A friend of mine started a revolution in my heart. You see, twice now, she’s surprised me with little packages in the mail and my resulting joy, after I excitedly opened them, was magnificent! As I opened the second package, I actually said aloud, “Wow, she’s so much fun!”
Here’s the thing: the stuff she sends comes straight from her heart. What's more, she enjoys surprising people so much that she’s made it a habit.
Noticing the joy I felt because of her actions, I decided to make it a habit, too. On my calendar now is a weekly reminder to surprise someone with joy. While there are many ways to do that - some free, some not - I've included a handful of ways below that I've been privy to lately.
Ways To Joyfully Surprise Someone
- Send a thoughtful trinket to someone to make them smile.
CHECK THIS OUT: A friend surprised me with a pretty Lia Sophia necklace in the mail earlier this week that included the note, "Simple yet versatile & always in fashion ~ just like you." Isn't that great?!
- After finishing a great book, send it on to someone you think would enjoy it, telling them the book is theirs to keep or continue passing along.
- Call a friend, family member, or coworker's voice mail and leave them a fun message.
UP THE ANTE: Better yet, if you enjoy singing and can carry a tune, sing your message!
- Send a handwritten note to someone who needs encouragement.
CHECK THIS OUT: You don’t even have to know the person. A friend recently asked a handful of us to reach out to someone she knows who is going through a rough time. Simple to do, and yet so very gratifying.
Along those lines, Cards4Cancer is an organization dedicated to doing the same thing for children and adults battling cancer. Please visit their web site by clicking here to see how you can help --- simply by sending a card!
- Comment on a new blog.
- Have a bouquet of flowers sent to someone (anyone!) anonymously.
- Make a mixed CD of your favorite songs, and send it to a friend.
- If you know someone who loves a particular person, place or thing, surprise them with it.
CHECK THIS OUT: When Tess at The Bold Life found out I liked Reverend Michael Beckwith, she sent me a dozen of his sermons on CD! She also included a beautiful card, and a copy of her book Flying By The Seat of My Soul, which I’d wanted a copy of, but never asked her for. (So awesome ~ thank you, Tess!)
ANOTHER GOOD ONE: The guy I love surprised me on Valentine's Day with a dozen roses, chocolates, and a writing table I'd been eying (I'm a sucker for functional gifts!). On top of that, he wrote me the sweetest notes (not just one!) letting me know how he feels about me. BLISS!
OH NO HE DIDN'T! : I know a very special guy who surprised the woman he loves by offering to fly her friend across the country so they could spend a fun weekend together. How awesome is that?!
Results of Spreading Joyful Surprises:
The coolest thing about surprising people in joyful ways is that when we do so, our own levels of happiness increase as a result. What’s more, we begin a ripple effect of joyous energy that reaches far and wide, positively affecting thousands of others.
I'd love to hear your thoughts on some additional ways to joyfully surprise someone. In the meantime, have a truly beautiful day!
** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **
Speaking of joy, Katie at The Levity Project is all about spreading joy and laughter one micro-movement at a time, and she wants YOU to take part!
Her latest micro-movement involves car dancing, and as Lance at The Jungle of Life said, “I cannot car dance and be grumpy at the same time…!”
So if you’ve ever been in your car and felt the beat of a great song, don’t just sit there --- CAR DANCE! And find a way to tape it. There’s a good chance you’ll be featured as part of this movement, which I have a feeling won’t be “micro” as much as it will be MASSIVE!
Please check out Katie’s infectious energy and more details on her latest micro-movement by clicking here.
Spread your thoughts about Megan's and Lance's posts & any thoughts you have about spreading joy & fun!
Jody,
I love that you are sharing Megan's article on spreading joy. What a wonderful article, and, Jody, I think it just shines to what is in your soul.
I would also like to just say that from knowing Megan...this piece is so much a part of who she is. In fact, I can think of no one who is more caring and filled with true joy than she is. So, know that seeing her words here...they bring an extra smile to my face, an extra bounce to my step, and an extra beat to my heart...
Reply to this
Awwww, Lance! It's only 5:30a and already my little heart is puffing up with happiness at something you've said or done. Thank you!!!
May I just say that you, Lance, inspire me to go beyond who I think I am. You do this both through direct invitation, and through leading by example. I'm honored to know you!
Reply to this
Lance, thank you! And all your posts are amazing too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Reply to this
Jody, thank you so much for sharing this post. The ideas that readers generated filled me with at least a dozen new cool ideas that I've been sharing around. My favorites were:
1. Writing an uplifting note and leaving it in books at the library or bookstore so whoever reads said books gets a joyful surprise!
2. Writing a loving message on $1 bills and leaving them in unexpected places for people to find.
People are AMAZING, and I'm so grateful to you, for continuing the trend.
Have a beautiful day!
Reply to this
Megan, thank you so much! A great post! You are spreading happiness everywhere!
Reply to this
When I read this I thought of a good friend of mine who is a joy to be around. She doesn't necessarily "do" something, but her whole attitude radiates joy. Her faith has a lot to do with it.
Thank you so much for sharing this article. What an inspiration and an encouragement!
Reply to this
Diane, I have a friend just like this! No matter what, her attitude is great!
Reply to this
(hand raised) car dancer here! especially after dropping my kids off somewhere and having the car to myself. it's a great stress reliever.
Reply to this
Yes, a very good stress reliever!
Reply to this
The world definitely needs more joy in it!
(lovelove that first photo!)
Reply to this
Thanks for this joyful post.
Even small happy actions pay off in a big way in both sides feeling good. And that feeling spreads like ripples. I really believe that.
Reply to this
I am with you Ewa! Thx for stopping by my blog & commenting on the posts!
Reply to this
Love this post Jody!! Spreading happiness around should be something we do everyday. I'm a car dancer! I can't help it! I hope that sometimes my quirky actions make at least one person smile. It's all about the little things in life that gives us joy!
Reply to this
I am sure you spread the joy! It comes out in your writing!
Reply to this
thanks for the post... helped get me in a joyful spirit this afternoon!! *hugs*
Reply to this
That IS infectious! Love this post, Jody. I've been guilty of car dancing too...of course, the older my kids get, the less I can do it because I "embarrass" them, LOL!
Reply to this
Those dang kids, Josie! Yes, I remember being embarrased at a certain age & then when I got older, I loved the quirkiness of my parents! I wish they were still here!
Reply to this
You always find such inspirational stories and sites to share Jody. I used to love to surprise people just for the joy but, I haven't done that in a long time. One of my dear blogging friends gave me a surprise today and believe me, it was nice to feel the surprise and joy after what I have been through!
Reply to this
You have been thru a lot. I am glad a friend helped you!!! HUGS!
Reply to this