NATIONAL THOUGHTFUL DAY

August 28th brings with it an opportunity to demonstrate how we value each other. National Thoughtful Day sets aside a celebration meant to bring goodwill in a variety of ways. By serving the day with a spirit of generosity toward others, a ripple effect takes place.

What encompasses a thoughtful day? Sometimes it’s an awareness of fulfilling another’s needs. Whether they are celebrating something already or need a pick-me-up, being aware generates a multitude of thoughts that result in thoughtful acts. It can be a small token or an inspirational word. Either way, your thoughtfulness makes others feel special.

And many times, those special people in our lives will reciprocate in kind. While it is usually not expected when we’re being thoughtful, it tends to happen anyway.

Being thoughtful also creates an interchange of thoughts and ideas that spur even more thoughtfulness. One simple act or word can generate new friendships, cause a plan to develop or a garden to grow. Who knows where your thoughtfulness will lead!

A thoughtful day also gives us perspective. We pause a moment to think of another and not ourselves. Our consideration for others brings kindness to the world that would otherwise be missing.

And while all these reasons matter, one of the most important reasons to celebrate National Thoughtful Day is that it is necessary. Imagine all the lives we touch and how a single thoughtful act can impact them for a lifetime. Thoughtfulness is a necessity we cannot live without.

NATIONAL THOUGHTFUL DAY HISTORY

Thoughtful Pinch founded National Thoughtful Day to celebrate all the ways being thoughtful brings beauty, inspiration, and empowerment to our lives. According to the creator of Thoughtful Pinch, Barb Paton, “By being thoughtful, one size does not have to fit all. In fact, the more unique the celebration, the better!”

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalThoughtfulDay

Put your stamp on the day – your own style of thoughtful. Then put it into practice. Maybe you’ll become the aunt known for her sweet treats or the friend known for surprise coffees at work. Some other thoughtful ideas include:

Mail cards to several people in your address book. A handwritten note means so much since they are rare these days.

Deliver small treats to friends and family. They won’t be turned away, we promise!

Bring fresh flowers to your neighbor. They will brighten the day and make a connection.

Surprise someone with a new book. Inspirational stories bring comfort and joy.

Take a child to the park. Children always appreciate one on one time.

Visit Pinterest for inspiration or Thoughtful Pinch for more ideas.

Most importantly, share your thoughtful day on social media. Include your inspiration and plans while tagging them with #NationalThoughtfulDay.

NATIONAL FRIENDSHIP DAY

On the first Sunday in August, National Friendship Day encourages people across the country and world to connect with friends. Make a new friend or reconnect with an old one. 

Friendships come in many forms, and we begin developing them when we’re very young. Throughout our lives, friendships and their meanings evolve. Our classmates and neighborhood pals explored the world with us. Together we shared experiences and made plans for the future. Eventually, paths diverge and new friends find a place in our social experience. Our world expands and our culture changes. 

With each new friend, we expand our view of the world. Their experiences contribute to new meaning in our lives. Through friendships, we grow and broaden our horizons. Eventually, the world becomes smaller and more connected. 

NATIONAL FRIENDSHIP DAY HISTORY

National Friendship Day was originally founded by Hallmark in 1919. It was intended to be a day for people to celebrate their friendship by sending each other cards. However, by 1940 the market had dried up, and eventually, it died out completely. Then, in 1998 Winnie the Pooh was named the world’s Ambassador of Friendship at the United Nations. In April 2011, the United Nations officially recognized 30th July as International Friendship Day; although most countries celebrate on the first Sunday of August!

The official declaration invites us to “observe this day in an appropriate manner, in accordance with the culture and other appropriate circumstances or customs of their local, national and regional communities, including through education and public awareness-raising activities.”

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HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalFriendshipDay

Celebrate the friends you have and the new ones you have yet to meet!

  • Get in contact with your buddies for a chat or visit. Try Girlfriends Day.
  • Accept an invitation to meet new people. You might make life-long friendships you didn’t know could exist.
  • Share a memory with old friends to spark a fun conversation.
  • Tell your friends how much you appreciate them.
  • Challenge your circle of friends to share an experience they think none of your other friends have had. You’ll discover new things about your friends and find out just how unique each of them is. 
  • Mail a card to your friend. (It was the original goal of the day.)

Post on social media using #NationalFriendshipDay to encourage others to connect with each other.

NATIONAL GIRLFRIENDS DAY

On August 1st, National Girlfriends Day encourages women across the U.S. to get together and celebrate their special bond of friendship. 

Girlfriends fall into many categories. While many grew up together, others meet through work or college. Still, others share a bond much deeper; sisters and mothers meet the definition of girlfriends, too. 

Though these types of relationships cross our minds frequently, we often fail to set aside time to spend with each other. The day promotes the laughter and joys girlfriends bring. Rarely do girlfriends let another go it alone. Not only do they enjoy spending time together, they support each other, too. While laughing and sharing secrets, girlfriends offer advice, and celebrate successes. When it’s time for a glass of wine, a chat over a cup of coffee or to go for a long walk, girlfriends are there.   

Friendship is one of the most special connections in life. 

Whether we have one or many, girlfriends make life better, fuller, and complete. These are the friends that can make you laugh at life’s silliest things. A girlfriend is who you turn to when life is not so kind. In its simplest form, National Girlfriends Day celebrates the unlimited ways life is better with our girlfriends in it. 

HISTORY OF NATIONAL GIRLFRIENDS DAY

The announcement of a National Girlfriends Day was created by mother-daughter authors Kathleen Laing and Elizabeth Butterfield in 2002. They selected September 20th for their celebration along with the publication of their book Girlfriends Getaway.

However, two other claims to National Girlfriends Day on August 1st appear, too. The first is Mistress Susan at savionaire.com who started celebrating in 2003. The second is website team Allie Savarino Kline and Sally Rodgers of sisterwomen.com who started celebrating in 2006.

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HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalGirlfriendsDay

Today, let your gal pals know just how much they mean to you and how special they are in your life. Whether you go out for lunch or a drink, reminisce about the past or your future dreams. Give a small token of appreciation or mail a note. Maybe pick up the phone and make plans with your girlfriends. Be sure these relationships don’t become neglected.

Whatever you do, reach out often to stay in touch. Post on social media using #NationalGirlfriendsDay.

Don’t forget to subscribe to Jen’s Perspective Magazine for more special times..

WINE TOURISM DAY

On the second Saturday in November, Wine Tourism Day features wineries and wine-related events across the globe. It is also a day that highlights the economic impact of wine tourism.

Wine is big business. In the United States alone, people spend over 17 billion dollars on wine tourism. The wine industry in America brings 43 million visitors to over 10,000 wine producers all over the country. Wine is so popular that all 50 states have winery facilities. On a global scale, wine tourism accounts for more than 50 billion euros of direct revenue to the world economy. That equals about 57 billion U.S. dollars.

Dedicated wine tourists travel to wineries and vineyards all over the world. The most popular countries for wine tourism include France, Italy, Spain, Germany, the United States, Australia, and Argentina.

Some of the world’s best vineyards for wine tourism include:

  • Vik in the Cachapoal Valley, Chile
  • Antinori, Italy
  • Quinta do Crasto, Portugal
  • Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte, France
  • Robert Mondavi Winery in Oakville, California
  • Bodega Garzon, Uruguay
  • Zuccardi in the Uco Valley, Artentina

But besides drinking wine, what exactly do wine tourists do? Some people enjoy learning about the wine-making process. Others like to spend the day cycling on wine roads through the vineyard. Wine tourists also enjoy the scenery and learn about different cultures.

WINE TOURISM DAY HISTORY

In 2009, the European Network of Wine Cities organized the first European Day of Wine Tourism. Since other countries began to join the movement, the event became known as Wine Tourism Day.

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HOW TO OBSERVE #WineTourismDay

On Wine Tourism Day, wineries and vineyards around the world promote the wine they make and offer special tours. Many liquor stores offer discounts on bottles of wine. Wine tasting events, wine-making demonstrations, and educational workshops are also popular events on this day. To participate:

  • Research various vineyards around the world and also in your state.
  • Go out with friends for a glass of wine.
  • Plan a future trip to a vineyard in another country.
  • Learn more about wine by reading a book, such as The World Atlas of Wine, The Wine Bible, or Wine: A Beginner’s Guide.
  • Listen to a podcast, like Wine for Normal People, I’ll Drink to That, Wine Blast, or The Unreserved Wine Talk.

Share this day on social media with #WineTourismDay.

POSITIVE ATTITUDE MONTH

POSITIVE ATTITUDE MONTH | October

Positive Attitude Month is an annual designation observed in October. A positive attitude is the best trait you can carry with you, because it makes any difficult or frustrating situation a lot easier to deal with. If you look at most scenarios as “glass half empty,” now is the time to change that! Looking at things with a “glass half full” perspective is a small thought process that makes a big difference. 

6 Lasting Benefits of a Positive Attitude

  1. Longer life span because of overall lower stress levels
  2. Lower chance of depression
  3. More resistance to sicknesses like the common cold
  4. Increased physical and mental well being
  5. Less risk of death from cardiovascular disease
  6. More developed coping skills during challenges.

Finally, your positive energy will result in more overall motivation, more friends, and many more happy memories. Of course, life can be extremely challenging. In our work and personal lives, speed bumps will always present themselves… there’s really nothing we can do about it. So, why not try to make the best of every situation we are thrown into?

5 POSITIVE THINKING IDEAS

Think positively. Expect great things.  Challenge yourself to be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind. If you struggle to keep a good attitude, here are a few steps you can take to move past that.

  1. Write it down. List the negative things in your life… the things that really upset you and cause you to lose your cool. Seeing them on paper can help you recognize and address them when they happens in real life. Cross them off when you are able to overcome them.
  2. Let go of expectations. Sometimes, negativity begins with unrealistic expectations of yourself or others. Understand that nobody is perfect… and the imperfections add character! They make life real and interesting. If you can learn to work with that, you, and those around you will be much happier.
  3. Forgive yourself and others. Do not dwell on past mistakes. You are only hurting yourself if you do so.
  4. Respond, don’t react. Change can be difficult to manage, but if you take a breath and give yourself some time to think, you’ll find the clarity you need to respond in a positive manner.
  5. Surround yourself with positive people. Yeah yeah, we know, you hear it all the time… But if you can do that, you’ll start to see how happy & successful people think, and you’ll likely start to think the same way.

Use #PositiveAttitude to post on social media.