What Else is Contagious?

We all know, especially at this moment, that viruses are contagious. I was thankful for the reminder this past week that lots of things–many that are positive–are contagious. I'm working hard right now to spread these things via notes (analog, digital, and voice) as much as possible. Here are a few of my favorites.

Laughter. I can remember being in the kitchen at Cyril's and laughing because I could hear my friend Chris, who was eating dinner on the other side of the restaurant, laughing. I can also laugh just thinking about someone I love laughing really hard.

Warmth. I know this because when I put my ice cold feet on my husband's legs when we watch tv and it helps me warm up. I also know how it feels inside when someone reaches out to let me know they've been thinking about me.

Truth. One person telling the truth, even when it's hard to hear, can shift the energy of an entire room or situation. 

Kindness. I'm not talking about the "kindness" someone offers when they tell you a better way to do something, I mean the kind where one person bears witness to the humanity of another. This podcast episode I heard recently includes a great example (and is what got me thinking about other things that are contagious). 

Calm. My dear friend Tom is one of the calmest people I know. The minute I see him walk through the door my shoulders move away from my ears a little. If I think about it, my life is full of people like this who aren't shy about immediately using the w-word (we) when they see that I'm struggling.