Happy Birthday America!

We here at Worx just celebrated a birthday, so we’re in a very festive mood - and there may have been cupcakes involved. Now we are getting ready to break out the stars, the stripes and the red, white and blue.

The sparklers, the fireworks, the glamour, the picnics from sun-up to sundown and beyond; this is the beauty of our nation’s festivities.

Celebrating a birthday doesn’t have to be a public event but every birthday is a milestone and a blessing and should be a cause for inner merriment. Yes, merriment.

So even if you’re busy, are scared at the potential sound of popping balloons, perhaps feeling like a bah-humbug or are not a big spender on yourself, fear extravagance or fear the spotlight, here are a few ways you can stop to reflect on a birthday – be it an anniversary event or your own special day:

-       Eat a cupcake - as aficionado’s of this delectable, we know a lot about this topic.

-       Buy a present - it doesn’t have to be for yourself; you’ve been given life, and the momentum of giving should continue.

-       Dress up – dress in your best sweats if that’s your fashion statement, just enjoy primping even if you’re lounging around the house.

-       Spend time outdoors - no matter the season, the cycle of life continues

-       Intentionally schedule a few minutes for self-reflection – It’s as simple as prayer, journaling, absently staring at the ceiling, sketching a scene from memory or perusing old photography.

-       Accept invitations - appreciate those who throw you a party, host a dinner and picnic or invite you to celebrate in a national holiday (hint, hint)

No matter how much we like to take time to wander it’s true when J.R.R. Tolkien writes; it doesn’t mean we are lost. However many of us will find that celebrating a birthday, our nation’s birthday and enjoying the sparkle, the hotdogs the ketchup stains; all is heightened because of friend and family.

Be safe, be responsible and don’t forget the glory behind the red, white and blue!

Happy Birthday America and thank you for inviting us to participate in your celebration.

Let the festivities begin!

Experiences are a More Valuable Currency than Money

With the holiday season in full swing everyone seems to have that extra holiday cheer, right? Everyone is out shopping for stuff. Giving gifts, especially personal ones is great, but eventually most gifts end up unused, used up and thrown away or forgotten. Guess what can’t be taken away, thrown away or taken advantage of? Experiences.

Only you are responsible for how you feel. You can keep that holiday cheer all year long. Do you have a hard time looking on the bright side of things? If so, it’s okay, just know you are capable of transforming that mindset. You are in control of how you feel and what you do.

Little by little, practice enjoying the little (and big) things in life. The most simple, to just smile more. Smiles are contagious; it’s hard to make eye contact with someone who is smiling and not smile back, right? Each time you smile you throw a little feel-good party in your brain. Just the act of smiling activates neural messaging that benefits your health and *happiness.

Make yourself filthy rich with memories. There is limitless storage in your brain that you can reference at any time. Your house only has so much room to store that stuff.

Despite how others around you are feeling or acting, be in control of your feelings. Absorb the compliments and precious memories. Deflect the insults or rude comments. It’s not worth hearing and remembering. Remember, “It’s theirs, not yours.”

What steps are you taking to be filthy rich with happiness?

*Learn more about how smiles and happiness literally affects your brain and body here:
 http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/cutting-edge-leadership/201206/there-s-magic-in-your-smile