Here's a quick vid to start your week off with a laugh. And quite possibly a craving for chocolate. It's an excerpt from my one-woman show called "Womanhood: The Divine Comedy." Enjoy...
By the way, the new comedy tour will start in Spokane in September, this one with all new
stories, many from my new book (Laugh, Cry, Eat Some Pie). We'll
be excited to benefit RiteCare Spokane once again, a
truly amazing non-profit that provides free speech therapy services for
children and families in the Spokane area. They are miracle workers who
make communication possible (yes, that includes more than just speaking...it thankfully includes laughing, too!) We'll keep you posted on upcoming dates and locations.
The other day, my friend Katie offered me a piece of chocolate and I turned it down, saying, "No thanks. I don't really feel like it." She furrowed her eyebrows a little. "Uh, how about a truffle, then?" No thanks, it just doesn't sound good right now." She looked concerned. "Really? In all these years, I don't think I've ever heard you turn down chocolate. "You're right," I said, "That is a little weird. No, that's a lot weird. I don't think I ever HAVE turned down an offer of chocolate." We both walked away shaking our heads. There was just nothing else to say.
But then I started to worry. I checked my temperature. Looked in the mirror. Did a body scan to see if I felt any renegade mutant cells undermining my well-being and longevity. Nothing.
I glanced out the window to see if there were dark clouds hovering over my home or a plague of locusts descending on the prairie, because maybe this is one of the heretofore unknown signs of the Apocalypse. No evidence to speak of (except evidence of a rather desolate and unkempt back yard).
I felt compelled to Google predictions by Nostradamus and to research what the Mayan calendar foretells about the end of days. I figured I should rent the movie 2012 and see if there's any reference to "Deanna Davis forgoes chocolate" in the action thriller about the cataclysmic end of the earth.
But I'm happy to report that the world is safe for today at least because of a brief conversation I had the other day with my sister, Alicia. We were talking about the relative benefits and drawbacks of supporting the annual Girl Scout Cookie sale (benefits such as investing in the worthy goal of empowering young women and drawbacks such as investing in the purchase of new, larger-sized jeans as a result of such a commitment to empowerment). After our phone call, she promptly Fed-Exed me a box of Girl Scouts Thin Mints, which happily arrived this morning.
My chocolate consumption in the past 20 minutes has not only proven that I need not be alarmed that the end of the world is upon us, but it has also offered several other powerful lessons in both math and civic engagement. Today's Thin Mint buffet has been an illustration of the law of averages--though I did, indeed, turn down chocolate the other day, I more than made up for it in a very short period of time this morning with what can only describe as a truly admirable commitment to the empowerment of young women...and jeans manufacturers...everywhere. Ah, to contribute to society in such a way. And now for a study of how Samoas might impact world peace...
For those of you who haven't seen it, here's a clip of the signature "Blue Flipflop" story from Womanhood: The Divine Comedy (my one-woman show). Hold on, men...this story applies to you, too! Sure, it's 8 minutes long, but I think you'll find that both the laughter and the lesson are both worth a quick break.
And when you're done watching...I challenge you to identify one blue flipflop in your life and blow that baby out at 90 miles an hour. Be sure to share your comments with what YOU are going to let go of...I look forward to hearing about them!
As I'm finishing up editing my manuscript for Laugh, Cry, Eat Some Pie(Perigee, 2010), I realized during an email update to the world's most fabulous editor, Marian Lizzi (and she's mine, all mine...) that I have a subconscious theme in my writing. Since I'm sure it will become exceptionally clear in the coming months, I figured I'd come clean now.
I set out to write this post to share a quick video clip from my Womanhood: The Divine Comedy show in honor of one of my favorite Positive Psychology practices, savoring. It seemed like an apropos topic given the whole fixate-on-food mentality that Thanksgiving feasts demand. But then I realized that my longest post this week was on my cheese addiction, which I'm following that up with a video referencing my chocolate escapades, which is introduced with a reference to my new book, which is an anthem to the life-affirming attributes of pie. Yes, my friends, it seems that I will be writing blogs and books that serve only to explore, expose, and exploit my many vices. Watch out for future musings on martinis, posts on pasta, and chapters on cookies (not to mention witty writings about wine).
But back to the point here. In honor of the ringing-in of the holiday season, I hope you'll consider savoring not only the meals but also the connection and meaningbehind what it is we do this time of year. In our to-do list packed world, with our usual go-do-be-then-do-it-again culture on holiday hyper-drive, I encourage you to step back, take a deep breath, and truly savor not only a flavor or two, but also a moment or two each and every day.
Positive psychology research proves that savoring helps your happiness soar and your depression and anxiety plummet. And, mind/body health research suggests you'll see your stress levels significantly decrease, too...all through the simple act of being mindful in the moment, whether that moment involves a heap of mashed potatoes or a hug from someone you love. There are merits to savoring in all settings!
Yes, it's true. When you make the choice to savor that chocolate (like I did in the video here)...or that pie...or that conversation with a loved one...or that moment of thanks...you'll be healthier and happier as a result. Seems like I might be able to make a case to transform my vices into virtues if we continue along this vein...I'll get back to you on that.
In the meantime, savor a moment watching The Chocolate Chip video. Enjoy!
