There have been a number of studies done on happiness and joy and how it affects those around us and ourselves. Smiling is said to be good for the heart muscles as it lowers cortisol levels and ups our doses of endorphines and dopamine. And laughter is just downright good for the soul.It seems like everywhere you turn today---the television news casts, the internet, printed news media---all they have to show us are stories of strife, heartache and financial destitution in the heart of America and elsewhere across the globe. While these things cannot be ignored, we can pepper them with silver linings and positive actions. So I present to you a challenge, fellow Edenites! Everyday for the next week, I ask that you go out of your way for people you don't know and those you know and love well. Maybe it's a smile to a stranger on the subway or a compassionate look and nod as you hold open the door for a mother juggling her kids and their stuff in a crowded store. Maybe it's something as simple as not picking the battle with your lover, even though you know you would win with your logic and stubbornness. Then, come back here and tell us how you spread the joy! Or if you already do these things, tell us a significant story where your act of kindness completely changed someone's day! I look forward to hearing about your experiences and sharing my own! Your responses will be added to the Facebook feed for Edenfantasys! And don't forget to head over to EdenCafe to check out the prizes for this weeks give away! First prize is a Mio and ID Moments lubricant. Second prize is a $50 gift card and third prize is a $25 gift card to Edenfantasys. Good luck, everyone! less

One day I was at the doctors office with my husband and my 10 month old daughter when I had to use the bathroom. I excused myself and began to make my way over to the restroom. As I was about to enter the bathroom I noticed a handicapped woman in her electric scooter from afar. She had a sad look in her big dark eyes that gave me goosebumps. A nurse was speaking to her rudely as if she were a child and was not smart enough to comprehend simple directions given to her. She was basically yelling at her to bring the proper paper work next time for her appointment. I finally entered the bathroom and minutes passed by as I finished up and cleaned my hands. I then opened the door to leave when I noticed the same woman in her electric scooter making her way down to my direction so I instantly opened the restroom door wide open for her to let her through. I consider myself a very kind and compassionate person so I knew I had to help this woman in need even if I didn't know her personally. She smiled at me as she entered the bathroom and whispered, "thank you". I nodded my head with a smile and as I was just about to leave something told me not to. So I turned back around and watched as she struggled into the stall, she continued to back in and out with her scooter as she held the door open, trying to fit her scooter inside of the stall. She had a look of embarrassment on her face. I then asked her if she needed help but before she could answer I ran over and pushed the door open and waited as she got herself situated inside. I leaned against the cold bathroom wall and waited for her. I knew she still needed help getting out of the bathroom so I couldn't leave yet. She was surprised to see me still standing there when she opened the stall door. I walked over and held the door open as she came out. She leaned up to wash her frail hands and then proceeded towards the restroom door to leave. I stood there and opened it for her. She smiled widely and once again whispered, "thank you". It really warmed my heart to hear her say thank you. I felt like I brought a little joy in her life for just that moment in time. I think love and kindness go a long way. We need to show compassion always for those we know and for those we don't know. You might just bring a bit of happiness to someone you don't know without even knowing it. less

And it was such a simple thing to do! How wonderful!

You brought tears to my eyes, I instantly recalled a woman who was in the same nursing home as a relative of mine. She was the meanest, nastiest lady I had ever met in all of my eleven years on the planet. Every weekend that we would visit, I would spend hours delicately painting her finger and toe nails with bright red polish and then we'd play dress up with hats and scarves and sunglasses we had lying around. I think I was the only one that was ever nice to her at that place and we have pictures with her. I'll always remember that year of my life. And I hope she remembered it until she was no longer with us. less