Happiness is Colored Socks

Today, I celebrate colored socks.

Two months ago I offered my newsletter readers 13 ideas for changing the world, starting with themselves.  One of those ideas (and the one most often commented on) was, “Wear Colored Socks (or something that adds a splash of color, flamboyant, or “wild” to your wardrobe).  The concept is that colored socks start conversations, can create smiles, and shift moods.  Fun stuff.

Well, this concept caught on with my family. who are always on the look out for novel gift ideas

On Christmas morning, then, I received numerous packages filled with fun accessories for the feet.  My daughter had scoured the Internet to find me a literal rainbow of footwear.  This picture is not a stock photo — it is a display of my new colored socks (sans the bright orange ones that I was actually wearing at the time…)

I’ve owned argyle and patterned socks before.  But I gotta tell you, it’s a whole new ballgame when you leave the house wearing dress slacks and a pair of neon orange tube socks, or when you are a communion minister at church and someone spots your kelly green hose.

My socks have been starting LOTS of conversations over the past few days, and every one of those conversations has been a happy one.

I have a coaching colleague who wears red.  I don’t actually know if it’s a ’signature’ thing with her, or simply a matter of personal preference, but I can’t think of a time in the past five years when I’ve run into Regina Olbinsky that she was not wearing red clothing or a red accessory or highlight somewhere on her person — a belt, a purse, a splash of red jewelry, or a red business suit or jacket.  Regina always stands out in a roomful of business people mostly dressed in subdued blues, greys, and black.  She creates a spark, and I believe part of that is through her bold use of color.

Do NOT underestimate the power of little things to change the world.

Speaking from personal experience over the course of just five days, I have been witness to several dozen people experiencing a moment of lightness and pure joy that might not have occurred for them if not for the smile that my socks brought to their faces.

Happiness and Colored Socks.  Who knew?

Happiness Changing Lives

I received a Christmas card from someone whose name I did not recognize.  Inside was one of the most poignant messages I’ve ever received from a workshop participant:

“Jim,

I attended your Happiness Seminar at the Cleveland VA Medical Center in October.  It could not have come at a better time for me.  I had, only the week before, finally sought help for my chronic depression.  Some of the tools you presented fit well into the healing plan I developed with my counselor.

Your 13 Principles of Happiness and the advice to eliminate stressors and take my own oxygen first have been instrumental in my progress.  Thank you.

I just want to let you know that warm thoughts are with you throughout the holiday season.”

Wow!  You are welcome!

Knowing that the work I do can create positive changes in the lives of those I touch:  Priceless.  This is why I do what I do.

Happiness — and helping people access that happiness — changes lives.  Way cool!

Happiness Starts With You

A reflection for Election Day:

When I was a young man, I wanted to change the world.
I found it was difficult to change the world, so I tried to change my nation.
When I found I couldn’t change the nation, I began to focus on my town.
I couldn’t change the town and as an older man, I tried to change my family.

Now, as an old man, I realize the only thing I can change is myself, and suddenly I realize that if long ago I had changed myself, I could have made an impact on my family.
My family and I could have made an impact on our town.
Their impact could have changed the nation and I could indeed have changed the world.”
~Rabbi Israel Salanter, Nineteenth Century Professor

While we all focus on casting ballots for the next US President, hoping he can “fix” our world and improve our lot, let’s remember that in the end, he’s just one person.  Even if we consider all our U.S. leaders — Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches combined — they are only 555 people.  They can’t make anything happen until and unless ALL of us take on our share of responsibility.

Change you, change the world.