“Joy is not in things; it is in us.” – Richard Wagner
By the time I leave the house in the morning, drop kids off at daycare, and pull in to park at work, it’s been an hour. I actually enjoy my drive to and from work on most days, because it’s quiet and no one wants anything from me. I would normally listen to Pandora and chill out all the way to work, but one day I decided to see what was on the radio; that’s when I discovered the Bobby Bones Show. To be completely honest, I hated it at first, I wanted to listen to music, not people rambling on for an hour… but one morning, while flipping stations, I realized that I had gotten hooked in their conversation; I loved it, and never looked back.
If you aren’t familiar with the radio show, let me fill you in.
It’s a talk show with all very close friends. They hang out each morning and chat, play (mostly) good music, and keep me laughing; they keep things real. They are very big on charity work, they inspire their listeners by making a positive impact on the world around us, but most importantly, they encourage us all to choose joy.
Not long ago, one of the show’s hosts, Amy, lost her mom to cancer. Through Amy’s journey with her mom, somewhere along the way, they came up with Pimping Joy. Amy wanted her mom to be happy and optimistic through her cancer journey; she wanted her to choose joy during this overwhelming time. They came out with hats and shirts to sell that read “Pimping Joy”; all of the money raised would go to a charity they selected. What unexpectedly happened was all of the positive feedback they got from challenging their listeners to Pimp Joy.
They’re on to something here… With all of the devastation in the news, it’s like a breath of fresh air when we read a feel good story, or notice a kind gesture, or have someone treat us with sincere kindheartedness. It’s a scary world our kids are growing up in, but people like those on this radio show, who strive to make a difference, really reassure that there is pure goodness still out there.
So, I challenge you to spread JOY… illuminate in a time of darkness & set examples for your babies. It doesn’t have to be anything major, as long as it’s coming from the heart. Here are a few examples of ways to spread JOY.
• Hold the door open for the person behind you
• Donate to a charity in need
• Volunteer at a local shelter
• Make it a habit to smile and tell your co-workers (or that super sleepy mom) good morning
• Pay for the meal that belongs to the car behind you in the drive through
• Bring coffee to that mom who is your best work friend; I guarantee she needs it!!
• Mow your neighbor’s lawn
Get more Acts of Kindness ideas HERE!
There are so many ways to give. Open your heart and open your eyes and start spreading joy! Our kids are watching; it can be the start of a chain reaction!
For a little inspiration: http://pimpinjoy.com
