Healthy Chicks

Yesterday, I was given the opportunity to attend “Playmaker 101” at the Life is Good Headquarters in Boston. The 3-hour workshop revolved around their kid’s foundation, and spreading the power of optimism to children who need it most.

While the morning was geared toward children, we also talked about optimism in our own lives, and how we can impact one another more positively on the day-to-day. I left feeling incredibly inspired and humbled by the experience, and wanted to share some key takeaways with you. While I took quite a bit away with me, most of all it simply made me realize that Hey, life is good.

THINK ABOUT HOW YOU SHOW UP

How do you show up when you enter a room? When we walked into the Life is Good office, Chief Playmaker, Steve Gross, immediately welcomed our group with jokes, laughter and even a fist pump. Bam. Instant comfort level, and you bet I was much more open and happy to be there than if he was cranky, rude and didn’t say hello. How do you show up? Are you warm and inviting? Are you closed off and negative? How can you focus on bringing joy when you enter a room? As Steve said, “Do you want to be the person who changes the energy when you enter the room, or when you leave the room?” I’m guessing it’s not the latter.

SHIFT YOUR PERSPECTIVE

Life isn’t always easy, simple, or great, and we’d be naive to think it was. But for the most part life is good. It’s usually not so much about the things that are happening to you either (job, money, new house, relationship) but more so how you see those things. Instead of focusing on what you can change or what’s wrong with the world, try shifting your perspective to see things a bit differently. I’m telling you, it’s a game-changer.

EXPRESS GRATITUDE

One of my favorite stories of how Life is Good brothers and co-founders Bert & John Jacobs started their business was a story of their mother when they were kids. They didn’t have much, but every evening at the dinner table, their mother would have them share one good thing that happened to them that day. It instantly changed the energy in the room, and helped put the not-so-good stuff behind them. Even during the worst of times, there is a silver lining. There is at least something to be grateful for. Start a gratitude journal. Be grateful, even for the little things. It may just change your life.

BE A PLAYMAKER

The famous Life is Good term “playmaker” stems from the word gamechanger, or someone who makes sh*t happen when your team needs it most. Playmakers do the same for children (and anyone who is struggling for that matter), spreading optimism to those who need it most. Be an optimist. See the good in people. Know that those you meet are usually suffering with their own stuff, and you may be able to lend a helping hand, a smile, some positive vibes.

SPREAD GOOD VIBES

I’m all about the vibes, and I think my dad may in fact be the King of “spreading good vibes.” This is real stuff; it’s the energy we put out into the world and it’s highly contagious. I like to think of it as a powerful unspoken message, a way to channel the good stuff and put it out into the world for others to experience. Be a spreader of the good vibes, and good vibes shall come your way. After all, what we focus on most is what we attract. Let’s focus on the good stuff.

Enjoy your weekend!

xoxo,

Rachel