initial efforts I put together to do just that. This all came to my mind while I was recently discussing fortune cookie messages and how they can boost our happy spirits, which I find interesting as I see how one thought leads to another.

The FYF Campaign promoted finding ways to turn the negative around to face the positive. Originally, it was geared toward helping children find coping mechanisms to create positive circumstances. Later, I understood that adults needed the same opportunity.

One way I found to encourage others is to deliberately send out positive cards, postcards and letters. People still like to get those cards and letters, because they rarely see them anymore thanks to modern technology. However, finding a moment to write a note and drop it in the mail causes others to stop and take a moment for themselves, not-to-mention providing a smile and good feeling to that individual. (I used to see myself as the postcard king whenever I was busy traveling. Postcards were a simple, short, quick and easy way to stay in touch with people, as well as let them know they were being thought of or encouraged in some way.) Nowadays, you can also send a text or small encouragement via social media. 

Another thing I tired was sending periodic anonymous notes to a person in need of assurance. If someone was having a hard time of it or suffering in some way, this note would provide a way of letting them know everything was going to work out fine and to hang in there. Having that little note of anonymity spurs on curiosity, as well as letting them know that other people are around, see what’s going on and care. (I think the anonymity plays a huge part in bringing forth a sense of understanding that  no one is ever alone.)

A great FYF Campaign idea I once tried was what I would call “mini-messages,” which is not unlike those little fortune cookie notes I previously discussed. Here is how it works. Find a small wooden box. It can be anything from a recipe box, hand carved box to an unimpressive cardboard box. Take a piece of paper and write several one positive word messages. Cut out each word into a smaller piece. (For me, it was easier creating a table in a Word document, typing in the words, printing them out and then cutting them up to separate the words into small pieces of paper.) Fold up the words and put them in the box. Give the box to a person in need with instructions to reach in once a day and pull out a word. Then have them contemplate on that word for a few minutes as a means to improving their circumstances. These words give them something positive to think about. You can do this for yourself or someone else. In a way, by doing this exercise, you are creating your own fortune cookies.

Examples of positive words can be: 

Peacefulness, Joy, Tranquility, Happiness, Enlightenment, Love, etc.

This brings me back full circle to continuing the Find Your Funny Campaign. I want to encourage you to find your own way to Find Your Funny, but also to extend your reach in doing so toward others. Start your own campaign to help shine a light on other people’s lives and in doing so you will shine a light on your own.

Enjoy living life On a Positive Note!

Cheers!

Fortune Cookies, Name-Game & Horoscopes!

Fortune Cookies, Name-Game & Horoscopes!

©Allen Merritt (2016)

I’ve been thinking about all things positive. From my point of view, it’s a large topic of consideration and discussion, because people want to live their lives without hesitation, confusion or hurdles that leave them questioning themselves. As a result, over the last year I have been jotting down my thoughts about positive things, alternative outlooks and ways to turn things around from negative to the positive. I find it therapeutic and enticing to think on such things, because as the day’s move onward and the challenges pass us by, many individuals have need to stay bright and sunny in disposition or outlook. That is what “On a Positive Note” is all about.

Last night I was thinking more on how to encourage, inspire and/or motivate our “self”, especially when a support system is lacking. One thing I remembered is how fun it is to get that fortune cookie at the end of dinner at a Chinese restaurant. I think most people have had that experience. In general, that tiny slip of paper may not actually be based in fact or truth, but if you think about it, it has possibility. Some of them have lucky numbers on one side and a fun little sentence or phrase on the other such as, “You will meet someone very special today.” Just thinking of a little statement like that opens up a moment of wonder and curiosity, which can produce a positive impact for the day.

Every now and then I will put that little piece of paper in my wallet so I can look back upon it later for a little boost and/or amusement. And, that’s just the thing, we need these little positive moments to heighten our emotional bloodstream and push us past some of those trying times and daily doldrums. It may seem silly at first, but having a little ‘ace in the hole’ lying around somewhere just may be the ticket to put a smile back on your face and allow you to reconnect with feeling your best.

I was also pondering the last time I looked up my name to discover what it meant. This is another opportunity to reach out and bring ourselves back to a good place. There are all kinds of internet search options for looking up the meaning of one’s name. You might not want to put any stock into what one site says compared to another, but it is fun to consider and you may uncover some truth or motivation in what you learn from looking up your name.

Another option to possibly enlighten a moment is the old ‘go-to’ of reading ones daily horoscope. If you like understanding what your star sign is all about today, often you’ll find little treasures and gems of possibilities hidden within them. Now, you can read five different versions of your horoscope every day and they may be completely off base, but it sure lightens the moment as often as not, which again, brings us back to looking introspectively at ourselves; trying to find a positive note in each day.

Why do we do these things? We do them to make a better day for ourselves and others. I would dare say most folks are trying to make the most of their day and operate better when they feel happy, calm and content. Some days this comes naturally and we have no particular need to find any special way to self-encourage. Other days, it’s not so easy. You don’t have to take everything literally or too seriously to find benefits. Think of these ideas simply as an opportunity to improve a moment when you need it most.

Here are some fortune cookie messages I found on-line.¹ Take a peek and see if any of them encourage, inspire of motivate. If none do, you can always make them into something fun by adding the words, “…in bed” after the phrase. Heaven knows a good laugh can turn around an attitude from bad to good! Give it a try!

Today it's up to you to create the peacefulness you long for.

If you refuse to accept anything but the best, you very often get it.

A smile is your passport into the hearts of others.

People are naturally attracted to you.

Hidden in a valley beside an open stream- This will be the type of place where you will find your dream.

A chance meeting opens new doors to success and friendship.

If you have something good in your life, don't let it go!

Whatever you're goal is in life, embrace it visualize it, and for it will be yours.

You cannot love life until you live the life you love.

A dream you have will come true.

Our deeds determine us, as much as we determine our deeds.

Never give up. You're not a failure if you don't give up.

You will become great if you believe in yourself.

Now is the time to try something new.

You are very talented in many ways

In conclusion, being playful and finding humor in such things as looking up your name, reading your horoscope or taking comfort in a fortune cookie message all provide opportunity to see yourself in a better state of mind that impacts not just your mental status, but also the well-being of your body, soul and spirit. So go out there this week and make the most of everything and when you hit a little wall, find a reason to self-encourage and/or remind yourself of your basic truths.

Enjoy living life On a Positive Note!

Cheers!

http://www.fortunecookiemessage.com/archive.php¹ (Viewed on 1/23/2016)

Living in Milliseconds!

Living in Milliseconds!

©Allen Merritt (2015)

Every year we celebrate holidays and attempt to live life in a state of thanksgiving, gift giving and celebration of joy and peace on earth, good will toward all men. New Years Eve we make resolutions and think about ways to improve our lives and then shortly thereafter fall off the wagon. I guess it takes a certain amount of discipline to pursue, persist and persevere.

As I write this, several things are happening globally with international affairs, fear mongering and senseless acts of terrorism against the whole of humanity for no justifiable reason. Societies are disrupted and brought to the forefront of re-thinking how they can peaceably live their daily lives and put an end to such hatred acts.

In the midst of such chaos I am seeing signs of life and positivity emerging from the ashes.

First, I’d like to give a shout out to CNN for annually honoring heroes and for helping bring a positive light to those people who go over and beyond the call of duty to contribute and engage their communities. This sheds light on the idea that there are some individuals and groups who are aiding and assisting to benefit the whole. It's inspiring and amazing, not-to-mention, selfless.

Secondly, I wanted to share how I recently watched an interview with a family closely impacted by the Paris attacks. It was amazing to hear them speak with passion about their faith and belief in love and peace despite the dramatic circumstances all of them were going through. They told the world how this was to be their focus (to live for peace and love). One comment struck me about how they were now living millisecond to millisecond. This brings to mind the importance of looking through the lenses of love and seeing the truth of what matters most in living our lives.

During another interview with a young couple who literally survived the attack, a similar ideology was expressed. In those heated moments of destructiveness and terror, they want to express mindful and loving thoughts to all those for which they cared for to demonstrate that the people causing such trauma in the world would not really win in the end; only love would win over such atrocities. The young woman wanted her last thoughts to be about love and not hate.

In times of great trial and tribulation, this perspective, attitude and belief system engages us more. It speaks to us. And I am reminded of how there are still beautiful things (and people) in the world if we would only open our eyes and arms to them.

Most of us may not exactly know what ISIS is, but we can attest to witnessing their destructiveness and the pain and tears such people have caused. This truly brings new meaning to the word CRISIS.

As we think on these things going into a new year, may we all celebrate positivity in our minds, bodies, spirits and souls so that we may take a good strong look at what the idea of peace means.

PEACE.

What does it mean? How can we define it in today’s age? How can we achieve it?

I find the answer in thinking of the word PEACE as an acronym meaning Prayerfully Ending All Conflict Everywhere.

Think about that phrase.

Say it out loud.

Share it with others.

I believe this phrase brings some understanding of what is meant by “praying without ceasing.”

Every day there seems to be stronger need for prayer for something going on in the world. People are feeling the pain of geological disasters, political hatred, threats of mass destruction and much more. Some of these things impact our lives directly, others more indirectly. More than likely, we tend to localize our lives when it comes to understanding what matters most, but I think there is a ripple effect that carries over and eventually hits us right where the heart is.

There is no time like the present to live positively and to truly think about giving PEACE a chance.

Stand up for PEACE before giving a piece of your mind. Think twice before assuming anything and generate more good vibes. How?

Though PEACE!

Prayerfully Ending All Conflict Everywhere

Go out there and live a happy-go-lucky day and emanate positivity and encourage PEACE.

It is no longer about living in the moment, but living millisecond to millisecond.

If you let it, PEACE is with you always!

Cheers!

Best Day Ever!

Best Day Ever!

©Allen Merritt (2015)

I start many mornings by heading out to the coffee shop. This is one place I find opportunities to ponder and consider ideas, life events and important things I should focus on or need to do. Today I followed the same routine and ended up with a cup of coffee in my hand when I noticed a mug with the phrase on it, “Best Day Ever.”

What a nice message and a positive statement to observe so early in the morning. I wondered what it is exactly that makes this day the best day ever. What makes any day the best day ever and can this be a daily constant?

I let my mind wonder through the possibilities. Off the top of my head I thought of the following things that help me make each day brighter.

Waking up to not just another day, but a new one

Having a moment of laughter

Receiving a phone call from someone special

Feeling energized and ready to go

Being productive and accomplished with each activity

Contentment and satisfaction in where I am at and what I am doing moment to moment

Smiling about nothing in particular

Singing or humming to myself

Being creative and writing down lots of notes to myself

Of course, there are many more things that come along that aide in making us “feel good” about ourselves and our lives, but I bet many times we don’t stop to even think about it, recognize it or even become aware of those moments. It’s as if everything just comes along and rolls off our backs like warm butter without our consciously observing how events unfold and contribute to our lives. They just mindlessly pass us by. For me, as the days roll by I increasingly want to be aware of the good things that come along each day. By noticing these events, I am aware of my own personal evolution and find appreciation and gratitude.

With this in mind, I like to watch home improvement type shows. It’s always wonderful to watch amazing renovation transformations. There is inspiration in watching old homes be rejuvenated into a new beginning. It is the same with our daily lives.

Not long ago, I was engrossed in viewing one of these trans-formative episodes when I noticed the designer added a wall hanging which read, “It’s a good day to have a good day.” The designer did this with purpose. She placed it in the home because it was to become a new beginning for a woman and her child who had been going through the thick of it and were now trying to rise up out of the ashes, so to speak. The designer wanted to install a daily reminder to the woman that she had started anew and to encourage her to make each day the best day ever; and why not?

That is the question of the day. Why not have good days? Why not always make it a good day? What is the harm in trying to make each and every moment the best moment? You’ve got to dream big, bigger and better in order to make it to “best.”

Today IS a good day to have a good day.

So on a positive note, I’d like to encourage you to get up, get going and make this the best day ever. And, when tomorrow comes, do it again. It doesn’t matter if you stumble through it or if you only accomplish a couple of items on your To Do list, bucket list or wish list. The best way to move forward is to move forward anyway despite it all and no matter what. Keep striving for your best day ever. In fact, think of it like this: make every day the best you possibly can and be the best you possibly can be, and then your best DAY ever will become your best DAYS ever in perpetuity.

Smile! It’s a good day!

Cheers!

No Excuses!

No Excuses!

©Allen Merritt (2015)

The thought ran through my mind today. That’s right, it reared its ugly head and reminded me that there are not and should never be any excuses not to get up, get out and get her done. I mean, after all, what is really holding anyone back from trying? 

Our circumstances and situations are not literally nailed down in such a way that we should feel imprisoned by them. Of course, we may have to work around certain limitations, but we shouldn’t feel stuck in a rut or at utter and complete loss at doing anything toward helping our happiness grow. If that is the case, than we are allowing conditions to control and steer our lives in such a way as to undermine who we are called to be individually.

Sometimes I think it doesn’t matter anymore. I am of a certain age and I have nothing to lose for trying…anything. In other words, life is short and I might as well give it a go.

So as one year ends and another one begins, I have no reason or excuse to not make a stronger effort to try harder to believe and achieve my goals. Many people make resolutions. It’s a typical conversation. We have big ideas toward accomplishing something good for ourselves and shortly after the holidays we fall off that wagon and continue on with the same old routine or lack thereof.

For me, I don’t want to focus on resolutions per se, not this year. I want to focus on those things that keep my spirits in a good place. I want to be happy. I want to share that happiness.

I need to focus on remaining positive despite it all; and, what better way to think about moving forward toward taking the next step than by making a statement to oneself such as, “No More Excuses!” I think it’s an extremely positive phrase to work with. Those words remind us to keep on trucking. It inspires us to reach beyond ourselves. They motivate, drive and encourage us to forever try.

If you look up No Excuses on-line via the Urban Dictionary, you will find that it supports this idea of optimism and positivity in life. In fact, here is what it says:

“No Excuses - Getting on with your life...not letting things get in your way...being positive and optimistic...not looking for a reason to avoid something...not wasting an opportunity...

‘There's 'no excuses' for not making the most of your life’.”¹

Well, there you have it!

Need I say more?

I guess I was thinking straight, on the right track and/or got it right…or, at least got the jist of it all.

So here I am, thinking about what to do with myself as we turn another corner and I am thinking about the initiative of making no more excuses. I want to use the idea of No Excuses to attack anything and everything I have a mind to do whether it is eliminating a debt, achieving a goal, being more creative, accomplishing something or…whatever. I want to be good to myself and others. More importantly, I want to spread that good news with everyone. I want to do and be the best I can possibly be. I want results, not excuses.

So here it is!

No Excuses, people! 

• Think optimistically.
• Behave positively.
• Work towards healthy goals for the sake of yourself and those around you.
• Consider the good and live it.
• Illuminate good vibes and energy. (We could all use it.)
• Spread happiness.
• Be calm and caring.
• Be considerate.

Focus on making headway instead of excuses. One step a day moves everyone forward.

By the way, if you are typically a negative thinker and are looking for ways to change that, this is a good place to start. What does that mean? It means, stop using negativity, skepticism and the like to control your life and prevent you from finding a way to accomplish and achieve.

Keep repeating to yourself, “No Excuses.” Use it as a mantra until it becomes a normal way of thinking.

By doing so, believing and achieving become a standard operating procedure.

I think this is my goal for 2016. In fact, I am writing a posty-note and putting up near my computer to remind me of this fact. Care to join me?

Repeat after me:

No Excuses. No More Excuses.

Say this 40 times a day for the next 40 days and see what happens. You just might find that you can believe and achieve…anything!

Have a good one!

Cheers!

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=No+Excuses (Viewed on 12/26/2015)¹

Garbage In, Garbage Out!

Garbage In, Garbage Out!

©Allen Merritt (2015)

How many times did you hear the phrase, “Take out the trash” while growing up?

This was one of those chores many kids didn’t appreciate and/or didn’t want to do and understandably so, because it wasn’t fun. Neither were the other things we learned as children such as cleaning our rooms or clearing out old clothes and toys stuffed deep into our closets, all of  which we out grew and were only taking up space.

Part of reaching a positive place in mind, body, soul and spirit, as well as maintaining a happy-go-lucky attitude despite it all is in getting rid of all our garbage. Some might refer to it as excess baggage. Either way, we always find ourselves in the middle of a purge at some time or other. Individually, we all must do our share of the work. If the garbage comes in, then eventually it must go out.

I remember George Carlin performing a comedy routine based on collecting “stuff.” For some reason, with all the marketing and campaigning to get us to buy things, fill our houses to overflowing and being told what we need and do not need, we end up never finding that happy place. Consider how hoarders never have enough stuff and consequently are never satisfied to the point of addiction and unstable mental well-being. Of course, I am not just referring to our ability to fill our lives up with physical and material goods. I am also referring to the psychological nonsense we seem to hold onto. People get to us. People say things. Life doesn’t happen the way we thought or think it will. We get mad and hold grudges, etcetera and so on.

Think about it. 

How did you feel once you finished a purge or a good cleaning? Less cluttered? At ease? More relaxed? If we think of our happiness and peace of mind in the same way we think of taking out the garbage, we just might be able to consider the good in getting rid of those things that bother us and/or hold us back.

I like to think of it this way:  I love a clean floor. I don’t necessarily care for the work it takes to clean it, but boy does it feel good on my bare feet after I do it. It brings a smile to my face and I feel happier as a result.

As we approach a new year, let’s meditate on this idea of garbage in, garbage out. 

Some people use the philosophy ‘if you haven’t worn or used it in over a year, pitch it.’ Here are some thoughts: How about making money with your garbage by holding a garage or yard sale? What will happen if you clear out some things and create some extra space? What would that be like? 

We purge all the time. It’s like a snake shedding its skin every so often. He’s got to do it. We spring clean; we donate to charity and fill those trash cans to the brim for the next time they come to pick up the garbage. Every once in a while when we stumble over all our stuff either physically or psychologically we are reminded of the importance of purging.

There’s nothing like feeling less trashy! Less of a burden produces a spring in your step!

Have some fun today in thinking about all the purging you have already done and which you may need to do by watching this fun clip by George Carlin about “stuff.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U16TycMow0I

After watching the video, think about what kind of garbage, trash, excess baggage or stuff it is that you need to clear out of your house and head as the New Year approaches us. Contemplate how much better you will feel clearing out and cleaning up things you no longer have use for.

Now, that covers a lot of territory and may even include more than things, but also persons and places. In any case, taking out the garbage may not be so bad after all. Make room for more good in your life and surround yourself with those that love and care for you. Otherwise, garbage in, garbage out!

Cheers and Happy New Year!

Tell Me Something Good!

Tell Me Something Good!

©Allen Merritt (2015)

Earlier this year I referenced a radio show which has a great little segment titled ‘Tell Me Something Good!” I think it’s only a minute long, but it packs a punch to start your day on a positive note. The three hosts share a current story that each of them have found and for which highlights only good news. It doesn’t take much to enlighten a moment, but it does take something. And, I appreciate the shows efforts to reach out and influence their audience with some good news and positive energy.

Why is that important? 

Because it is helpful to everyone and it works to create a win-win environment.

Tell me something good!

Tell me how to improve.

Tell me how to make it better.

I know there are individuals out there who look for the bad in everything. They purposefully cut others down to size by belittling, degrading and making negative comments. Misery loves company, as they say. Other people don’t even know they are doing this. It just comes naturally to them, which leads me to believe that it takes real effort to hone in on the positive. Moreover, it takes continued persistence and perseverance to sustain that energy and remain there. I guess, no one ever said it would be easy!

But it also occurs to me that some individuals make it harder than necessary to stay positive. You know, the one bad apple in the batch ruins it for all the other apples theory? On a personal more, I have been known to actually say to someone after a negative confrontation, “Was that response really necessary?” Maybe that is a bit sarcastic, but often I want people to know I am easier to communicate with than that. I think there are many people who are not near as complicated or complex in their make up as some might think. It’s just that others make them seem complex. Therefore, it makes sense to say, “Wait a minute!” and stop, take a look at the situation, listen, consider and response with appropriate communications. That communication should convey an interest of reaching a solution or understanding that behooves and benefits all parties involved. In other words, it demonstrates making an effort to see the good in something, especially after considering we may not know the full scope of a situation or what a person is going through. Things are not always as they appear to be, which makes it difficult from time to time to ever understand what is going on in any given situation.

In any case, it is refreshing to know there are some programs out there deliberately looking for the good in our lives; all the more reason to share the idea with you today. Of course, during the course of the past year, I have made many references and suggestions to seek out the good and positive via stories, anecdotes, humor, challenges and exercises. With this in mind, I listened to the show again this morning and it struck me to put this notion out there one more time. If you haven’t been in the habit of searching for the good, then do so now!

Consider the following:

• Good news generates more smiles and increases endorphin's. (I have no doubt.)
• Good news encourages us.
• Good news inspires and motivates us.
• Good news relaxes us and helps us through the rest of the day.
• Good news helps us appreciate life more.
• Good news calms and comforts.
• Good news helps us all in our pursuit of happiness!

In contemplating all of the above, I want to make this week a celebration of all the good out there and officially make the request for all to reach out and find it. By doing so, we just might be able to touch each other more profoundly, in a positive way and see life through new lenses.

Isn’t that enough to suggest that life is worthwhile?

Cheers and Happy Holidays!