A smile can go a long way, it can turn around someone's day!

The Weekly Poll Results! 🎈

I know that these polls can be a little... well NUTTY! Speaking of nuts, the last poll was "What is your favorite type of nut?!" I know I am personally biased and would've picked my man Brutus the Buckeye. Sadly, Brutus didn't come out on top but he was a close runner-up. It appears that the winner was PEANUTS! Love some peanuts and do love peanut butter too BUT it must be crunchy (creamy is wrong - fight me).

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In The Headlines! 

• My friend, Tabitha has been working hard and releasing music! You should 100% check it out! Shoutout to Tabitha for being an awesome person but, more importantly friend! Check out Tabitha's music here! If you want to stay up to date on all of Tabitha's music - follow @toomany.tabs on insta!

• We discovered that Tomato Juice can kill salmonella and other harmful bacteria! If you see a tomato, thank it! Read more here.

• In Finland, there is a club called Aktivistmummot meaning Activist Grannies! This group of grandmothers is working together to combat climate change! Read more here!

The news here might be small but, it was good news! If you want consistent good news updates, follow The Happy Broadcast on Insta! Want to be featured "In the Headlines" or have an article that you want to feature? Share your good news here to have it featured in the next newsletter!

Friendly Reminders and Affirmations

• Maybe take some time to pick up around the apartment. Cleaning sometimes helps clear the mind.
   

•  Remember: A week from Sunday, we start having 7pm Sunsets again (in NYC at least!). Spring is coming soon!

   

•  Celebrate yourself today and buy yourself that little treat. It doesn't have to be a big celebration - it could just be "I made it to today!"

Alex's Book, Show, and Music Corner

• Appropriate on Broadway: This show was so well done! I loved seeing Sarah Paulson perform and the show kept me engaged the entire time. The set and lighting were also stunning. I would highly recommend seeing this play!

What's Alex Working On?

Conversations with My Thoughts

Spark vs. Surprise

So, was there a spark between you two? As I answer this question, I sigh because there was but there also wasn’t. This romantic spark that we all talk about so much, what even is it? The spark has a lot of lore around it to the point that it feels almost mythical. I know it’s not mythical though because I’ve felt the spark before. It does exist but, is it what I am supposed to look for?

A spark, a quick fleeting burst of energy. Something mesmerizing to experience because it goes out nearly as quickly as it forms. A spark is something that I find addicting to chase because it is stunning. Look at sparklers - they are so fun to light and dance with but, they go out within minutes. How is a romantic spark any different? A spark is a spark, after all, it comes and goes quick. While I keep hoping and looking for a spark, I begin to think is that even sustainable?

I have had many dates that existed exactly like a sparkler. Fun, bright, flashy, quick. There was a timeline on it and then poof, there was no spark left. Nothing to light and nothing to fuel a romantic fire. We had a connection on that date but it wasn’t able to transcend past that. It was a bright flame but, as the old saying goes the brighter the flame, the quicker it burns. Even understanding this, I am still looking for that spark, that firework moment. I am because it is beautiful but, I am also looking for someone who can provide fuel that is sustainable to keep that flame burning. 

A spark is just the start. What a spark needs is its partner in crime, surprise, it’s fuel, it’s reason to burn. Surprise. Surprise is something that catches you off guard, makes you have to think on the spot, and takes you off the script you had planned in your head. Surprise has the power of intrigue, it can make me want to come back, learn more, experience more. Surprise brings my mind to the conversation that my heart started. And when surprise and the spark combine just right, then I think that romantic connection can truly thrive. 

Surprise, that is what I hoping to find. I am sure I will experience many sparks going forward but, I’m looking to find my fuel for that spark, my surprise. 

This Week's Newsletter Poll!

There are a lot of nutty things that we do as a society. We just had our fun Leap Day yesterday and I hope everyone really enjoyed that extra February day! So in honor of Leap Day yesterday, what is your favorite silly holiday that we celebrate?! We love a fun quirky celebration!

One more thing: Want to see your poll question in the newsletter? Submit your ideas here!