Do You Make the Sunshine (or Do You Make the Rain)?

Summary: Moods and weather go hand-in-hand. But how often do you associate a good mood with bad weather? Today's post gives you a 4-step how-to guide to feeling good (and spreading the love) no matter what it's like outside.

October 1, 2010 is a date to remember—for me, that is. It's my husband's birthday, as well as a beautiful day with near-perfect temperatures. Fall is one of my favorite times of year to begin with; this just gives me another reason to celebrate.

I spoke with my mom when she phoned to wish Hubby a happy b-day, and I asked her, "What should I blog about today?" Her answer was, "Does Your Mood Match the Weather?"

Then she framed it in a light I'd never considered: "Do you get blue when it's dark and gloomy out or do you make your own sunshine and light up the lives of people around you?"

"Wow," I thought. "I've never considered this!"

My mom is definitely someone who does the latter on a pretty regular basis. She, like me, knows what it's like to feel blue contagiously. Gloomy days make for gloomy outlooks. But I remember in my childhood when the rain kept my sisters and me indoors, and the three of us would get cabin fever and start bickering and fighting; it was then that our mother often suggested new games for us to play to enliven our spirits. Today, I know that Mom still reaches into the depths of her resolve to share sunshine with her friends, family and co-workers whenever she feels foul weather creeping up on herself or those around her. Her sunny disposition is contagious, too, just like negativity so often is.

What's your automatic disposition? Is it affected by the weather? If so, you might try a little experiment next time to see if YOU can spread a little sunshine.

How to Spread Sunshine:
1. Think of something or someone that makes you happy, like a favorite hobby, a good friend you've recently seen or a beloved pet. Now imagine how good you felt the last time you were engaged in that activity or with that friend/furry friend.
2. Notice how good you feel in your body during these thoughts. Smile. Imagine that feeling spreading like warmth, and smile some more.
3. As you are conscious of this good feeling, seek out someone near you (co-worker, neighbor, spouse, child, etc.) and smile at him or her. Pay that person a sincere compliment or perform another act of kindness (i.e., hold a door open or offer to help weed the garden). If they thank you, be sure to say, "You're welcome,"—and mean it!
4. Again, notice how good you feel in your body. Smile and even hum a happy tune if you like. You deserve it, Sunshine!

© KiKi Productions, Inc. 2010

Good News: Selling Positively

Standard news that sells is often meant to spark controversy in order to gain readers, viewers, and/or listeners. The same principal of “rubber-necking,” or gawking at an accident on the roadside as you drive past, applies to the theory that negativity breeds publicity (as summarized in the old P.R. slogan, “There’s no such thing as bad publicity”). This outlook is even more obvious in the old journalistic maxim, “If it bleeds, it leads,” which dictates what stories gain front-page placement in newspapers and magazines, or what sound bytes and videos get prime programming placement in broadcast news shows.

But some audiences are so fed up with such viewpoints, they’ve turned to wholly positive alternatives—Spirituality and Health Magazine, Positive News, and HappyNews.com, just to name a few. These publications follow a different philosophy, that of, “happiness is contagious.” The opposite of “viral videos,” perhaps their material should be known as “immuno info”?

Positive News, a quarterly international newspaper with both online and print editions in several languages and countries, demonstrates the scientifically supported idea that happiness is contagious: New countries add their own editions every year—not by a conglomerate launch driven by marketing metrics, but rather via foreign readers who partner with Positive News Publishing Ltd. (founded in 1993). While the paper’s major slant is on the upside of world politics, it also spotlights small businesses around the globe who do good. Positive News has a youth edition, as well, that is currently offering a course in “positive journalism” in Shropshire, England, for international students aged 16–24. (If you or someone you know is interested, please note the deadline is July 1st, 2009).

HappyNews.com takes an even broader approach to joyful living, going beyond merely reporting good news and into the realm of teaching the art of living well—in every facet. In fact, the website shares an online magazine format with other features: from videos about cute animals and international feel-good news (“Supermarket to the Poor Opens in Serbia”) to mostly positively worded reviews of products and gadgets (“Reusable Water Bottles Go the Distance") to even—yes—positive world news on a variety of subjects, like “Environment,” “Health,” and even “Business/Money.” (Today’s surprising top headline: “Some Iranians Eager to do Business with U.S.”)

Spirituality and Health Magazine may have a more limited overarching theme (started in 1997 and published bi-monthly, it focuses primarily on “the people, the practices, and the ideas of the current spiritual renaissance”), but it, too, offers reviews—of books, films, and music that’s spirit-related. And in this case, “spirit” refers to all things heartwarming and uplifting, not to mention pan-religious.

Are you having a hard time looking on the bright side to see beyond the gloomy forecast of today’s rainy spring weather or troublesome world finances? Perhaps you simply need to read the right story about the promising power of growth through adversity to get you through your rut. Check out any of the links above, then check back here to talk about good news!


(c) KiKi Productions, Inc. 2009