Listen

"The cocktail party effect is the phenomenon of being able to focus one's auditory attention on a particular stimulus while filtering out a range of other stimuli, much the same way that a partygoer can focus on a single conversation in a noisy room. This effect is what allows most people to "tune into" a single voice and "tune out" all others. It may also describe a similar phenomenon that occurs when one may immediately detect words of importance originating from unattended stimuli, for instance hearing one's name in another conversation."

                                                                             -From the Wikipedia entry for "Cocktail Party Effect"



Open your ears to the rest of the party. There is music, there is laughter, and there is so much more going on. Expand your mind, open your senses, and broaden your focus. There's a party, my good fellow! A PARTY!  Move to the music, grab a partner and dance with them, share your smile! Don't sit there alone in the corner and play with the cat! Don't hide your smile behind your hands! Cavort! Frolic! Swing those hips! I mean, seriously!  Don't just sit in the corner and pet the cat, people!  Be involved. Talk to LOTS of people and learn about them. 

I could offer the same advice about life, too. Open your arms and embrace the whole world! Love freely, be forgiving of those who you might not otherwise think should be. Smile a lot. Laugh. Sing, Dance. Don't waste life picking everyone apart for things you don't understand or agree with. Choose to be HAPPY. 

A long time ago, I was that guy, You know the one. The guy you just dread talking to. The Asshole in the Corner.  I scoffed when a dear friend of mine went on a negativity diet and said nothing but positive things for 30 days.  I decided to try it. And you know what? I felt better. My feet stopped hurting as much as they were, my back wasn't so painful every morning. I felt better, and I haven't looked back a day since. Yes, I have my days, we ALL do, but it was such a meaningful choice. And to this day, I try hard to be the ray of sunshine that brightens the day.  I was told at work by someone that I am always singing and smiling, and I am positive. THAT was worth the investment in myself right there.  To brighten someone's day is such a gift. 

So, Listen more. Smile more. Laugh more. And CHOOSE to be happy. Life's to damned short to be otherwise. 

My heart is free, my soul is smiling, and I am proud to be who I am. 

Recently, someone special offered up a set of "Team Love" stickers. When I was that guy, I would not have been so touched by that small gesture. These days, I'm a grinning fool

Fly my loves. 

Fly!

And hug more. It's good for you.