It’s been a rough month, friends. Usually I start out January strong, but for whatever reason, I puttered and sputtered out of the gate. I didn’t read as much or blog as much, my running mileage has been down and my unhealthy eating up. Basically, not good.

I can’t tell you what I did do except pull together my materials for my ARL, fill out applications that I can’t file until March, and basically fret that all would get done in time (I had to request my ACT transcripts. ACT. It’s been years since I took that test, and you can’t look it up online. You have to send in a request via snail mail). So you see, I’ve been a bit preoccupied (and OCD). Hopefully that’s changing with Friendly February:

“The best way to cheer yourself up is to cheer somebody else up.”

Mark Twain

Friendliness seems basic. Almost too basic to blog about, but it’s so important. You need that basis of friendliness and kindness to pull you through the hard times. You need that circle of family and friends and acquaintances to buoy you up when you’re feeling down. One of the most basic aspects of humanity is human connection. Being friendly is the start. It’s the beginning. In time, hopefully that friendliness progresses towards kindness and love and joy.

Choose Joy.

—A