I was listening to a podcast the other day in which a science journalist named John Horgan was walking around Hoboken, New Jersey asking people one simple question:
“Will humans ever stop fighting wars once and for all?”
More than 9 out of 10 replied no. The reasons stated for their answer all revolve around human nature. This brought up the question of change. Can we as a human race change our ideas about war and transform them into peace?
I am hopeful that the answer is yes. So now the question to ask becomes: HOW can we change?
Happier people make more positive decisions. Happier people interact more with each other and through this interaction a snowball effect can occur. Through small steps, we can begin to understand other cultures, different upbringings, and the beauty of diversity that shapes the world. We can embrace other people rather than ignoring them.
I take on this challenge to start taking small steps towards changing the moral of people and I invite you to do the same. One day in the next week, when you find yourself in public, start giving out high fives. It is very hard to walk away from a high five without smiling. If you need some motivation, check out my video:
If you have any high five tips or Colleenification suggestions, email me!
This is wonderful - I love it!
I'm convinced we have it within us to do away with war, but are in need of a rich web of positive connections so we can stop the spread of misunderstandings. Spreading little bits of random joy like you are doing is a great way to light someone's day. And I imagine your day is much happier and more energized too.
Do you say something first like "you look like you need a high five" or just "high five"? Do people say interesting things?
thank you Colleen! This has made my day and I'm going to try to get up my courage and try it.
oh -I'm emailing Jheri to spread it to another continent
Posted by: steve | January 09, 2010 at 03:54 AM
You have filled Jheri with happiness! I just love how playful and happy this is and I will try it myself soon.
I like the camerawork when the other people are followed afterwards. The only problem is the video person is too tall;)
Posted by: jheri | January 09, 2010 at 06:28 AM
Thanks so much, Colleeen.
I lovelovelove this. Reminds me of ARK (Acts of Random Kindness) out of Northern Ireland. Check out the "Hugs for the Homeless" video: http://www.arkhq.com/ext/ninjaduck?articleid=44
Posted by: Linda in NYC | January 09, 2010 at 06:43 AM
Hey Colleen! This is pretty cool! I love it! It put a smile on my face!
Posted by: Belinda Nnoka | January 09, 2010 at 07:47 AM
I usually approached people by saying something like "How you guys doing?" or "Can I give you a high five?" It was more effective than just putting my hand up. It is amazing how much joy can be derived by a simple act of peace. I encourage everyone to give it a try. Today is the day after and I still feel elated from the experience. Also, check out the video Linda in NYC sent me. It has the same idea and is very moving: http://www.arkhq.com/ext/ninjaduck?articleid=44 Thank you for all of your comments :)
Posted by: Colleen | January 09, 2010 at 11:32 AM
fabulous, colleen. you have great personal presence and are generous to share it in this way. high five back 'atcha.
Posted by: Paulpangaro | January 09, 2010 at 12:08 PM
A very positive and well-written entry, Colleen. Thank you for letting me be part of your happiness experiment.
Posted by: zachwg | January 09, 2010 at 03:11 PM
Wonderful idea, Colleen. Just don't high-five too high, or else you'll force this 5'7" guy to have to jump. :)
Posted by: Vincent Paterno | January 09, 2010 at 07:58 PM
I couldn't stop smiling watching this video. You're amazing!
Posted by: Sharon Holderman | January 09, 2010 at 08:24 PM
High Five is afterall quite American, don't know how it would work out in Brussels, but people who stare at me I use to give them a big smile back.
Unfortunately many of them then look away - embarassed - maybe I should
try to approach them instead and try it out this way?
Great Video!
*smile*
Josephine
Posted by: Josephine Anderson | January 10, 2010 at 01:36 AM
This gives me a big smile and makes me itch to do it. I will take my daughter for a walk and show her how to to this. My sister Jheri will do it for sure.
Posted by: Jon | January 10, 2010 at 04:52 AM
Joesph, I too like to have highfive with you,i will like to be that little boy who jumped very hard to have that with you,
Well i am from india. If you want to have look at different culture, then this the place. it is land of varied culture.
Joesph,i will personally like you to invite you to india.There are so many fantastic places here for you to see.
By the way, u have any other indian friends.
Posted by: raman | January 10, 2010 at 12:07 PM
Here is a status report on my experiments in tropical NJ. I took a long walk through the neighborhood, but very few people were out in the sub freezing cold and most of them looked like the Michelin Man. When I managed to get eye contact (this is where people like Colleen will do *much* better than me) I said "you look like you could use a high five' and started to raise my arm. Two out of three times they did the same and one time brought a huge smile to both of us.
I'm looking forward to warming weather and have sent the link to people in warmer places.
This is such a fantastic idea -- pass it on and share the stories!
Here is a question that might make a good blog post Colleen. What are the different ways of doing a high five in different countries? I asked two Danes and they were not aware of anything other than using the English words.
Posted by: steve | January 10, 2010 at 01:29 PM
Thank you, Steve Crandall for pointing me to this wonderful inspiration. Thank you, Colleen for creating it. In my mind the human race has evolved beyond the need of war. High FIVE on your approach. I'm going to try it. Much love and success to you!
Melanie
Posted by: Melanie West | January 11, 2010 at 07:54 AM
Hi Colleen,
Your friend Jheri sent me the link to this page. I love it!! I love it I love it I love it.
I also loved the post about working with Trek on a bike that will fit you.
I am having discussions right now about how bike shops can better serve women, which is how Jheri connected to my site and ended up leaving me a message.
I'm going to try the High Five experiment, though it will likely mortify my somewhat shy boyfriend. Nothing new there. :)
Best to you and happy to have found your blog!
Heidi
Posted by: Heidi Swift - Grit and Glimmer | January 15, 2010 at 04:20 PM
Nice positive energy -- this made me smile.
Posted by: bob | January 16, 2010 at 03:14 PM
This reminds me of the Robin Williams movie patch adams who tried to assess/alter people's programed response lol. Way to go.
Posted by: Richard | March 07, 2010 at 09:42 AM
Colleen, I'm John Horgan, who asked people on NPR if they they thought war would ever end. Yours is the coolest reaction that anyone has had to my work. I got a big grin on my face after seeing your video this morning, and every time I think of it I grin again. Keep making people happy, it's a gift, John Horgan
Posted by: John Horgan | March 09, 2010 at 02:25 PM
Colleen, Jheri suggested that I check out your page and video. As I watched, I caught myself smiling like a loon -- you have made my day!
Posted by: John Schwartz | May 14, 2010 at 02:27 PM
can you not do a longer version of this? you are so pretty and such an obvious presence. you make a difference in peoples' lives
Posted by: kevin | September 30, 2010 at 05:31 PM
Love it...what song is this?
Posted by: Dennis Marshall | April 22, 2011 at 10:17 AM
Very cute.
Posted by: Quotes About Happiness | June 08, 2011 at 01:32 PM