Recently I’ve been reading Happy: Simple Steps to Get More Out of Life by Ian Smith.   What caught my attention about the book was the sales pitch that promised that in it there is an explanation of how optimism and realism live together.  I made it to that section of the book and have to say I was a little disappointed.  Mainly because it was a short section with a few general statements that didn’t give me much insight.

However, I am still glad to be reading the book because there is lots of good information on how studies have shown that happy people tend to infect those around them with their happiness.   Even better yet, the friends and family of those who were just infected infect those around them.  Then their friends and family get infected as well.  According to studies, this is where it seems to stop – none of the family and friends beyond the third ring seem to be affected or feel the warmth of the original infection.  It is fascinating for me to think about how my being pleasant to the grocery store cashier affects not just her friends, but her friends friends and their friends too.

What could be better than that?  It’s free!

That’s right.  You can do it for free.

You can spread some joy, love, peace and happiness in the world and it doesn’t cost you a dime!  

This minion in Ohio is going to give a little gift to the world and do her part to spread the disease of happiness.