One week and counting...

Here is an upload of an article I wrote for the Adams Avenue Herald. And since it is of a timely nature, I wanted you to have it advance, too.
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The “dog days of summer” occur during the hottest and muggiest part of the season. The dictionary defines “dog days” as...the period between early July and early September when invincible heat usually occurs in the northern hemisphere. For me, I know events and energies begin to get sluggish.

Today, “dog days” occur during the period between July 3 and August 11. This cycle evolved because of our early ancestors who were avid star-watchers and noticed that in the summer, Sirius, the “dog star,” rises and sets with the sun. This period of time, from 20 days before the the brightest of the stars in Canis Major (the big dog) also happens to be the brightest star in the night sky.

Not much exciting seems to happen during this time. Which is exactly why I chose August to create a new holiday. With the exception of my birthday --and as yet, I have been unable to get the planet to share in my festive behavior –I felt that August was just screaming for a national holiday. I chose August 25th because that date is so linked with the goodwill and cheer of the biggest gift day of the year.

So let me the first to wish you . . .

Happy Appreciation Day!
August 25, 2006

Needn’t grab for your calendars to see how you managed to miss it--you heard it here first. I inaugurated this personal celebration back in August, 1996! My vision was to create one special day in the year when each of us would take a little extra time and effort, (not mandated by a calendar or merchandising holiday) to show our appreciation to people, animals or places in our lives that we may take for granted.

During the traditional holiday season, there are many people that often get overlooked on my gift list either because of seeming time or budget limitations. However, Appreciation Day, we have the opportunity to give a card or gift to those persons who deserve special acknowledgment for the contributions they makes in our lives. You know who I mean: the friendly barrista who remembers my complicated chai tea order; the mailman who consistently delivers all those wonderful catalogs or even the receptionist at the chiropractors office who is so understanding when I call and re-schedule my appointment yet again.

Since this day is not about reciprocity, my gift of appreciation can be one from my mind and heart and not necessarily from my wallet. Simply, a phone call, a personal note or e-mail; or better yet, be really bold and send an anonymous gift to someone where there is no possible receipt of their direct gratitude.

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” John Fitzgerald Kennedy

Appreciation Day also becomes a good time to pick up litter around our neighborhood; volunteer some free time to a worthy cause; or send a contribution to one of those many community organizations that you have been meaning to support but somehow keep forgetting to write that check.

Appreciation is a form of gratitude, is also an aspect of attraction. Things which we appreciate, acknowledge, focus upon in the world, we attract, create and manifest in our lives. After all, who among us doesn’t like to be acknowledged or recognized for how we show up in the world? Sound familiar? As we sow, so shall we reap.

Gratitude shifts our energy. Appreciation Day is a great time to send out some “good vibes” and allow that unselfish energy to up-level our moods. Think about how you feel and respond differently when you see someone else smile when YOU smile at them first!

My hope is that this holiday will become a grassroots event celebrated every Aug. 25th by those individuals who understand the principle of gratitude and the gift of recognition.

By the way, I appreciate your reading this.

P.S. Please don’t tell Hallmark!