All I Want For Christmas Is A Job

If this holiday season you are in need of a job, in between sending out resumes, knocking on doors, and spreading the word, invest equal time in creating a job for yourself.  While the value of this suggestion may not be initially recognized, it might just surprise you as much as it surprises another.


There is a job for everyone on the planet. They may not all pay the same, but you'll have a job today if you follow a few of these suggestions (or come up with your own). These jobs while not normally considered "career paths" can yield unexpected dividends. 


In today's economy, we need to push a little softer, not harder, to open the doors of opportunity. Sometimes it is up to us to open these doors ourselves, even those pesky stuck ones that require a little extra push. 

HOW TO CREATE YOUR OWN JOB 

(Just add effort)

1. Whatever resources you have available to you (a computer to send out cheerful messages, fully functioning zygomatic muscles made for smiling, or a kind word), harness these things right up and create your own job whereby you freely give a much needed service to others - the gift of kindness. 


2. While there are many goods and services in great demand, sometimes the service that is most in need is actually plain and simple kindness. For this reason, it is the easiest gift to give. It requires no money, no special talent, and no authorization from the powers that be. 


3. If your kindness service includes giving a few extra dollars, keep them handy in your pockets for easy distribution. This way, as you encounter those who strike you as someone who'd benefit from a few extra dollars, fork some over! 

4. If your children have extra toys in their toy box that they've outgrown, package them up and deliver them to your local children's home. 

5. If you have clothes in your closet that no longer fit, package them up and drop them off at your local shelter. I'm sure someone could use them. 

6. If you have items in your garage, cabinets or drawers that you don't use, gather them up and drop them off to college students who might not have the money to buy things to fix up their dorm rooms or even homeless shelters. The lines are so long this time of year, you probably don't even have to go inside to begin distributing much-valued items. 

7. If you can't think of what you want for Christmas, buy some cozy socks or slippers and deliver them to your local nursing home. 

8. If you are the world's greatest baker, bake extra cookies and give them out to everyone (sugar and sugar-free both). 

9. If you're down on your luck, give others a smile and a kind word of encouragement. It goes a long way. 

10. If you don't know your neighbors, stop by with some holiday cheer and introduce yourself. 

11. If you're a great story teller, or even a beginning reader, give the gift of a well-told story to someone who would hang on your every word. 

12. (Fill in the blank with your own suggestions and ideas). 

Giving is not limited to material items, just as jobs are not limited by their pay scales. If you want a job, go out and do something for the world. A job is something we do to bring value to others. There are many rewards for our efforts, and surprisingly enough, some of these rewards open unexpected doors of opportunity that get us closer to what we need at the very same time. 

Occupy Christmas

Occupy Christmas 

Today! 

I'm very excited to announce that I have just arrived back from the North Pole in my time machine. 

While visiting the North Pole in my time machine, I had an opportunity to personally chat with Old Saint Nick. He told me that there were so many people in need of Christmas this year that he was opening up Christmas as a shared global holiday. "Christmas is for everyone. Christmas is in our hearts. It's that part of us that takes delight in others happiness." 

Christmas is needed more than ever this year, so Santa is sending out early time machines filled with gifts all over the world, and he's asked all of us to help in these very special deliveries. 

Santa said, 

"Celebrate Christmas Now!" 

You see, all over the world there are some people who have encountered grave misfortune. In hospitals all over the world, there are moms, dads, grandmas, grandpas, and some very brave kids enduring profound pain and sadness. Some of those brave souls will not live to see December 25th, 2011, so it's important that we deliver Christmas to them

NOW! 

Please consider starting your holiday season off EARLY in the spirit of giving. Do not hold back an ounce of Christmas joy until December 25th. If you're lucky, you'll ALSO have December 25th to celebrate more Christmas joy. Celebrating with someone who will not see that day or who will spend that day alone, taps into that regenerative power of love and transformation that grows the more it gives. 

If you can't give a gift, give of yourself. Give your time. Give a smile. Hold back a complaint and offer instead a compliment. These are the gifts our hearts generate. These are the grow the more you give. In a world of dwindling resources, kindness is the most abundant. 

Whether this Christmas is your last or first, take today to give Christmas to someone who isn't entirely certain, this way, no child (young or old) misses out on the opportunity to feel joy. 

I have many little gifts in my Christmas bag, and every day one of those gifts find their way to a person (friend going through a tough time, elderly person in a rest home, child in a hospital, nice neighbor who lives alone without family nearby) who deserves a little more joy in their hearts to keep them warm this holiday season. 

As one of Santa's helpers, it is my honor and profound pleasure to bring in Christmas early for all those who may have other plans this coming December 25th. Please consider joining me in an exercise in free giving and give today - don't wait. 

Recently, a certain 11-11-11 came around and while many celebrated this notably auspicious day on its popular anniversary, I celebrated it early. I celebrated on the day my heart wanted to celebrate. I felt the happiest I have felt in years, like a new beginning was upon me and my heart was filled with joy and gratitude for the many blessings I have received. 

I didn't have to wait for 11-11-11 to celebrate my joy for living. It's the same with Christmas, we don't have to wait until December 25th to celebrate it. You don't have to give every day, but give whenever the opportunity presents itself. I see so many opportunities to give, that I am trying to be prepared with abundance to distribute. Whether that abundance takes the form of an iPhone, a plush Teddy bear, or a much-needed hug, I'm happy to give whenever and however I can. 

No matter how many challenges we see in the world, we're all in this together. Just knowing that somehow makes the world a brighter place in times of darkness. No matter what your personal beliefs about the world and our place in it, we're here now, and that's what matters. 

Giving like you'll never run out of kindness transcends arbitrary calendar dates, arbitrary beliefs and constraints, and in their place, a true gift appears right before our eyes - like magic! 

More than any material item, the gift that truly motivates us all is the gift of love, compassion, and acknowledgement. Give to yourself and others today, and like Santa said, "Celebrate Christmas Now!" 

Dedicated to all the beautiful children in the world who through the graciousness of their existence, bravely face illness and tragedy in a way that reminds us just how precious life truly is. Once you "get" that, every day is a gift and a reason for giving back! 

Thank you to all the SUPER brave kids in the world (young and old)

for being YOU! 

If you liked last year's Christmas post, 
you might be interested in reading these other Christmas posts:

Christmas in Heaven

The Spirit of Christmas

French Existential Christmas 

Christmas Peek-A-Boo Bear

A Stick Figure's Night Before Christmas

All I want for Christmas is a Job

The 12 Days of Petmas

Ancient (Christmas) Humor

Thank you for visiting...


Merry Christmas,
Happy Holidays,
and Happy Hannukah

Innocent Humor

In a culture where cynicism is deeply rooted, innocence is often undervalued. We are bombarded by negatives in multiple directions. In this respect, positive humor that can actively engage and entertain, and has therapeutic effects on listeners. 


There are a number of comedians who dedicate their lives to entertaining others. Despite their chosen style (sometimes positive and uplifting, other times sarcastic and witty), I can't help but believe that they share a sincere desire to help others feel good, which is why humor in its many forms appears homogenous.


These comedians (whether positively or and negatively charged in terms of their communication preferences) are remembered, talked about, and appreciated for the heartfelt laughter they provoke. 


Not one to do anything half-way, I am studying humor intently to understand up to what heights this feel good corrective can reach. While there are many areas of study where value can be derived and passed on to others, this is a particularly pleasant one for me, and given the many kind and sincere responses I've received since sharing this exploration, it would seem equally pleasant for others as well. 


The thought that the world has not lost its innocence warms my heart. The innocence that allows us to see the world with eyes of wonder. An innocence that allows us to laugh out loud at silly randomness. An innocence that underpins our ego's insistence on 'knowing' everything about our ourselves and our world. 


Sometimes it's the not-knowing that while seemingly transparent, is in its phenomenon, rather iridescent. 

Positive Thought Experiments

Positive thought experiments are hypothetically-imagined situations in the laboratory of the mind that allow you to depict something positive and then experience the feelings or energie associated with it. 

My mornings begin with these fanciful musings, a few of which find their way into my blog. I feel a little like a 1920s Newsie passing out free cookies with the morning paper. Sure, there's plenty to report on, but the only messages that make it to the stands are the ones that can be presented in the most positive ink possible. 

You might ask, "what about the negative news stories?" To which I'll point you in the direction of the multi-media news giants and their advertisers, who benefit from our stuffy noses, insecurities, and concerns about the world. 


There's only one Special Interest story here and that's my sincere belief that we benefit from positivity. Simple as that. There's a growing public opinion that 'life is hard' but it doesn't have to be. Undeniably, there is much oppression in the world, but that is not the focus of this blog. I write this blog to entertain myself. I am thrilled that in doing so I entertain others. I take delight in positivity and those of you who want to share in that with me are invited to visit as often as you like. 

I take responsibility for what I am thinking and for what thoughts I allow into my mind. I focus on positive literature and humor and believe that a few silly lines and cartoons have more transformational power than the analysis of split second flash negativity. 


When I encounter a negative thought, it's this focused awareness on the positive that allows me to repel it. I don't focus on what I am not or what I cannot do. Instead, I am a humor archaeologist uncovering positivity wherever I can find it. 


Positive thought experiments wipe the slate clean of negativity in your environment. And while negativity still can arise, this positive magic wand when waved over any thought can help you sort out what is important so you can focus on what really matters. 

We can only have one thought at a time and I, for one, want to make it a good one!

The New Browser: Giggle

Sophy Laughing proudly announces the release of the much anticipated - Giggle browser - the browser with an eye for humor. 

a subsidiary of The Zany Group

"I'd like to increase access to humor and laughter for all, which is why I support humor initiatives. Giggle is vital to accomplishing that goal."  Sophy Laughing. 


A few ideas about what you can do: 

• You can celebrate joy and laughter and spread the word by changing your Google+, Facebook, Twitter or other social media profiles to the new Giggle browser.
• Use Giggle and explore the farcical world of humor. 
• Anyone can "Take the Giggle Pledge" and join in and/or support all those who have abandoned the influence of computerized bots that propagate negativity by utilizing the Giggle browser, which uses a mirthful algorithm that delivers positive internet searches. 

Giggle strives to elevate exploration and global sharing to jocose heights, enabling users a tongue-in-cheek Internet experience. Similar to how Google covers trends, Giggle uses aggregated search data to measure the increases in humor searches around the world. 

While the model we've built is in an "experimental" stage, which means it has not yet been officially created, it is the hope of Sophy Laughing, Giggle executive, that individuals around the world will switch over to Giggle in a worldwide endorsement of the concept. 

The sooner we measure our humorous activity, the sooner the world will laugh. 

Upcoming Releases: 

Giggle+

Funbook

Yuk

Chortle for Kids

Chuckle Senior

...and Hoot!

We Are The 100%

Today, people all over the world seem very similar to what we used to previously label as gifted. I think my answers to this questionnaire are shared by us all and reflect as much about ourselves as it does about the growing positivity shared by today's global society.

Even if our personal preferences and tendencies differ slightly.

Are You Gifted?

1. Are you overwhelmed by interests and abilities? YES. 


*Meaning, I think of them constantly so in this respect it does overwhelm my thoughts. But I enjoy the contemplation, so it's pleasant at the same time. 

2. Do you question rules and authority? YES. 


*I question everything. I naturally reevaluate all systems of thought for efficacy and adaptability to changing conditions. In this respect, changes feels friendly. 

3. Are you outraged by moral breaches that the rest of the world seems to take for granted? YES. 


*I believe it is only an "appearance" that the world takes things for granted. I don't think the majority of us really do. 

4. Would you consider yourself very perceptive. YES.


*I feel like I relate easily to people, even when I don't share their viewpoint. 

5. Do you have a great deal of energy? YES. 


*Admittedly, I keep going, increasing momentum until I drop. Then every few years, I enjoy, as I am today, a sick day filled with goodness, rest, and my favorite comfort foods and activities. 

6. Are you highly sensitive, perceptive or insightful? YES. 


*A proper response to this question warrants its own posting. 

7. Do you need long periods of contemplation? YES. 


*I don't necessarily "need" long periods of contemplation, I enjoy long periods of contemplation filled with variety and plenty of commercial breaks. 

8. Do you relate things that don't seem to go together? YES. 


*Everything seems to fit quite naturally to me, despite seemingly contrary appearances. 

9. Would you say you have a good long-term memory? YES. 


*I take great delight in remembering my friends' phone numbers from elementary school and many other novel memories associated with living. 

10. Is it easy for you to switch off your thinking? NO. 

*I welcome commercial breaks and do not feel a need to disconnect from anything. In meditation, I soften all my thoughts and send out pleasantries to the world. 

11. Would you say you lack imagination? NO. 


*I enjoy my worldview and love sharing it in every POSITIVE way possible. 

12. Are you perfectionistic? YES. 


*I honor perfection in all its imperfections. 

13. Would you say you have strong moral convictions? YES. 


*Unyielding but with a very big forgiving heart for myself and others. 

14. Do you have an unusual sense of humor? YES. 


*Please define "unusual" lol ... I have my sense of humor. You have your sense of humor. I love elegant, polite, witty, and good humored humor. 

15. Are you a bad problem solver? NO. 


*I love the beauty of logic. 

16. Would you consider yourself very curious? YES. 


*Only about everything of which I can conceive +/- ∞

17. Would you consider yourself very compassionate? YES. 


*I care deeply about the world. 

18. Do you avoid challenge at all costs? NO. 


*The title of my earliest manifesto was "The Unification of Parallel Thoughts".

19. Do you have passionate, intense feelings? YES. 


*Yes, if you consider any of the above responses passionate and intense. 

20. Are you fascinated by words or an avid reader? YES. 


*I am mesmerized by the heights of energetic expression in all its delivery methods. 

21. Are you always off in search of 'something' in your life? YES. 


*Not necessarily in search of 'something' but in exploration of the heights of everything.  

22. Do you have unusual ideas? YES. 


*I share our collective love for novelty. 

23. Are you driven by creativity? YES. 


*It explodes from within in all directions. It looks different from many angles. Like white light breaking up into a rainbow of colorful flavors to be enjoyed. 

24. Does it take you a while to learn new things? NO. 


*I easily intuit the things that interest me. 

25. Do you feel a sense of alienation and loneliness? YES. 


*I only feel disappointment in alienation. I am not lonely because my heart is filled with true reverence for the world. I'm just happy to be here. 

26. Do you set high standards for yourself and others? YES. 


*If I can help someone live their dream, I'm always willing to pause and lend a hand. I'm not in a hurry to go anywhere. I just want to enjoy everywhere I go. 

27. Do you feel out-of-sync with others? YES 


*I do at times get frustrated. I've even stomped my feet up and down in protest of negativity. Today, when I protest, I go jump up and down on the trampoline. It's happier in the waves it sends out to the world. I do not want to meet negativity with negativity, difference with difference. I just want to send out the biggest possible BOOST of POSTIIVE ENERGIE that I can send because POSITIVITY naturally invites us all to EMBRACE LIFE in all its complexities - and in its simplicities. 

According to this test, I'm 100% "Gifted". 

I think I'm 100% Human. 

We are the 100% 

I Want The World To Hear This Message

I believe my post in today's Humor Analysis Academy on the Decline of Negative Humor warrants sharing in here at Sophly Laughing. 

The Occupy Movement can wield a single funny bone against the weight of the world - and win.