Dr. Joy Browne's Blog

Bed Warmers

So my accountant forgot to file for some of the donations I gave to charity this past holiday season and there is not much I can say but that "no good deed goes unpunished"
It's just one of those sort of "givens" in life (pun intended) that all of us "do-gooders" don't always reap the rewards for our deeds.  But this is not all bad luck and the world rearing it's ugly head at us.  Most of the time this sort of thing happens because good people believe that they are always on the side of the angels because of their "do-gooding", so therefore they don't have to be prepared or organized or have follow through.  We believe that because we are doing something nice, everything will simply fall in to place, and we don't have to worry about how we go about things.  For example, I went to a benefit the other night, and the chairman of the organization (whom I'm sure is a very nice and well-intentioned man) thought he could totally just wing his speech.  He was totally unprepared and looked like a blubbering fool.  Now  I'm sure he was thinking to himself "well, here we are at this beautiful benefit for charity, and that all just speaks for itself".  Well, no sir, it didn't.  No matter how nice you are, and how well you mean, you've gotta work just as hard as the rest of the world.   Even Mother Theresa had to dot her i's and cross her t's.

So if you are one of the 100 people who joined me Wednesday for a special recording of my show at New Jersey's Englewood Hospital then you know what a blast we had.  For those of you who couldn't make it, the remote broadcast was a hit success!  Englewood Hospital has been one of mine and WOR's very special partners for years, and it really is like one big family down there.  We started with a yummy lunch in a banquet area of the hospital and then moved to do the show in the hospital's great auditorium.  The show just flew, but I can't take all of the credit.  Those of you who came were so great with your questions and comments.  And we all know how much harder it is to speak in person than to call anonymously during a regular show.  I really gotta hand it to ya kiddos.  Another great thing about it was just getting to see all of my loyal listeners in person.  You really are just a fabulous crowd.  And for once I get to see all of your charmed (and sometimes horrified) faces when I'm giving you a piece of a my mind.  It really is just a whole different experience.  We even got some pictures and autographs in at the end...and one of you gave me a great salon recommendation.  Topped by a lovely surprise bouquet from Pro-Flowers, and a walk around the beautiful new emergency care center, I really felt the love.  Thanks guys!

-Dr. Joy Browne

So it's the beginning of a new year, and the beginning of a new decade.  It's the year of the Avatar, as I'd like to call it (as Steven Spielberg's new movie seems to be pretty much taking over the universe).  So let's just go with it and try to create new and better versions of ourselves.  For me, that new and better version includes shaving of 10 lbs.  Ladies, isn't that a resolution for all of us?  In addition, I'd like to have more fun.  Last year had it's sour moments for me, including some injuries and financial squabbles.  So this year, I'd like to make the mood light by doing something fun and enjoyable every single day.  It doesn't have to be huge or expensive, it could be something as simple as going out for an ice cream (eeek, frozen yogurt, I guess), or calling an old friend.  Folks, New Year's resolutions don't have to be tremendous feats at all . Make them doable, specific, and add a reward.  Instead of saying I want to look like Cameron Diaz by bikini season, say to yourself: I want to sign up for a spin class by the end of the month, and when I do, I'm going to treat myself with a manicure.  See, things are already looking more fun and feasible.

Good luck to ya my fellow Avatars, and keep me posted with your progress!

Peace & Joy,

Dr. Joy Browne

So the other day I was in a real rush.  Running from a place to place and having had to cut through Lincoln Center I happened to run into a whole street festival of sorts.  There were vendors, bands, dancers, a Chinese dragon dance, piper's piping, maids-a-milking, well not really, but you get the idea. 

The whole thing was very enchanting and reminded me very much of the First Night Festival that happens every New Year's in Boston.  Now it's come to my attention that similar festivals occur in NYC, but somehow I've only ever paid attention the Ball Drop ceremony.  Anyway, it's just so nice seeing people gather together.  Nothing to crazy, no binge-drinkers, or horns honking, just good old fashioned fun and entertainment for the whole family. 

The streets of NYC brought me yet another sentimental moment while walking the other day.  I was just running around, as I do best, and I stumbled upon a written note that had fallen on the ground.  The note was written in a childish hand and said "I'm lost, can you help me?" along with a New York address and some Korean or Chinese script on the bottom.

I got to thinking about the story behind this note, and the idea of someone who could possibly write in English better than they could speak and needed help.  I really hope there was someone out there to help this person.  My bets are on yes, as the person discarded the note.

I guess there is just something about this time of year that gets you thinking about people, and family, and connections, and stories.  Whether it be a family street festival, or a long forgotten note, we all are connected in someway, and are bound to find each other one way or another.