A Smile Will Warm the Heart

Have you ever noticed how something as simple as a smile will warm your heart and remove the woes of the day? Sometimes, it’s a little smirk or a full-on smile with all 32 pearly whites. It could be from that little baby who smiles from a tickle or an elderly person who struggles to smile.

A smile seems to be the universal language when there is a communication barrier. A smile will ease tension and allow the recipient to know it’s okay to smile back or extend a hand for a handshake.

I have learned from supermodel Tyra Banks how to “smize”,  the art of smiling with your eyes. And I have learned from the cold-hearted how to smile with my heart.

The most important lesson I have learned is no matter how I’m feeling or what’s on my plate, a smile will warm my heart even if for a minute and will momentarily take away the stresses of the day. Try on a smile and see how you like it.😃

Friendship is Such a Delicate Term

The word ‘friend’ is such a delicate term. This word may be defined and applied in various ways, depending on the user. Once you are bestowed with a friendship badge, you should hold it in high esteem and wear it with honor.

For me, a true friend is found in someone who is always there for you, with NO expectations. They connect with you on personal level and understand you, even at your weakest moment.

Friends do not judge you, they support you and lift you up. You know you’re in the company of friend, when you feel at ease being you, you let your guard down and expose your true being.

Friendship does not have an established criteria, it’s based on what you find important in defining friends in your life. I have found some friends to be too draining and needy, so I released them from my friendship pool. Who needs a friend that is envious, uncaring, and all about themself, and even worse brings constant negativity into your life…not me.

Every so often, a ‘friends cleanse’ is required to determine who stays and who goes.  At this point in my life, there’s no need for me to have the most friends to be considered popular, I choose quality over quantity.

Who Doesn’t Love Friday?

We all love Friday, right? You start with that happy dance the plays in our head when you wake up, and then turns in to a full on concert as the day progresses. Put on your dancing shoes and let the weekend begin…enjoy. 🎶

Honoring My Mom

During a recent road trip and overnight stay at the Comfort Suites in Gallup, New Mexico, I came across this picture hanging in the hotel lobby. It made me feel a sense of pride as I thought about my mom who was a member of the military in the early 1960’s, before I was born, and served as a reservist during my middle school years.

I would often quietly observe my mom in her uniform with her tiny combat boots, and wonder what her weekend would entail as she headed off for her weekend duty. I always admired her, but even more so when she was in uniform.

I recently had the fortune of going through my mom’s footlocker to sort and retrieve items from the past, like the Thanksgiving program from the mess hall and a brief letter home. It was a such special time for me. I always wished I could have been a fly on the wall to see my mom in her youth, this was my opportunity to see a piece of it.

I am grateful to have a mom that served her country. She was the foundation that kept our family together. My mom is such an important part of my life and I am so fortunate to share a new life journey with her.

Happy Mother’s Day mom!❤️

It Starts with Customer Service

Today, I had the opportunity to observe a gentleman who worked as the gate agent for an airlines, demonstrating what I consider exceptional customer service. Although it was 5:35 a.m., he was very engaging, attentive, and had a ever steady smile. His customer service  was outstanding, and a few of us waiting passengers took notice.

He was an elderly gentleman (I have a soft spot for the elderly) and was so kind to the other elderly passengers, making their wheelchair decent to the plane entertaining. When another elderly gentleman approached, he mentioned, it’s so nice to see someone like me still working. The gate agent responded in a positive manner.

I am a big stickler for customer service and had to let this gentleman know he had great customer service. He thanked me with the biggest smile that warmed my heart. He was my inspiration today and brighten my day, even though I was half asleep when I arrived at the airport.

When you see someone exhibiting great customer service, let them know. The service they provide is for us and they should know when they’re doing a great job.

Music Reflection

 

After a long busy week, I had to take a moment and reflect on one of my favorite songs, Over the Rainbow. Israel “Iz” Kamakawiwo’ole’s rendition of this song with the ukele is beautiful. His voice is so angelic and brings such calm to me no matter what’s going on in my life. I hope you enjoy this song as much as I do.

The Future

Such a strong statement. I had this conversation tonight with someone dear to my heart. We all have a past, we pull the positive to the future and the negative becomes a learning experience.

Relaxing the Mind, Body & Soul

As I relax and prepare for another day, this song came into my mind. Something about the sound of this song is so comforting and relaxes my mind and soul. The easy flow of her voice and the strumming of the guitar removes the stressors of the day. Listen and enjoy.🎶

‘Thank You’ the Forgotten Words

The use of the words ‘thank you’ is starting to become a rarity.  It’s interesting how individuals will take of your time and energy and not utter these two words. Sometimes, pride gets in the way, other times it’s a standard omission.

I cannot put a number on the times I have gone out of my way to do something or help someone, only to feel as though the recipient felt it was expected or a sense of entitlement. I never do things for accolades or attention, I do so because I feel blessed that I am able to share with others.

My parents taught me to be grateful when someone does something for me. I express my gratitude by saying, thank you, even if it means picking up the phone or sending an old-fashioned thank you card.

If you haven’t said thank you in a while, take a moment and thank a friend or partner just for being there for you or making you smile.

Daddy’s Little Girl is All Grown Up

Growing up, I was always a daddy’s girl. I thought my dad was invincible and my own personal hero. He would gather up the neighborhood kids for a friendly game of baseball or gladly take us all on a Saturday fishing adventure. I enjoyed our weekend family ‘rides’, when we would jump in the beloved station wagon and head out to an unknown location, often ending up at a lake.

I admired my dad’s big heart, always willing to help others or give his last dollar. He has the gift and ability to converse with people from all walks of life with such ease. He was and still is a gentle giant.

My father has always shown and made me feel loved. I remember when I would call him for advice late at night, he would do his best to console me and guide me in the right direction. I’m still not sure why I  sometimes called my dad instead of my mom.

I always had a deep love and admiration for my dad, and as I grew older I kept my love for him deep in my heart; however, I relinquished feeling like a daddy’s girl, as I was now a women with a family of my own.