Reflections . . . the First Step Toward Limitless Possibilities

Most adults know about animal crackers:? those cute little circus animal-shaped cookies that we ate as kids and subsequently stuffed in our own children’s mouths to keep them quiet while shopping in the grocery store.? The underlying message of animal crackers was to bring a smile to our day and turn things from negative to positive.

For years I provided stress awareness workshops for various clients, including the State Department of Health in Hawaii . . . go figure?? Obviously, I am not a clinician and make no claim to be one.? However, I have been able to provide practical suggestions for understanding and dealing with stressful situations in the workplace.? My credentials?? Been there; learned a thing or two along the way; understand I am still learning . . . a work in progress.

?Hence the return of animal crackers.? Why not have animal crackers for adults?? Having become more health and diet conscious over the years and understanding that everyone isn’t a cookie monster like me, I realized that adult animal crackers should probably take on a different form.? The concept needed to be the same:? bring a smile to the day and turn things from negative to positive; a prescription for releasing endorphins to help us feel better.

?I began to look around and become aware of all the little things in the work environment that added FUN or levity to the day, that provided a lighter moment, that relieved a bit of the stress that inevitably surfaces.? Suddenly they were everywhere, these adult animal crackers; it only took a moment to find them and then to smile.?

• Post-it notes with silly sayings:? my personal favorite. . .”A clean desk is the first sign of a misguided career.”?
• Cartoons with special insight/meaning for a particular project or team.?
• ·????? T-shirts with slogans encourage a smile without offending others.?
• ·????? Funny, appropriate personal stories. These have some added benefits:? teach a lesson; provide context or a “back story” to answer the question “why?”; raise your level of influence through memorable narrative. (That’s not an exhaustive list, by the way.? I’m sure you have other reasons for telling personal stories – just think about your last 24-48 hours.? What anecdote can you share that is both positive and allows folks to chuckle or smile?
• Goofy toys and props that help folks laugh at themselves and with others.

?Do you have animal crackers uniquely your own?? Things that make you giggle, things that allow you to laugh at yourself and with others?? Would your workplace benefit from a serving of animal crackers?? Find some today . . . it’ll make you smile and make a difference in attitude and the ability for you and others to add value to your organization, your clients, and/or your customers.