Two days ago, I looked out the window and saw something I hadn’t seen for the past several weeks: my lawn. The sun was shining, the temperatures had risen and the snow finally melted away. I felt buoyant and jubilant.

I think this is an apt description of how much we absorb from our surroundings. Every December, I somehow find a way to make space for the many Christmas trees, snowmen, penguins, Santa Claus, wreaths and other holiday decorations I have. Then, every January, when I put them back in their Sterilite 8 gallon totes, my bookshelves and end tables feel empty.

That’s why it’s so important, even when things look bleak, to nourish your body, mind and spirit. I have been trying to practice what I preach. I’m not always successful, and I admit that often times I don’t feel like I see the fruits of my labor. But, there area some moments when my cup runneth over, and I have to be grateful to myself and the universe that I can rejoice and savor the moment.

Wherever you are and whatever you’re doing, I hope you can find some joy. Sometimes, you have to look really hard. Sometimes, you have to make it for others (though usually you receive it in spades). But please don’t give up.

Until next time, stay safe, be well and be kind!

Super Bowl Ad Breakdown

There’s as much talk about the Super Bowl ads as there is the game. I am ambivalent at best about the whole spectacle, but I do appreciate a good story. Which is why I found this practical guide from Fast Company so compelling.

Jeff Beer delved into the high stakes game of making those million-dollar ad spots.

It’s a fun look at a serious effort to capture the nation’s attention. I’m old enough to remember when millions of Americans all saw those ads live for the first (and sometimes only) time—during the game itself. The landscape has changed, and it’s a fascinating look at all the different ways you can tell a story.

I’m going to challenge you, dear reader, to see what lessons you can learn from these slick advertisements. There’s definitely something you can use, adapt or recreate in your own emotional appeals to your own workers to be safe. Maybe you want to tell a story of triumph. Maybe you want to tell a cautionary tale. Maybe you want to generate buzz.

I hope you can make it a successful campaign. And, if I may make a suggestion: Find a way to feature a cute dog, and maybe some Clydesdale horses a la Budweiser’s longstanding (and incredibly heartwarming campaign). For example, this iconic 2008 ad.

Read Beer’s analysis here.

Workplace Happiness

I found this archived article from Harvard Business Review about happiness at work. Author Jennifer Moss cited data about workforce engagement, burnout and stress. These are not new problems; they are persistent workplace challenges.

Often, it’s easy to feel like so much is out of our control and that solutions are out of reach. That’s why lines like this resonate: “For many of us, being an adult at work today is like being a kid at a school without art, gym and recess—no fun.”

What I loved about this article is that it focuses on happier solutions: things people and companies can start doing to make their workdays just a little bit better. It may not be practical, or desirable, to run around the playground for 30 minutes after lunch, but what if we could take some breaks or add more flexibility into our job?

If it feels like I can’t do anything right at work, I’ll give myself 5 minutes to go make a cup of tea. Then I come back to my desk and try again. And you know what? It usually works.

Moss’ article shows just how effective, productive and happier workplaces can be if organizations, teams and even individuals can be if we just take a step back, reflect, have a little fun and remember the Golden Rule.

Read her ideas here.

A Second Act

I am a big proponent of sustainability. I’ve written about repairing shoes before in this column. Now, I present another New York City outfitter that is giving clothes a new life.

The shop Eva Jones repairs clothes. But it’s more than that. The owners are taking tattered garments and making them more than they were before. Instead of a mere patch, they’re adding flair.

It’s a symbolic gesture of acknowledging, even drawing attention to, our flaws rather than trying to merely hide or cover them up. It’s the Japanese art of kitsugi but for clothes, if you will.

Co-owners Emma Villeneuve and Bjorn Eva Park wanted to show that repair work needn't mean piece work that fades into the background. It can be bold, beautiful and attention-getting. They describe their process as intimate. They say a trusting relationship is needed between them and their customers, who bring in well-worn and well-loved treasures, maybe even family heirlooms.

Yes, this article is about fashion. But it’s so much more than sewing. I hope you will read it and think about how you can mend someone else’s brokenness.

Read the piece here.