Seeing 20/20 in 2020

It's hard to not feel helpless on this planet most days.  Or maybe more accurately, it is hard to feel at all.  What would happen if we actually put down our phones, stopped scrolling, drinking, eating, shopping, Insta-ing to just sit and allow ourselves to notice.....

what humans do to each other in the name of ideology...to our planet, to animals, to themselves. 

It's too much.  So we ostrich.  Because there is nothing you can do.  Have another cookie, a beer, a joint, go to sleep, take your meds, suck it up, carry on, hold your breath.....don't worry, it's just until you die.

I know it is only a day in the Gregorian calendar---bridging decades---but I can't help but find some significance in the fact that it is going to be 2020 in a few hours and maybe this year we take a very clear look ---at who we want to be.

So here it is. My intention.  I throw it out there, by the handful, into the wind,  like so much confetti and hope it carries far (biodegradable of course--and not rice--good lord not rice.)

BE HAPPY.  BE JOYFUL.  BE KIND.

Sounds simple.  It is.

What makes you happy?  Find it.  Do it.  Share it.  

We are all running on empty and expected to manage, or even excel--with a smile and great hair.    

If I am happy.  Even for an hour--what would that look like to those around me?  My energy.  My words.  My actions.  My intentions.  What does it look like if they are all coming from a place of happiness and joy?

Happy and joyful makes being kind easy. 

It's apropos it's 20/20.  Clarity is in order. 

Why don't we pursue happiness like we do our target weight, job title, GPA, social status or (insert random phone app game here)?  What would happen if we did?  

I know these things can create joy for me - music, dance, animals, trees, breezes, beach, water, fresh air, sunshine, warmth, eating, massages, learning, quiet, babies, phone chats with girlfriends, connecting one on one, kittens, snuggling my kids, writing, meditation, yoga, cooking, baking, playing an instrument in a band, directing theatre, travel, skating....

If I do these things, I can fill my tank with joy and happiness ---and by extension, be a kinder person.  By being kind, perhaps I can ease the burden others carry, which we can truly never know.  

I can't fix the world.  But if I can be happier, joyful and kind.  I can, shift my energy and that of those around me.  And it can spread.  And wouldn't that be a wonderful thing?  

A world with more happy people, being joyful and kind to one another.  

Start the list.  What makes you happy?  Find it.  Do it.  Share it.