Melissa B. is a "Newness-seeking Self-improving Tree Hugger" . . . or is she? :)

Give 4000 cheers (read all 5 entries…)
3834 5 months ago

The cheer count is moving in the right direction now after what apparently was a mass account or goal deletion of people I’ve cheered. I see I’m not the only one who has experienced this. Hopefully people have been reassessing their goals moreso than leaving. At least one person I thought was inspirational has gone away. :( Bummed about that one.

Sometimes I think people don’t realize how much they influence others, even those they never met or will meet. I read a very interesting article the other day on a phenomenon called “social contagion.” Basically, happiness (or sadness, or other emotions) can spread through groups of people, and these waves of change can start with someone many degrees away from yourself.

Since I’ve read that article, I’ve been thinking a lot about what I present to the world, and trying to make what I put out there better . . . it makes me laugh to think that somewhere in Kentucky, a horse rancher may have had a good day because two weeks ago I did something fabulous at a grocery store in Oklahoma. I don’t know that social contagion really works that way and probably just made a fool of myself describing something totally wrong but ah who cares. I’m happier, anyway. :)



Comments:

hollymoose78 is almost on vacation- YAY!

hello

I’ve read some of your posts, and I really like your outlook on life. We seem to have some things in common. Just wanted to say hi, and have a wonderful day!! :)

I agree

I liked what you said about happiness and contagion – I love the thought of that. I haven’t been on here for long but I have been influenced by others’ goals. Some have really made me laugh and I have discovered that I find some ‘six word essays’ (do check them out) really funny. While other goals have really inspired me – not necessarily the goals themselves, but often the thoughts behind them.

I feel a geek moment coming on…if you haven’t already seen it there was an interesting (to me) study by Fowler and Christakis (spelling?) about the dynamic spread of happiness in social groups, or something along those lines. Of course you may chose to spend your time actually spreading happiness than reading about it! Those Kentucky ranchers are relying on you.

Keep up the good work.

(This comment was deleted.)

dragonfly35 is wishing you a very Merry Christmas and happy holidays of all kinds!

Just reading this post

because I just added the “Give 4000 cheers” goal. I really like this idea of social contagion. I believe it exists – and the internet allows us to spread emotions far and wide. I hope to spread joy, love and peace rather than negativity. Sometimes it’s a struggle when negativity surrounds me – I am not immune. But this place helps a lot. Thanks for sharing this idea!


Melissa B. has gotten 8 cheers on this entry.

 

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