Practicing Common Courtesy

I like to take one day at a time, and when I do that, each day is a new slate.  All I'm asking for each day is common courtesy from others.  Most importantly, I 'm looking for general social greetings and polite behavior.  Ok...no more beating around the bush.  When I go into a store, I expect to be acknowledged by the cashier.  Since this is important to me, you know I have most definitely been keeping track of my interactions in each store. 

My biggest pet peeve is when a cashier does not greet me....they just start scanning.  I need to be acknowledged.  Many times, we get all the way to the end in silence and the only word uttered is the total (not even followed with a please).  My only theory is that cashiers are trying to check you out as fast as possible, since everyone is always in a hurry.  Even in our hurried lives...this is wrong.  What harm is a friendly greeting, acknowledging that there is a human being standing across from you??  You don't even have to go into a deep conversation or slow down your pace, I'm just happy with hello.  A simple word that some people forget.Hello!

Can being positive rub off on others?

Can being positive rub off on others?  Gosh, I hope so!  For the most part, I am a positive, upbeat person.  I'm one of those irritating morning people who greets everyone.  Most people respond positively, but some people can't stomach a happy, cheerful, "over the top" person.  You know what I say to that?...too bad!!  I truly hope my positive attitude and happy outlook rubs off on others.  I know when people are surrounded by negative people, that rubs off on others VERY QUICKLY.  Negative people are looking for followers, looking for reassurance.  Don't buy into that.  Being negative = being miserable.  Fortunately, I will agree that the majority of people are somewhere in between negative and positive.  Life is full of peaks and valleys. I hope to see you singing on top of the peak more often than not!

Don't be afraid of a hug

Is a hug really so bad?  I didn't grow up a hugger but I sure am one now and I wish society would join me.  Don't worry, I don't go around hugging strangers, but I do hug my family and friends every time I see them.  I have to admit to the non-huggers that I can spot you immediately.  Even my friends who know that's "what I do" have a tendency to cross their arms in front of themselves or shout hello and wave before I get close enough to move in for the hug. 

For me, a hug is just the next step after the handshake. A handshake is for the first time and every time after that deserves a hug.  Society has taught me to be aware of others personal space and body language. If a hug isn't your thing, I can respect that, everyone is different. But...I would love the day when someone would very openly bring me in for the hug first.  It doesn't even have to last long.

If you Feel Grumpy...You are Grumpy

My gosh, it's one thing to wake up in a bad mood, but it's entirely different to be a perpetual grump. If you feel grumpy...you are grumpy.  If it's just a bad mood, you can usually shake it off without ruining your day and anybody else who is caught trolling through your wake.  Be careful if a bad mood extends beyond 4 hours, in my book that is no longer a mood and can potentially snowball into a personality trait.  If you find yourself grumpy, uptight, or fierce day after day after day, then this is now part of who you are and how people see you.

My guess is that MOST people do not WANT to be miserable and negative, they just don't know how to stop.  To get out of the funk...you have to stop the junk.  No more negative ME vs. THEM attitude.  The only one that can improve your mood is you!  It takes a lot of work, but it is possible through a hefty amount of self talk to get yourself through the hurdles of the day and pinpoint what caused this heavy burden in the first place  Foul negativity is like any other addiction.  First you have to want to change and second you have to work extremely hard to change.  Stop blaming everyone and anyone for life's woes.  Think about what YOU can do to improve your situation, talk it over with your alter ego - (yourself) or a friend or relative, look to the future and "let it go".  As you let it go, you'll feel the change...you're on your way to  a positive, blissful you!

Why do babies scream?!

I was just talking to a new dad in the office and his question was...why do babies scream?!! The poor guy was distraught! Well, this is Baby's way to communicate. Unfortunately, the louder the screech, squeal, or squawk, the faster the reaction.  Clearly, it is human nature to wonder what this demanding infant needs.  It is also human nature to react reflexively to this piercing noise.  Once Mom or Dad finds out the baby is not being mauled by a wayward cougar, the question 'why do you have to scream?' deepens.  Parents have to be trained to react to the scream in a non-urgent manner.  If it is not an emergency, the best way to approach a screaming baby is quietly and casually.  A good distraction is also helpful. 

Yelling or forcefully grabbing the baby is not the answer...then they truly do have a reason to scream!  Speak to Baby in a low, quiet tone.  Most likely they will quiet down because they need to hear what you are saying and this reaction may be so unique and new to them that they want to see what it's all about.  You may even throw in a lullabye or silly jingle. 

That being said, there is a difference between an upset scream and a loud screech. One is for attention because of a need and the other is just a form of communicating.  Get to know the decibels of scream and decide how to react to each. In any case, take a needed break as a parent.  Switch off between family members or have a friend come to your aid.  Your baby is not the first screamer and will not be the last!