Spoil the Day for a Grouch
“Spoil the day for a grouch,
Send him a smile.”
I don’t know who first said these words, but I’ve been borrowing them.
Over the weekend a video link flashed through my twitter feed. I don’t remember where who first posted it, and I didn’t have time to see the whole thing, but knew it was good. Today I had to go back and search YouTube for the original, which I’ll post here. Validation by Hugh Newman
Watching this reminded me so much of what we do with SendOutCards. One thing we are taught is to send a heart felt card daily. It could be a thank you card to someone for something kind they have done for you. A joke, a laugh, and cool picture from that trip you and your kids took together. Your kids teacher, coach, an employee, co-worker or client. Funny thing happens when you do this. People give you back a great big smile when you see them next. Some will call and thank you. I’ve even heard it has brought tears to their eyes and posted the card on their fridge, near their computer, in their office. The smiles we send through cards works just like this video. I’ve had down days and gotten a happy call from a friend, telling me how much they appreciated me.
A few years back I started a game with myself. While shopping, smile at others, start conversations, be helpful, hold doors open, etc. See how many smiles you can collect. Works especially well in the hectic holiday shopping season, more of a challenge.
Or you can pick up the phone and spread smiles that way too. Smiles are viral. Spread a few.
Just do it!
And if you’d love to send a heartfelt card, I’ll give you a couple to send out for free, I’ll even pay the postage. Just visit HeyClickHere.com or contact me.
Jan 10th, 2009 at 9:57 am
I have long been an advocate for sending messages/cards to people to say thank you, happy birthday or just to brighten their day. I’ve done it since I was a teenager. I don’t do it as much anymore but when I remember someone’s “special day” I drop them a card because I know when I receive them, they make me feel good and I always appreciate the sender.
Jan 10th, 2009 at 10:48 am
It’s still early morning in CA and I can’t think of a better way to start my day! Thank you so much, Heidi, for your wonderful post and that amazing video. I’m a huge believer in the power of smiling at strangers. It brightens their day and yours and connects you immediately. (Like the name of your blog.) I’m passing this one on to my friends!
Jan 10th, 2009 at 1:06 pm
I’m a cardaholic myself, and the idea of neutralizing grouches with a big smile brings out my mischievous side combined with my goal of doing whatever I can to make the world a better, happier place. I love it! Thanks for the grinspiration, Heidi–and for posting this video. I have seen it before but not in its entirety. I appreciate that it stars one of my favorite cast members from Bones, TJ Thyne.
Jan 10th, 2009 at 1:57 pm
Awesome! When I was 14, someone described me as “serious”. From that moment on I decided to smile everytime my eyes made contact with another person. It makes me feel better, too.
Heidi, you do this for others. YOU are great!
Jan 10th, 2009 at 5:30 pm
I’ve always liked the idea that we should smile often, especially to grouchy people – make them wonder what you’re thinking! LOL Thanks Heidi. I’ll be collecting smiles this week.
Jan 10th, 2009 at 10:26 pm
I must admit it. I do send cards on birthdays, anniversaries, and other special days. But I’ve never thought of sending one just to say “Hey, I’m thinking of you. Have a great day.” I’m going to do make that a project for myself starting this week. A card a day! Thanks for the idea Heidi.
And thanks for sharing the awesome video!
Jan 11th, 2009 at 11:21 pm
I love to send cards. It’s a great way to make someone smile and is something my mother got me in the habit of doing when I was very young. The right card can express exactly what you may be feeling, and it always makes the person’s day. Something else I like to do is go to the card shop and read the cards. I must look real silly to others getting so emotional when I’m reading.
Jan 17th, 2009 at 5:08 pm
Thanks all, so many card senders here.
Just think of all the smiling faces.