Remember a few weeks ago, when I talked about finding the things you love to do and applying them to doing real good out there in the world? Here's a look at one of mine, just to make you smile.

 
      The holidays are an intrinsically joyful time, but that doesn't mean there isn't sadness lurking around. As cliché as it is, try to be mindful of the fact that you can't know the stories of the people around you. Just like you personally may be struggling with pain or sadness, so too might the holidays make someone else feel lonely or depressed. I love a lot about Christmas, but as I spoke about on my radio show last night... I associate this time of year with deep loss. It's hard for me to get into the festivities without grief gripping my heart, or guilt when I do manage to let go and really have fun. That doesn't mean the holidays are horrible; it just means that sometimes I'm not at my best, and there are lots of people who slip in and out of that. To avoid straying too far from where I'm going with this post, just remember that at any given point, someone around you likely needs a smile. You've got all the kindness and the talent to make it happen. For me, I make sure that at this time of year, I find ways to serve — both to cheer and empower myself and others... and if it involves snuggling and photographing adorable dogs for a great cause, then so much the better!

Literally, this post is simply dogs having their holiday photos taken. I had such a stupid, childlike grin on my face the entire shoot, my cheeks were burning all night.

 

      They turned out pretty well, all considered! These were taken in the cramped back office of a local SPCA branch, with no additional lighting and some seriously squirmy worm puppers. The shelter was on a tight budget, so the backdrop was a white sheet from the hamper and some lights we pulled off a tree in the plaza. While they're sub-par as far as studio shots go, the goofy smiling-or-slightly-stunned doggo faces make for some priceless memories. I took the photos with unlimited snuggles as payment, and the shelter came away with more than $600 in donations in a few hours. Plus, now all of you get to look at them and laugh and love your tails off 🖤

That's all. No epic or sweeping post tonight; just a wish for a little more kindness and a few more smiles. Be kind to yourselves and each other, and go spread your light and your talent, however it is you do.

 

      Have an amazing weekend, regardless of what holiday you celebrate. And if you're not feeling great; hang in there and breathe. If you ever need someone to talk to, come find me on Discord and I'll send you a pupper picture.

These photos and words are my own work, inspired by travels all over this pretty blue marble of ours. I hope you like them. 🌶️

 

Hi, I'm Crimmi. I help run a top 30 Steemit witness, along with my project partner @followbtcnews. Feel free to reach out to us on Steemit Chat or Discord at any time! If we haven't earned your vote yet, please take some time to look at our tools and our work — place a vote for followbtcnews if you feel we're doing a good job.