“Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.” ~ Thich Nhat Hanh (Anita age 3 living up to her middle name, Joyce ~ Joy)

9-25-2012 In the 80’s, I was magnetized and mesmerized by anything that touched upon the “metaphysical.” So, when the word spread about a teacher, Jill Jackson, who could till the soil in ones soul ~ I did not hesitate to attend her class on personal empowerment. The buzz back then on the course screamed “life changing,” and that certainly grabbed my attention as I had become very comfortable with the word and experience of change. So, with an opened mind, and plenty of curiosity, I registered for her course. From the start the charismatic teacher captivated us with her spirited language, and joy for life. With clear examples of the power of thoughts and words, she had an unique way of transforming her students lives. Of course, mine was no exception. One evening Jill skillfully guided us into a calming meditation. In the quiet moments that followed, we were to go within and ask for our life’s purpose. In the realm of the soul we were to listen for “the whisper” to reveal our particular task, and with the information we received, we would discuss our inner communications. The energy in the room heightened as my classmates grew eager and willing to share. But, I sat there numb and reluctant to take part. To me my revelation felt completely insignificant. My ego at that moment was crushed, and I had no intention of sharing my guidance ~ my whisper. As the other students began revealing what they uncovered with the teacher, my lips stayed sealed; I prayed to vanish. Each classmate proudly announced in the circle their purpose in this lifetime, and how they intended to proceed from this point. As they continued the discussion, the deeper my sense of disappointment grew. My feelings at that moment lead me to unfamiliar territory. Finding the good in everything came naturally for me. It was a rare occasion when I did not delight in a spirited exchange, and felt uplifted by a group energy. But, after this exercise I had a tough time accepting my purpose, and I decided that nobody would be privy to it. I left that night never opening up. I pondered my insight for quit awhile, each time feeling I was destined to do more. My ego could not accept this purpose, that I decreed to be unimportant. So, I let it go. I told myself my inner voice betrayed me that night. I went back to my daily practice of sitting under my reading tree in my neighbors yard, and nourished my soul with mediations and my spiritual books. A couple of days after the exercise as I sat under my tree, a neighbor approached me with a bouquet of flowers. He glowed with the warmest of smiles as he placed them on my lap. Surprised by his gestured I questioned the occasion for such a lovely gift, He slowly explained his gifting me ~ as a tear formed at the corner of his eye. He shared that each day he walked around the neighborhood, there I sat in my wheelchair reading and smiling under the tree. Sometimes he choose to stop and talk, sometimes he choose to just wave. What ever his choice, he was always greeted by my warm inviting smile. He went on to explain that he was being treated for cancer, and more times than he could remember, my smile, or positive outlook on life made his day a bit easier. He woke up that morning needing to let me know. With that he hugged me, and walked away. I found myself deeply touched by his words, and gift. Shortly after, an elderly woman approached me riding a three-wheeler bike ~ a common means of transportation in Florida neighborhoods. She slowly pedaled with her eyes fixed on me. By the time she reached my tree she was quite winded, but she wore an incredible smile. Though we never met before, I recognized her glowing face. She proceeded to tell me her name was Margaret, and each day she drove by on her way to a special therapy for her MS. When she passed me, her spirit was lifted from my waving and the warmth of my smile. She continued describing the therapy, and how grueling it could be, but added that my cheery presence inspired her to continue. After our introduction we sat and talked, and our exchange was inspiring for both of us. We hugged promising that from now on we would continue our greetings, but with the use of each others names. Throughout that day six people stopped to talk about my smile, kind words shared and loving exchanges. My space under the tree was special to us all. Each person revealing that they meant to stop before, but found themselves pushed from inside to do it this day. With a humble heart I looked back on the purpose given to me that night in class; it came clearly to me that my smile, and putting people in touch with their joy was my life’s purpose. After that Divinely orchestrated afternoon I cried. I realized that since I had been doing this for most of my life, I took my smile and positive outlook for granted, and even worse deemed it “insignificant” to boot. Each day we take a breath, it is a gift. Each day we exchange a kind word, it is a gift. Each day we love a person unconditionally ~ we experience a miracle. There are not many days, since that day twenty seven years ago, that I do not reflect on God’s lesson. Smile, be joy filled, be kind knowing the importance of small loving exchanges. And remember, the Divine is the master at orchestrating a day ~ a life Smile! As requested a reposted from 1-11-2012

Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. ~ Leo Buscaglia