Can you believe it? February is already here. January just flew by with lots of great days to celebrate. But never fear! Irwin's here with your February calendar of special days. And yes, there's lot's to celebrate this month besides Ground Hog's Day and Valentine's Day.
February
1,  Serpent Day (I love my snake friends!); National Get Up Day; National Freedom (from slavery) Day
2. Ground Hog's Day; National Heavenly Hash Day
3.  National Women's Physician Day; National Day the Music Died; National Wear Red Day
4. National Create a Vacuum Day; National Homemade Soup Day (YUM!) and National Thank a Mail Carrier Day
5.  National Weatherperson Day; World Nutella Day (My wise teacher, The Dharma Frog, makes an awesome Nutella cheesecake.)
6.  National Frozen Yogurt Day; National Lame Duck Day
7.  National Periodic Table Day; National Send a Card to a Friend Day
8. National Boy Scouts Day; National Kite Flying Day (Do the Boy Scouts have a merit badge for kite flying???)
9. National Bagel Day; National Pizza Day; National Toothache Day (Really? They have a day for this? I try to forget my toothaches...not remember them!)
10. National Umbrella Day; National Home Warranty Day; National Cream Cheese Brownie Day
11. National Don't Cry Over Spilled Milk Day; National Inventors' Day; National Make a Friend Day; National Shut-in Visitation Day
​12. National Plum Pudding Day
13. National Clean Out Your Computer Day
14. National Ferris Wheel Day; National Organ Donor Day; Valentine's Day
15. Singles Awareness Day
16. National Do a Grouch a Favor Day
17. National Random Acts of Kindness Day
18. National Battery Day (You never appreciate them until it's too late...)
19. National Lash Day (Do frogs have eyelashes....)
20. National Love Your Pet Day; Presidents Day
21. National Sticky Bun Day (Not the best diet choice but they are pretty yummy...and they go well with tea)
22. National Cook a Sweet Potato Day
23. National Dog Biscuit Day; National Toast Day; National Tile Day
24. National Skip the Straw Day
25. National Chocolate Covered Nut Day; National Clam Chowder Day
26. National Tell a Fairy Tale Day
27. National Polar Bear Day
28. National Public Sleeping Day; National Tooth Fairy Day; Rare Disease Day in the USA; Spay Day USA (This is so important!)
See, I told you there were loads of special days in February! How many of them will you choose to celebrate? I have a list of my favorites and I'm heading to the party store right now. Have a great month!

Tomorrow is one of my favorite days of the year. January 31st is designated as Inspire Your Heart With Art Day. Art is essential to the human spirit. And we frogs love art as much as  you do. I asked myself why art is so important to me and I came up with a few really interesting answers. See if you agree with any, or all of them.
1.  Art makes us think. Looking at art makes us ponder what the artist might have been thinking. We think about how they created their piece. For me, I think about why it is that I like certain pieces of art, but not others. Art makes us think about all kinds of things.
2.  Art takes us places.  Art allows us to travel to places we might not otherwise ever visit. Art can take us back in time and ahead to a time that is yet to come. We can see the world as it was, as it is, as it will be...at least through the eyes of that artist. Art lets us look into the creative mind of another.
3. Art makes us feel something.  Every time I look at art, I feel something; longing, empathy, anger, desire, disgust, connection and, a lot of time, just plain confusion. But I always feel something. Art speaks to each of us in different ways.
4.  Art makes us look. I don't know about you, but it's impossible for me to walk past a piece of art and not look at it. Some pieces I will stare at for a long time; others warrant only a temporary glance. But I always have to look.
5.  Art makes us realize that humans (and frogs) are fundamentally the same around the world and throughout all time. Humans, no matter where they live or when, all convey the same emotions, wants, needs, and desires. This is never more evident than in art. People from all different cultures are drawn to art because art speaks in a language that anyone can understand.
6.  Art last longer than most things. Art is enduring, It's handed down from one generation to another. Art increases in value with age, usually, and there aren't many things we can say that about. We can enjoy looking at art that's thousands of years old as much as we can enjoy something that was created yesterday. I get deeply moved by looking at art that was created along time ago. I feel as if the artist is there with me. I can feel their presence. Their spirit lives on through their work. I love standing close to something that is so old. I become part of history.
7.  Art feels so good to make. As a writer, I know what deep satisfaction I get when I write a book. There's nothing quite like the feeling of getting my creativity from inside my head and onto paper where others can, hopefully, enjoy what I've done. It's the same for any art form.  Just ask a painter, sculptor, musician, or even a baker. Creating something gives us a feeling that nothing else can compare to.
8. Art says things that words can't. Art shows us things like how a sunset looked 300 years ago. They show us what pain and joy look like. Art shows us what love looks like and what the world did, or could, look like. Nothing expresses humaness more than art.
Art is valued and appreciated for all sort of reasons. Those pieces of art that move us to tears, or cause to feel spontaneous joy...those are the pieces that we remember for a lifetime. Art has the power to change us. Art inspires our heart.
So, how might you celebrate art tomorrow? 
Visit an art gallery. Read a good book. Listen to music. Attend a ballet, opera, or play. Start your own masterpiece...or finish one you've already begun. Talk to a child about the importance of art and encourage their artistic endeavors. See a good movie and pay attention to all the special effects, camera shots, and direction that went into making it. Say thank you to an artist you know. And for you social media buffs, us #InspireYourHeartWithArtDay on all your social media postings tomorrow. 

Winter is in full swing here in Land of Lily Pad. And although we don't get any real winter temperatures, we do enjoy playing many winter sports. This weekend, my little brother, Quigley, has asked me if I would take him to our local ice rink and play a little hockey with him and his friends. Quigley, Jr,  is a lot more athletic than I am but I do my best to try and keep up with him. I don't know much about the game so, in my typical fashion, I researched the history of the sport and found some pretty interesting facts.
The name hockey has no clear origin but the first mention of it appears in the 1773 book, "Juvenile Sports and Pastimes, to Which are Prefixed, Memoirs of the Author; Including a New Mode of Infant Education" by Richard Johnson (a pseudonym for master Michel Angelo.) And yes, that's the REAL title of the book. His chapter XI was titled, "New Improvements on the Game of Hockey." The 1573 Statute of Galway (Ireland) banned a game called "hokie" whereby a little ball was hurled using sticks, or staves. It is believed that the word puck comes from the Scots word puc, or the Irish word poc which both roughly mean "to poke, punch, or deliver a blow."
Stick and ball games date back to pre-Christian times and include the Irish game of hurling, the Scottish game of shinty, and various versions of field hockey. A 1797 engraving was unearthed by Swedish sports historians Carl Giden and Patrick Houda, and shows a person on ice skates with a stick and "bung" on the River Thames, probably done in December of 1796. British soldiers and immigrants to Canada and the US brought with them their stick and ball games and played them on the snow and ice during the long winters. A mid-1830's watercolor portrays a New Brunswick (Canada) lieutenant governor, and his family, playing a stick-on-ice game with British soldiers. In 1859, A Boston Globe article referred to an early game of hockey played on ice in Halifax (Nova Scotia) of that year.
Wherever the early game of hockey did start, the center for the more modern game is clearly in Montreal where the first organized indoor game was played in March of 1875. The McGill University Ice Hockey Club is the first known official group and was organized in 1878. The popularity of the sport grew by leaps and bounds. And by 1893, there were more than 100 hockey clubs in Montreal alone.  The oldest indoor rink still in use today is Boston's Matthew Arena which dates back to 1910.
Professional ice hockey has been around since the early 20th century. The uniforms and protective gear has been significantly improved over the years, thank goodness, but the game of hockey is virtually the same as it's always been. It's a fast-moving game and fun to watch. I could do without all the extra "action" though as today's modern games have become a little too "physical" for my own taste. But, I don't think I have much to worry with little Quigley's froglet hockey team.
I'm getting the blades on my ice skates sharpened today and I'm looking forward to spending time on the ice with little bro' and his friends. It's been awhile since I've been on skates and I wonder if I'll even be able to stand up on them. No matter what your plans are this weekend, I hope you'll be able to enjoy spending time with your family and friends. And if a somewhat-violent, physically-challenging sport played on ice isn't exactly your idea of a good time, you can always play something a little more sedate. Checkers, chess, Monopoly, and many other board games abound and are a fun way to pass the time on a cold wintry weekend. Come to think of it, the next time Quigley wants me to play a game with him, I think I'll suggest Candyland.....
         I wish you all a pleasant weekend and i hope to see you back here on Monday!​

Not as many humans garden as they used to but, I'm happy to report, gardening is starting to make a big comeback.; It's rewarding, and kind of fun, to eat the foods you've raised yourself. It's also healthier and the food tastes better and fresher. So, why am I talking about gardening in January? Because the last Saturday in January is designated as National Seed Swap Day. If you've ever had an interest in home gardening, this is a great way to learn about gardening and gather seeds for your spring planting. All while having fun and giving Mother Nature a much-needed hand.
In January 2006 the first Washington Gardner Magazine Seed Exchange took place in Washington, DC. After the success of this first event, other seed exchanges began "sprouting" up in other American cities and National Seed Swap Day began as an annual celebration.
Seed swapping is a fundamental part of human history since seeds were one of the first commodities valued and traded. In today's world,  modern gardeners collect and exchange seeds for many reasons, ranging from  cultivating and raising rare, heirloom varieties to basic thrift, Seed exchanges perpetuate biodiversity. Swapping seeds is an act of giving and is the ultimate form of recycling.
Saving and swapping seeds may conjure up images of yesteryear and remind you of the tale of Johnny Appleseed, but they are also paving the way for future generations. Back in Johnny Appleseed's day (John Chapman) there were at least a hundred varieties of apples. But this is no longer true. If you mosey through the produce section in a large grocery store you may, if you're lucky, find 10-12 varieties that have manage to survive. And this is true for more than just apples. With the advent of modern agricultural practices and the growth of corporate agriculture, humans have lost much of their agricultural biodiversity. Farmer's markets and the growing local food movements are helping to change that, as more and more people are taking an interest in where and how their food is grown. Biodiversity isn't just about having more food options, although that's a part of it. Biodiversity is a practical way to protect against disease and pests that can wipe out food crops which, in turn, decrease nutrition and can cause famine.
A balance does need to be found between raising enough food to feed the world's population and protecting biodiversity. Seed swaps and exchanges is a simple way that home gardeners can help. Growing your own food from heirloom and non-hybrid seeds, along with saving and sharing your seeds, is a great way to support biodiversity of your food. You can also buy foods that are sourced by local growers who save their seeds. The goal here is to conserve and promote endangered garden and food crops by collecting, growing, sharing heirloom plants, and supporting the folks who use these seeds and plants! And don't forget seed banks which are an organized effort to preserve seeds for future use.
If you have a seed bank or seed swap in your area, support it. If you don't, you might want to consider starting one. Get your kids involved, too. They'll have fun and it's helpful for them to know that food comes from somewhere other than the grocery store. Your local master gardener club and local librarian are excellent resources that can help you get things growing in your neighborhood. Support your local farmers and growers. Or become one yourself!

I can't believe that it's Wednesday again already. Dharma arrived earlier than usual this morning and caught me a bit off-guard. As I prepared our tea and toast, he asked me what I believe. I believe all kinds of things, as most of you know, so I asked him if he could be a little more specific. I was surprised by his answer.
"Irwin, I want to know what you believe about yourself and about your life? Do you see possibility or do you see lack?"  I answered truthfully and told him it depends on the day of week...some days I'm a lot more optimistic than others. I think some of this, at least, has to do with what's going on in the world and how good...or bad...the day's new is. Well, needless-to-say, Dharma looked shocked and a little dismayed. "My boy, you can't let others dictate your beliefs. Your beliefs are your own and you alone control them. Do you want to believe that life if good and that you can succeed? Or would you rather wallow in sadness and self-doubt?" The answer was obvious. I LIKE being happy and positive.
"The frog who stares at the closed door, Tadpole, will never see the one that's open. Simply put, Irwin, your beliefs are thoughts that are true for you.  And they can be very limiting. And as much as you may want to to think your beliefs are universal truths, they are not. Take the news for instance. If all you see is negative news you may come to believe that there isn't any good news. But what you're really seeing is only what the news people are choosing to show you; it's their version of the truth. There's lot of good things happening, but good news doesn't "sell." Each of us must look at our beliefs and see which ones are creating the kind of world we want to live in and which ones are acting as impenetrable walls, shielding us from the sun. Change your thoughts; change your life. It's really very simple," Dharma said quietly.. And indeed I could see the benefit of questioning my beliefs. 
Our beliefs, when we hold on to them tightly, have an effect on our life and how we experience it. Limiting beliefs limit our world and our possibilities. But, as Dharma reminded me, long-help limiting beliefs are the hardest ones to change. Why? Because  our reality keeps strengthening it. It's a kind of "Catch 22" where escape seems impossible. But there is a way out. It begins, as Dharma suggests, by observing others. We can see that their views, on the same subject, are different than our own. And they hold on to their beliefs as tightly as we do our own. So who's right? Once we can begin to accept that other beliefs are possible, it makes them a little easier to change. But change doesn't usually happen quickly. It takes time, patience, and perseverance.
The next time you find yourself facing one of your limiting beliefs, stare it for a moment and then ask yourself if you truly believe this...or is it just possible that, perhaps, another viewpoint might be more advantageous. If something hasn't worked for us in the past, why believe that it'll work now? Growing and evolving...that is what life is all about.
I know that after today's lesson with my wise teacher, I have many limiting beliefs that I need to look at. I find it rather exhilarating to know that I have the power to control my own life. Me. No one else. Change is scary and very difficult, to be sure, but so is everything else worth having. And I like knowing that if my beliefs aren't doing the job I hired them to,  I have the power and the authority to say, "You're FIRED!" And, starting today, many of my limiting beliefs will be standing in the unemployment line.

Ever notice that when someone gives you a compliment, you feel really good...sometimes for days. I know that a compliment will make me hop higher than normal...putting a real bounce in my step, so to speak. I mention this because today is National Compliment Day.
Compliments has a positive and energizing effect on everyone. They can instill confidence or validate our hard work. Not only do compliments improve the receiver's mood, but they say a lot about the giver, as well. But, as you know, compliments must be sincere. Humans have a way of knowing when you fake a compliment. Receiving an insincere compliment is worse than getting a thoughtless birthday gift.
And did you know that complimenting a character trait rather than, say, a great outfit, offers a different reward? One says you respect the person while the other tells them that you see them and have paid attention. Both are necessary. We all want to be seen and valued for who we are and what we do.
Kathy Chamberlain of Hopkinton, New Hampshire and Debbie Hoffman of Concord, New Hampshire created National Compliment Day in 1998. And I, for one, am so glad they did! Psychology Today says that compliments are an extraordinary component of social life; when given with sincerity they create so much positive energy that they can make almost anything seem possible, as if by magic.
Compliments arise out of taking notice of praise-worthy efforts and situations. They are a mark of awareness and consciousness. Both frogs and humans derive benefit from being the object of a compliment. Compliments make us strive to do more of what brings us praise from others. Focusing on the good things, and people, around us can be a real mood-elevator, as well. Compliments act as a kind of cognitive training...a training of our attention. But compliments don't just benefit the receiver.
The giver of the compliment gets a boost of happiness, as well.  I've mentioned time and again, making others feel good is the best way to make ourselves feel good. Happiness is contagious. Humans have a tendency to think other humans are mind-readers. But just because you think something about another, doesn't mean that they know it. That's why giving compliments mean so much. Actions may speak louder than words, but in the case of compliments, words speak volumes. So speak up! Tell someone you think they're smart, well-dressed, funny, etc. Go ahead! Spread some happiness. You'll get more of it back than you can possibly imagine.
I like to think of compliments as little gifts of love. They are not asked for or demanded. Most often, they're not even expected. They tell a person they're worthy of being noticed. For me, anyway, a compliment that come from a total stranger can mean more than the one coming from a friend or family member. But all compliments are good, as long as they are honest and from the heart...just like any other gift we give.
Be generous with your compliments today. Tell the grocery store checker they did an an awesome job. And tell your sister that you've been meaning to compliment her new hairdo. And don't forget your boss. Be sure and tell him, or her, that you appreciate what they do. I love to receive compliments. We all do. But I'm guilty of not giving as many as I might. I often think nice things about others, but don't always verbalize them. But that will change, beginning today. How about you? Do you give compliments? If not, this is the day to start. See if you don't have one of your best days ever.
And have I told you lately how much I appreciate that you take the time to read my blog? Well, I do!

Psychologist/artist Anne Truitt said, "Unless we are very, very careful we doom each other by holding onto images of one another based on preconceptions that are in turn based on indifference to what is other than ourselves." 
Sadly, it seems that hate, bigotry, and an "us versus them" attitude in the world is becoming even more common these days. The human race was doing pretty well  in this area until recently, but then things started to change. Kindness and compassion for one another has kind of gone out the window. What is necessary for worldwide peace and prosperity is more kindness and more compassion...not less. But how do we find them in a world seemingly gone mad?
Ms. Truitt urges "the honoring of others in a way that grants them the grace of their own autonomy and allows for mutual discovery." The question is how do we find within ourselves the capacity and willingness to honor "otherness" where we see only ignorance and bigotry in beliefs that are not only polar opposites of our own, but also dangerous to the very fabric of society? 
Interestingly, we can look to the late Carl Sagan for help with this. Mr. Sagan, the world-renown astronomer and astrophysicist, has written much on how we can bridge our convictions and compassion when dealing with those who disagree with us, perhaps even attacking our beliefs. Mr. Sagan eloquently wrote, "When citizens are asked to swear in American courts of law to 'tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth,' humans are asked to do the impossible. It is simply beyond our powers. Our memories are fallible; even scientific truth is merely an approximation; and we are ignorant about nearly all of the Universe." Humans, especially, are deeply attached to their beliefs; they define their reality and are thus  elementary to their very selves. That means that when someone's beliefs are attacked, it can often seen as personal. And it's as true for one human as it is for another; that's where the us versus them attitude comes into play. Mr. Sagan offers some wise advice for reconciling their "intellectual righteousness with their human fallibility." Kindness and compassion, he says, is the best way to overcome differences.
He added, though, that kindness doesn't have to mean assent. But there are times, like in the case of bigotry and hate speech, when we have to confront and critique these harmful beliefs. "For every silent assent will encourage [the person] next time, and every vigorous dissent will cause him/her to think twice." There's a fine line between acceptance of personal beliefs and condoning dangerous behaviors. Figuring out a prudent balance takes wisdom. Sagan argues that the greatest detriment to reason is when we let our reasonable and righteous convictions slip into self-righteousness. That, he says, is the deadly force of polarization.  Us vs. Them is a sense that we have a monopoly on the truth; that anyone who doesn't believe as we do are stupid morons. "If you're sensible, you'll see it My way," think many humans, "and if you're not, you're beyond redemption." Sagan warns that this thinking is unconstructive. He believed, as do many, that a compassionate approach works best. 
The central point of Mr. Sagan's writings on this subject is that humans are all human; greatly perturbed by fear, anxiety, and uncertainty. And in seeking to calm yourselves, you sometimes anchor yourselves in irrational and ignorant "ideologies" that offer you a sense of stability, even though it is illusory.  Sagan calls for "compassion for kindred spirits in a common quest."  A 21 year-old Hillary Rodham asserted, "we are all of us exploring a world that none of us understand." And how right, and forward thinking, she was!
The world is changing. It changes daily. Keeping up with, and accepting, these massive changes can be scary, especially when they call  into questions are own deeply-help beliefs. Ignorance does, I believe, arise from a feeling of "powerlessness in a complex troublesome, and unpredictable world." Being open to change, learning all we can before making up our minds on something, offering compassion to those who are different...this is the way forward. "Envisioning a society capable of cultivating both critical thinking and kindness," Sagan insists, "can start with the role and responsibility of the media." 
We all need to do our part to stand up to hatred and bigotry while remaining compassionate to those who have different beliefs than our own. It's a difficult task. But if anyone is up to the challenge, it you humans. I have faith that you can, and will, pull it off...even if it doesn't look very likely right this minute.

I like squirrels. I think they're an undervalued member of the animal species. I guess Christy Hargrove thought so, too. Because in 2001, Ms. Hargrove of Ashville, North Carolina, created Squirrel Appreciation Day to be celebrated every January 21st.
Squirrels are actually classified as rodents and that may well be why their popularity is down with many humans. But they certainly do have the cute factor going for them! I didn't realize it, until I started researching squirrels for this blog, that there are over 265 species of squirrels worldwide. The squirrel family includes tree squirrels, ground squirrels, chipmunks, marmots, flying squirrels, and prairie dogs, among other members of the rodent family. Squirrels, like frogs, can live in almost any habitat and are found nearly everywhere; from tropical rainforests to semiarid deserts regions. Like us frogs, they're not crazy about the super-cold so you won't find either of us living with the polar bears!
Although many juvenile squirrels die in their first year, adult squirrels can live 5-10 years in the wild and often live 10+ years in captivity.
Since tomorrow is Squirrel Appreciation Day, I've assembled a few fascinating facts about these furry critters that, I bet, many of you don't know. I sure didn't!
1. The smallest squirrel is the Pygmy African Squirrel at just under four inches long (10 cm); the largest known squirrel is the Indian Giant Squirrel which measures in at a whopping 3 feet long!
2. Squirrels are very trusting animals and are of the few critters in the wild that will eat out of a human's hand.
3.  In colder regions, squirrels store food supplies in order to survive challenging winter months. They store nuts and seeds in various locations, then return to them when food supplies become scarce. 
4.  Squirrels run in erratic paths; this is intended to confuse potential predators...they won't know which direction the squirrel will actually run in.
5.  Squirrels are extremely smart creatures. They will often put on elaborate (but bogus) food-burying displays to deceive onlookers. These fake burials are meant to trick food thieves. The would-be food-snatchers will then focus on the fake site, allowing the squirrel to buy his real food safely in another location.
6.  Tree-dwelling squirrels build dreys which are similar to bird nests. they are made of twigs, high up in the tree, and are lined with grass, bark, moss, and feathers...for comfort and for insulation. Pretty clever, eh?
7. Squirrels communicate with each other through various vocalizations and scent markings. They also use their tails as signaling devices. A twitching tail means they're uneasy and will alert other squirrels to potential danger.
8.  There are 44 varieties of "flying squirrels."  These squirrels don't actually fly but glide using a membrane which stretches from their wrists to their ankles. These "wings" allow the squirrel to glide to safety must the way a parachute will aid a human. 
9.  The squirrel is the native American symbol for thriftiness, preparation, and trust.
10.  Squirrels when they are afraid will, at first, remain motionless. if they are on the ground, they'll run up a tree to safety. if they are already in a tree, they will circle the tree trunk and press up against the bark tightly with their their body.
Christy tell us that "The celebration of the event itself is up to the the individual or group - anything from putting out extra food for the squirrels to learning something new about the species." And, may I suggest, using #squirrelappreciationday on all your social media tomorrow.​

January 21st of each year is designated as National Hugging Day. This year, it happens on Saturday and I can't think of a more appropriate day to give hugs. It has often been written that we all need at least 8 hugs a day, regardless of our age, race, sex, or species. I don't know about you, but I can't ever get too many hugs! Nothing gives us comfort like a warm hug. Hugs make us feel protected and loved. They offer us contact with other living things. And, they provide us with a sense of well-being that can improve our mental and physical health. 
Hugs make us feel good because they release oxytocin  in our brain. This "cuddle hormone," when released, makes us feel warm and fuzzy. Oxytocin is a neuropetide released in our brains which promotes feelings of trust, devotion, and bonding. It lays the biological foundation and structure for connecting with others.  Hugs help to lower blood pressure, too. It turns out that when humans (and frogs) are touched, the sensation on your skin activates pressure receptors called Pacinian corpuscles which then sends signals to the vagus nerve that is responsible for lowering blood pressure, among other things.
And did you now that hugs may help to alleviate fears? A recent study on fears and self-esteem revealed that hugs and touch can greatly reduce worry of mortality. The study showed that hugging, even just a teddy bear (I recommend a frog), can help soothe a human's existential fears. Interpersonal touch is a powerful mechanism that even objects that simulate touch by another human may help to instill in people a sense of existential significance. Hugging can be good for our hearts, too. Not only do hugs help to lower blood pressure, it seems they can help to lower heart rate, as well.
Adults, as it turns out, can benefit the most from hugging. Certainly children, and froglets, need loads of hugs, but as humans age the more fragile they become physically and contact/touching becomes increasingly important for good health. Loneliness, particularly with age, can also increase stress and have adverse health effects. Just by hugging them, we instantly feel closer to them, and we can decrease their sense of loneliness. Too, hugs are a natural stress reliever...and not just for older folks. Everyone, at any age, can benefit from hugs which reduce the level of the stress hormone cortisol found in the body. Hugs reduce tension and send calming messages to the brain. Well-hugged babies are less stressed adults.  It's good for them and for the adult...and who doesn't enjoy hugging a baby!
National Hugging Day was created by Kevin Zaborney, back in 1986, and is observed annually in many countries around the world. The idea behind Hugging Day was to encourage family and friends to hug more. But Zaborney does caution to ask first, if you are unsure if your hug will be welcomed, or not. Sometimes humans can feel embarrassed to show their emotions in public and it was Mr. Zaborney's hope that National Hugging Day would change that. I'm not sure if it has, or hasn't, but the idea of having a day dedicated to hugging others certainly appeals to me. I know the value of a good hug and I love the notion of a special day that reminds us to hug more.
With that said, I think I may want to go hug my little brother, Quigley. And then my mom, my dad, my aunts, uncles, cousins....
Frogs come from large families so it looks like I'm going to have a very busy day!
I hope you get, and give, bunches of hugs on Saturday. But, really, there's no reason to wait until then. That's why I'm starting now.

Here it is Wednesday once again, and my wise teacher was just here with his weekly lesson. We had a nice simple breakfast and, as usual, a wonderful new tea blend I got from my lovely human friend, Ms. Lizz, at Stylin' Tea Blends. Dharma, as always, was very impressed and was certain I'd spent a small fortune on the delightful tea. I hadn't, of course, but that was the perfect introduction for today's lesson on wealth management. I immediately thought that it would be a very short lesson; I don't have any wealth to manage. But, as usual, I was wrong.
"Irwin, tadpole, the real measure of a frog's wealth is how much he's worth when he loses all his money." Now he was talkin' my language! Since I don't have any money to speak of I was eager to learn just what kind of wealth I could possibly have to worry about.
The dictionary defines self-worth as "The sense of one's own value or worth as a person." This goes for frogs, too. According to Dharma, we all have many ways that we can value  ourselves and assess our personal worth, but some are more valuable than others.
Self-worth vs. self-esteem; these words are often used interchangeably and knowing the difference is one of the most important ways we can improve our self worth. Many psychologists believe that self-worth should be less about measuring yourself based  on external actions and more about valuing your inherent worth as a person...or in my case, a frog. Self-worth is more about who we are than what we do. There seems to be a problem in today's society, with more focus being placed on self-esteem than on self-worth. Self-esteem forces us to measure ourselves against others when, really, we should be paying attention to our own intrinsic value. Competitive cultures tell us we need to feel special and above average to feel good about ourselves. The problem is, we can't all be "above average" all the time. It simply doesn't work. Dharma explained to me that when we choose to compare ourselves to others, we set ourselves up for disappointment for there will always be someone else is who is richer, better looking, more successful, happier, etc. And if we do, occasionally, find one golden moment, we can't hold on it. Studies have shown that when we base our self-worth on external factors, it can be detrimental to our mental health. Our accomplishments are important to acknowledge,as we build our sense of self, says Dharma, but we must look at, and learn to appreciate, the unique qualities that make us...us. Because we are each unique that, in and of itself, should give us inherent value. We shouldn't be rating ourselves. We should simply just BE ourselves. That is enough.
Although this all made good sense to me, I did have a question for my wise friend and mentor. "So, Dharma, how do I go about building up my net worth of self? I think I'm like most other frogs...I compare myself, and my accomplishments, to those around me." He gave me some valuable advice. The first step, he told me, was to stop comparing myself to others and evaluating my every move. In other words, I needed to start challenging my critical inner voice. It seems that our critical inner voice is much like a nasty coach, constantly nagging us with destructive thoughts towards ourselves and others. This internal dialogue can only undermine our sense of self-worth and even lead to maladaptive behaviors which, then, only make us feel worse. It's a never-ending and vicious cycle we can easily get caught up in.
Dharma explained that the best way to foster self-worth is by practicing self-compassion. There are three steps to becoming more self-compassionate that we can all adopt.
1. Acknowledge and notice your suffering. 2. Be kind and caring in response to suffering. 3. Remember that imperfection is a part of the human (and definitely the amphibian) experience and something that we all share. He also suggested that we add more meaning to our life by taking part in activities that we feel are important. Helping others always leads to improvement in our sense of self-worth. Generosity is good for us.
We can act on principals, in ways that we respect, is another great way to foster self-worth. It is important for each of us to make a concerted effort to maintain personal integrity. As Dharma always reminds me, "When our actions don't match our words, we are more vulnerable to attacks from our critical inner voice and less likely to respect ourselves."
After our lesson was finished, I had lots to think about. Dharma, as always, left me with plenty of inner work to do. I am a creature of habit and change isn't easy for me. But I know that if I want to truly love and appreciate myself, I need to put in the work. Life is about the journey, after all, and for each of us the journey will always include a few unexpected twists and turns. On my journey, beginning today, I am going to quit paying so much attention to what others think and spend more time developing my individual and truly unique talents and interests. How about you? What personal changes and challenges do you need to face head-on? I'm excited to begin this new phase of my life and I hope you, too, are excited by your own journey...today and every day.
After all is said and done, I may not have any extra money but, at the end of the day, I know I am still a very wealthy frog. And that is something I CAN take to the bank.