When we choose to put our heart and soul into something- maybe for a day, a few weeks, or even years, we feel strong ownership over it. Our time and energy has been given for a special purpose and accomplishment becomes the objective. Whenever that project declines or deteriorates it is personal loss (As in the adorable snowman family melting away above). I have decided that my yardstick has been malfunctioning causing some of the stuttering and stalling of Planet Carol. I have not properly measured the results of my energy use.


The children who built the snow family are completely unaware of the smiles they brought to those who passed by. Perhaps 10- perhaps 100- perhaps a thousand smiles occurred when observing the sweet snow family. When we smile our next action is affected positively- so it is fair to say that each of those smiles caused a positive action somewhere else. Instead of yelling at a driver maybe they had patience. Instead of ignoring the children in the backseat they may have conversed about the snow family. Instead of answering the cell phone in irritation perhaps they were pleasant. The builders of the snow family feel loss as they melt away but their actions may have brought changes for many in the hustle of the day.

One year at Christmas I stopped and got the address of a house at the end of our street. They were the only ones that year that really made an effort to light up their house. I looked forward to seeing it every day. I wrote them a thank you note. I will continue to give time and energy in life knowing that someone somewhere may have a better day……..