A few hours earlier I had offered her a tip to help resolve a computer problem.<\/p>\n
Little did I know that the information I imparted would evoke such a powerfully delightful response from her.<\/p>\n
My heart smiled as she told me how the suggested online search phrase had led her right to the troubleshooting page that would fix her problem, pronto.<\/p>\n
As I reflected on how frustrated she had been and how much of an impact my sharing had had on her, I thought about You, Journeyer.<\/p>\n
How many times in the course of your day do you offer people advice, help them with a problem, or give them insight they didn’t have?<\/p>\n
How many times in your life have you unknowingly shared something simple that had such a profound affect on another’s life?<\/p>\n
That makes you a mini genius, too!<\/p>\n
There are many expressions, but the one that comes to mind is Plato’s “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”<\/p>\n
All it takes to make another happy is simple courtesy, time, and energy.<\/p>\n
In a few short hours this genius will be happily surrounded by the smell of Christmas cookies baking and the company of a girlfriend who’s coming over for a little festive fun.<\/p>\n
One of my favorite holiday memories is of the times my kids joined me in the kitchen. It’s been a good many years since I would sit them on the counter with a bowl and a spatula.<\/p>\n
I remember with great fondness Beauty and her friend joining me for a marathon day of Christmas cookie making. Beauty might tell you that I burned out the two teenagers, but I’ll always treasure the visions of those flour-spattered shirts, faces, and counters.<\/p>\n
Somehow the process is so much fun with someone else!<\/p>\n
I’ve been so busy with The Healing through The Holidays series, decorating, and checking my list twice, that I didn’t think about my holiday baking until last minute.<\/p>\n
Reminiscing about those days of old, I envisioned recreating those holiday treasures with my daughter, a hope that bordered on expectation, which led to disappointment when she said she wasn’t available.<\/p>\n
I’m working on that, Journeyer, and recognizing when my hopes and dreams cross that line. I’m hoping my daughter will be able to join me another day for a batch of gingerbread but in the meantime I’m excited to share another way we strut our genius.<\/p>\n
Rather than let disappoint deter me or ruin my day, I decided to take a different approach and called a friend who has been struggling with The Empty Nest this year.<\/p>\n
She was overjoyed with the invitation.<\/p>\n
[Tweet theme=”basic-white”]A genius finds way to solve mini and enormous problems.[\/Tweet]<\/p>\n
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This week’s Happy Happens column is one of the ways I believe we can experience joy by changing where we put our focus.<\/p>\n
Though I’ve had a rough go of remembering to pay homage to those fleeting moments during the last few weeks, I’m proud to report that I’ve got my happy groove back on.<\/p>\n
My week’s happy came in these forms…<\/p>\n
Warren offering to tag along to help me finish the Christmas shopping…<\/p>\n
Wrapping those gifts…<\/p>\n
Tying handmade ribbons and bows onto the packages…<\/p>\n
Twinkling lights glinting at me as I walk through the house…<\/p>\n
Frasier fir scent wafting from room to room…<\/p>\n
Big Guy offering to help me assemble a new stand for our new television…<\/p>\n
A breakthrough with one of my new students who was having a rough go of it before coming to me…<\/p>\n
Listening to my youngest students singing Christmas carols at the end of their school day…<\/p>\n
Hearing my rescued pooch snoring from the new doggie bed she loves…<\/p>\n
Fresh white snow…<\/p>\n
Taking the time to meditate–daily!<\/p>\n
Going to the doc so I can get to the bottom of my ongoing fatigue…<\/p>\n
A natural remedy tip that might help cure my psoriasis…<\/p>\n
Morning commute conversations with my sis…<\/p>\n
Taking the time to read one of my favorite blogger’s posts…<\/p>\n
Freshly washed sheets…a memory foam topper…and my winter comforter…<\/p>\n
Warm floors on my feet…<\/p>\n
Personal growth and insight…<\/p>\n
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