What I Finally Learned from Those Whos Down in Whoville

As a kid I watched How the Grinch Stole Christmas! with suspicion as cynicism set in early. My joy then came from the things I had and the presents I received, so I couldn't see how those Whos in Whoville could be happy when the Grinch stole their physical artifacts of Christmas.

Last year I watched it and for the first time I really got it like a bolt of lightening. And when I did, I asked myself, "So that's what gratitude looks like?" I cried having never known gratitude before. I guess in that moment I saw what the Grinch saw, and my heart grew 3 sizes too.

Insights like that do change your brain wiring. Oh, it may appear the wiring goes back to what it was, but underneath a foundation for new wiring is set. Sometimes such insights are so explosive that you can't go back, something I have experienced. But most of the time rewiring happens little by little, insight by insight, day by day, year by year.

Happy New Year! May you be wired for joy in 2012.