With all the negative (kinda frightening) global goings-on, here’s a little inspiration today to stretch our mind (& smile) muscles.
SNAPSHOT…
Traipsing out and about with my niece a few weeks ago in Newport News (our closest big city), I looked down on the ground to encounter this uplifting street art. ‘Twas a rainy and gloomy afternoon, yet this well-worn pavement glowed with a message of hope.
Trampled by cars, traversed by feet, missed by most, this upbeat street art was there despite it all.
It made me chuckle, it made me smile, it lifted me over the gloomies (for awhile.)
& WHATNOT…
Maybe we don’t feel there’s anything to smile about?
Sometimes in the midst of a global crisis or in the face of seemingly insurmountable personal challenges, a smile can be an act of courage. Full on, straight up, COURAGE.
I’m going to smile, despite it all, because I CAN choose to do it. Instead of clouding the ground with frowns, I’m choosing to share sunshine.
Maybe you (& I) think that’s sentimental sap. But I’m super serious – sometimes sharing sunshine is downright hard amidst a typhoon, hurricane, tornado (whatever.)
Years ago I developed a smile strategy while living in a conflict zone. Passing through military checkpoints multiple times each day my distemper spewed grumpy frowns. I decided to switch my attitude (with exerted effort) to smiles all around. The soldiers thereafter were so disarmed they usually passed me through with out much ado. 🙂
You see, a smile works two ways. It lifts the smiler (working out internal hope muscles to share a little joy) and the smilee (the recipient, who may wonder what’s up with the smiler, but still, the aura of a nice smile lasts awhile.)
Because a smile says something. It says ‘hey you, you are special!’ Yes, YOU, I’m smiling at you. (Not a creepy smile, mind you, something nice.)
Inspiring street art? Yes, if we let it motivate us to share a smile with others who might be low on hope reserves (& increase our own hope meters in the process.)
“Let us always meet each other with a smile, for a smile is the beginning of love.” Mother Teresa (Saint Teresa of Calcutta)
grace, peace & SMILES!
Virginia : )
Favorite line: “The soldiers thereafter were so disarmed they usually passed me through with out much ado. 🙂”
Thanks Tim — what I wrote might seem funny now, but it took concerted effort to smile – yet that ended up changing my attitude (& getting me more expeditiously through!) Blessings! 🙂
Love this smiley….thanks for lifting spirits☺☺☺
Glad to lift your spirits for once, since you share so much joy all the time (the kind of giggles that keep usurping themselves at the most awkward times!) Garfield HUGS! Virginia
Thank you Virgina for your thoughtfulness 😀
I like the smiley and smiling is a good thing-Sister Teresa was right.
Smiles can truly be an act of love — and of defiance, when all looks bleak and overwhelming. We’re going to smile, accessing our love reserves, for all to see. Lots of love (& smiles) Michele!! 🙂