Where Has The Merry Gone?

We are technically two full weeks into the new year and already most people seem to have returned to their normal fast pace way of life. Have you noticed it? People in line at the bank or grocery store seem a little less friendly, a little more rushed. The guy that is always ahead of you in line at Starbucks was friendly, smiling and offering his well wishes for a happy holidays to everyone just a few short weeks ago. Today however, he is now impatiently swaying back and forth, hemming and hawing as if the line will move faster if he shows his obvious impatience. No time for idle chit chat, there is important work that must be done and YOU are in his way!

It seems that that new year always signals the beginning of a long race. Everyone's "merry this" or "happy that" seems to be conveniently replaced with the customary "me-ism" behavior that appears to prevail the other 10.5 months of the year. Of course I am not talking about you, I am sure your holiday joy carries you through all year long. I am talking about the other guys and gals out there in the cold cruel world. They start their year off as if the starter's gun has just gone off and the only current purpose is to get themselves positioned ahead of the rest of us.

I wonder, what might our lives be like if we all showed that same holiday spirit all year long? Would it make our true holidays any less enjoyable? I doubt it! Would it make the other months more palatable? Absolutely!

Don't get me wrong, this isn't the beginning of a Kumbaya movement. Simply a suggestion! It comes down to simple logic. People have a hard time being mean or rude to people that they always know are upbeat, friendly and generally pleasant to be around. The payoff is huge whether it's at home, at the office or standing in line at Starbucks you can be the example and likely reap the rewards.

So my friends go forth create ripples and find your Merry before it's too late. Don't let the January typical dust cover it!

Ripple On My Friends!!!!

Steve Harper