A new month means a new calendar from Action for Happiness. In February, the focus is being Friendly and there are 28 days or prompts to encourage us to try.
Being friendly doesn’t have to be a big task. Most of us are basically friendly anyway. A smile, a wave, a greeting is easy to give and can make someone’s day. It doesn’t take much TIME (my WOTY) at all – a few seconds out of your day – how hard can it be?
I remember as a child, Mum or Dad would walk us to school or pick us up after school depending on his shift work. It was about a 20 minute walk to home, and back in the early 60s we lived in a neighborhood on the lower North Shore of Sydney. It was quite a large neighborhood but our walk to school passed by several homes of people we knew. There would always be a friendly ‘hello’ as we passed or maybe if there was time Mum or Dad would stop for a chat.
In one of the homes on our walk lived an Italian family. One of the women who lived there was usually in the front garden as we passed. We called her ‘Auntie’ and although she couldn’t speak English at all, Mum and Dad would always greet her and maybe stop to appreciate her garden. I asked Dad one day why he said hello or greeted people on our walk even if he didn’t know them or in Auntie’s case couldn’t speak our language. His reply was ‘being friendly doesn’t cost you anything’.
Unfortunately, the world we live today in means we need to teach our children to beware of others, don’t talk to strangers. Yet we also need to teach them to be polite and friendly. It definitely is a fine line. We live in a world where for many, mobile phones are glued to our hands and faces are turned down to the screen as they walk. So much of life is missed living this way. We don’t appreciate nature, our surroundings or those around us.
Many have lost the art of connection, being friendly, smiling or greeting others.
But…
I still believe you can be friendly and this calendar from Action for Happiness shows little ways we can be friendly each day. I believe that if you smile at someone they usually smile back. You just have to take the first step.
I do note though that there isn’t a prompt in the calendar for being Friendly to ourselves. Too often we put ourselves last, the mean voice in our head says unkind words to us and is definitely not friendly.
You might like to check out my very first interview for the Women Living Well After 50 Podcast, where I discussed with my friend, Leanne from Cresting the Hill how to ‘Become your own best friend and why it is so hard‘.
PDF Version can be dowloaded here: https://www.womenlivingwellafter50.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Feb-2023-action-for-happiness.pdf
Do you find it easy to be friendly? If not, what holds you back?
What prompts from the calendar do you think you will implement in February? Share with me in the comments.
Have a wonderful, Friendly February.
I’m linking up with Denyse Whelan who hosts Wednesday Words & Pics. Take some time to pop over and read Denyse’s post and also posts from other bloggers who have linked up. xx
24 Comments
Hi, Sue- Thsnk you for sharing another great calendar. You are reight – being friendly doesn’t cost a thing but can make all of the difference in the world!
Hi Donna, another inspiring calendar from Action for Happiness to share. xx
A simple hello is easy and makes a world of difference. There are people we see every morning who won’t even muster up a smile let alone a greeting. I’m determined to break them down lol.
You will break them down, Jo. Who could resist your smile and greeting? x
Hi Sue I agree with you that being friendly costs nothing. I’m rather shy but I’m fairly sure that I’m friendly. Some great Feb prompts here.
I’m shy too, Jen but I find a smile and nod of head is something I can manage easier than perhaps actually initiating a conversation. x
Hi Sue, this is such a lovely idea! Being friendly is easy and I know myself that a kind word or gesture from someone can make my day. It can totally change a bad day into a good one and fills you with lovely feel good vibes which can have a domino effect. Friendliness and kindness is what the world needs more of! Hope you’re having a great day! xo
I love the Action for Happiness calendars, Min. They are inspirational and great reminders to live well and be a kinder person. Enjoy planning your trip, you must be getting very excited. x
Thank you for sharing the February calendar, there are so many wonderful prompts. A simple good morning or hello to someone can make such a difference to that person’s day. Technology was supposed to bring us closer together, which it has with regards to distance. Unfortunately I don’t feel this is the case with our face to face social interaction. Have a wonderful day Sue.
My pleasure, Sue. I agree re Technology and sometimes there is nothing better than having connection in real life. I love the Action for Happiness calendars as they are reminders of how we can live better lives. Enjoy your weekend, and thanks for visiting. xx
That’s what I missed the most when I had to stop my morning walks last year – all the lovely neighbours! So many people that I say Hi to or stop for a quick chat. We often live disconnected from our community and walking has been a great way to engage and get to know people. Happy Friendly February Sue x
I can understand, Leanne. A community is created isn’t it, even if it is just the ‘good morning’ group. Have a lovely weekend and hope you are okay with the heat. It is stifling over here. x
I like this idea. It’s a good one – and easy to do. I might modify it for me as I already do a lot of those. Sometimes we need a kick starter cos we don’t realise how we’re shutting ourselves off. I am one of those head in my phone people! Opps!
I can fall into the ‘in my phone’ people too, Lydia. These monthly calendars are a great prompt and as you say a kickstarter. We can modify to suit. Enjoy your weekend and thanks for stopping by. x
You must be one of the friendliest people I’ve met Sue so this is definitely your month! Love these calendars and thanks for sharing with us. x
I think the same about you, Deb. Your smile is so welcoming. I agree the calendars are a great idea and that is why I like to share each month, even though I haven’t written them. x
I absolutely love this calendar – will download and try to follow some of the prompts throughout the month. One thing we’ve loved about being back in the UK is that our little town is so friendly – we have some fabulous neighbours and people on the street always say hello and share a smile. It’s the little things that make a big difference! 🙂
The Action for Happiness Calendars are great, aren’t they Sammie? Living in a small town lends itself to friendliness more than big cities where everyone is always rushing here and there. Enjoy your new home and have a lovely weekend. x
What wonderful ideas, Sue – love your restaurant at home one. Toni x
Thanks, Toni. Hope you are keeping well. x
Sue I really appreciated the recommendation of my blog link up. Thank you. Back in those slower days, I recall my late grandfather would be out the front of his place at times, and people walking by to the local shops would stop for a chat. Gosh, it was so good to read this about your family too. I tend to say ‘g’day’ and ‘hi’ to people I pass on a walkway. Most give a response. We NEED connections!! More than ever! It was great to see your post shared for this week’s Wednesday’s Words and Pics. I am grateful for your support. I hope to see you next week too. Thank you. Denyse.
My pleasure, Denyse. It is all about supporting and promoting each other when we can. I agree we do NEED connections although I also enjoy my alone time as I’m sure you do too. It really is a matter of balance and of course being friendly is quite easy really and can make someone’s day. x
I love that the theme for February is being friendly. It really does not cost anything to smile and say hello to someone and you could really brighten their day. Thanks for sharing this wonderful reminder to help us all get connected.
It surely doesn’t cost anything to smile and it has such a positive effect. x