Director of Happiness – Football – Holiday Weekends
Other
I want to be the ‘Director of Happiness’! A few days ago, I received an email that announced I had been named a VHP (Very Happy Person). I pretty much already knew that, but I was excited that someone else had noticed. ‘Delivering Happiness’ was a wonderful book that is very inspiring. It came at the perfect time for me as I was finishing up my MBA program and determining what I’m going to do with the rest of my life. I often shy away from thinking in those kinds of terms because by now, I’ve figured out that I am continually changing. My priorities right now are VERY different than they were 10 years ago, and I can only assume that 10 years from now, they will have changed again. So rather than have the goal of becoming CEO of XYZ Corporation, or of having eight children, I needed something more, something bigger, and yet, simpler.
Two things helped me to find that path… one was a class I was taking in my MBA program at the time. It was a leadership class, and one of our assignments was to write our vision statement. After going through some exercises (which seemed random at the time), my final vision statement basically boiled down to just a few words: I want to positively affect those I come in contact with. My professor asked where my career aspirations were in that statement. We both thought it profound that career had taken a back seat.
So, going back to the VHP program – I happened to notice a comment by someone who mentioned they were the Director of Happiness for their organization. I was intrigued… and jealous! This person’s sole job is to make sure the employees are happy. Now sometimes, that means dealing with IT problems, or compensation concerns, or a frustrating superior, but much of the time, it’s finding answers to questions, thinking of creative solutions, and creating fun events to keep morale high. THAT IS THE JOB I WANT! I want to be the person whose job it is to greet all the new hires and tell them that no matter what, if they have a question, they can come to me. That when people have a problem, they think ‘I know who can solve it. Amanda!’ If you know of a company that needs this kind of positive force… I’m the woman for the job! It may take me awhile to find that position (after all, how many companies do YOU know of that have a Director of Happiness?) but I pretty much think that’s my calling in life.
Sports
Thank goodness football has started! It really didn’t matter what teams were playing last night, I was just so excited to see 22 men on the field in a game that actually mattered. Clemson gets on the field tomorrow and it will be interesting to see how the Tigers do without CJ Spiller (now a Buffalo Bill! Sorry for the graininess of the photo). Luckily Kyle Parker came back for his senior season, which greatly increases the chance of a successful season.
Both my fantasy league teams are looking good. Peyton Manning as the starting QB in one, Aaron Rodgers in the other. Those are good foundations, and I’m looking forward to a lot of smack talk throughout the season. (Did I mention they are both all-women’s leagues?).
Life
Ah, a three-day weekend. My boss has graciously told us we can all leave early today in preparation for the holiday weekend. I’ll be taking her up on that, so I’m heading out the door now! Have a wonderful Labor Day weekend (and if you’re reading this on Tuesday, I hope you had a great one!).
God bless you all!