The Miserables... but without the singing....

Have you noticed that people, in general, have been a lot moodier lately? I don't know what it is, but, over time, I've noticed that people are really just miserable. 

And inconsiderate. 

Blame it on the changes of the moon or the astrological charts or whatever, but people are just plain old miserable. I notice this as I am driving to work and I'm not going fast enough for the guy behind me so he tells me by riding my bumper. I notice this in the grocery store when I'm trying to bag my purchase and pay for it and the person behind me is rolling their eyes because I'm taking longer than they would like me to. Even when I am driving down the road and notice people in the other lane, they all have a puss on their face. Every day we are confronted with more and more miserable people. 

Even in the happiest place on earth!

I recently went to the land of the giant mouse, aka Disney World.  Known as the happiest place on earth, I expected people to be a little bit more courteous and understanding. After all, we are all on vacation! What's better than that? I found that, while most were chill and respectful of those around them, there were still a disturbing amount of people who were just the opposite. Shoving their way through to get to their party instead of simply saying "excuse me," snapping at people who had some issues getting through the gate and others who just got grumpy with their loved ones and others around them. 

And don't even get me started on the lack of chivalry these days!!! 

Point is, people have just gotten more and more miserable and everyone just needs to take a time out. We have gotten so overloaded with everything that we have lost sight that our attitude has an effect on those around us. The way we interact with people has a direct effect on their general mood. If we are snippy and just plain mean to someone, they will reciprocate that behavior back at you or, worse, some other poor unsuspecting soul. This just causes a nasty domino effect that will only continue until someone stands up to it and simply smiles. 

SMILE.

Even if you don't mean it. Just the simple act of smiling has a profound effect on yourself and helps the brain get on that path to a better mood. Take that one step further and LAUGH. Laugh at yourself, a funny video, anything. 

Just LAUGH.

The simple act of laughing is a natural stress reducer. When we smile and laugh we release endorphins and those are the body's happy pills. The more we smile and start to enjoy the things around us, the better chance we have to get the world around us back on a track of happier living. 

Now I'm not saying that you can never be miserable or sad again. Things happen. We cannot control the stress that happens. What we can control is our reaction to it and how we treat others. So before snapping at the Starbucks barista for not getting you your latte in a "timely fashion" take a step back, take a deep breath and smile.

Know that this too shall pass and save yourself from creating another miserable person in the world. 

Until next time, be well.