Spread LOVE

Oh, the snuggly doggie! Yes, the Pixie-Doodle has figured out a way to squirm under my body and get right in the center of my pillow. I got up to get some water and when I came back to bed, she was lying on her back, front paws stretching overhead until she nestled into my spot, head on the pillow. I had no choice but to scoop her up and hold her little warm body close to me. Heck, there is nothing more important than cuddling a sleeping puppy, or a sleeping family member, snuggles are the #1 priority when offered. Nothing is of greater import than physical connection with loving intent.

When we are close to each other our bodies relax, our heart beats more steadily and all of the lovely hormones of love are released making us feel so happy and content. Every time we hug someone, it is like a power boost, re-energizing our hearts so we can glow with love and spread it.

If you look at a happy person, who is full of love, you can tell from a distance they have that energy. It pulls you toward it, because you want to be near it, maybe if you are near it, some of it will get on you. Guess what? It will. It will get all over you and all up in your heart, and you'll be contagious, spreading that feeling to those you come into contact with. Let the haters hate, I was the angry teen who made fun of happy people because I thought it was easier than trying to be happy. Boy was I wrong! It's pretty effortless once you catch the flow.

Today, smile!!!!! Smiles are face hugs, you can give them freely, even to strangers. Hug the people in your life who you can hug, make the hugs count too, not those little stiff armed, standing three feet away with awkward faces and hands (you know what I mean). Sink into your friend, lover, spouse, parent, child, hold them in your arms like they are the most precious thing on the planet, because they are.

It's one part of my life I know to be true, family and friends are more important than anything: career, school, jobs, cars, clothes, clubs, crap..... I have arranged my life goals and dreams in a way that has allowed me to spend ample time with my son as he's grown up into a teenager. I have a strong marriage and fantastic friends and family who were there for me when I was so sick. They put things aside so they could be there and heal me with their love.

I read that people with large social circles are more likely to survive life threatening situations. It's true, if you're so busy visiting, you don't have time to give up. It blows me away that it has been over 12 years since I last has Leukemia, it was the best gift I never wanted. I learned so much about what is important and what is frivolous.

Cherish your people with all of your heart. Tell them you love them at every opportunity. Give smiles and compliments to strangers, too. Spread LOVE and JOY like a virus! I love YOU!

Grandma Anna with Baby Tracy and 3yr old me! 

She was such a cool lady.