Smile!

My cousin challenged me to write a daily affirmation about myself for a week. Today I chose my ability to see the bright side of things and I was reminded of the fact that I used to be quite the opposite. As a matter of fact, a former co-worker once told me that I was one of the most negative people he'd ever met...that I could see a beautiful masterpiece and pick out the flaws. 

His words obviously resonated with me. 

At that moment, 17 years ago, I realized I needed to make a change. 

It took a long, long time to get to where I am now and I still have a long way to go. 

I'm still learning. 

Thankfully I'm in a good spot in my life and I'm surrounding myself with good people who are also trying to grow. I do not share the same beliefs as they do, but I've learned that really, that doesn't matter. We don't have to believe the same things, we just have to be trying to be better people; for ourselves and the people around us. 

I, for one, find inspiration in lots of things: nature, various religious backgrounds, my own old writings, my animals, children, etc. 

For example, my daughter, who is 2.5 years old, will sit in her car seat and just smile...for no apparent reason. She just smiles. So' I've been trying that myself. I've also been reading a book entitled, Be Free Where You Are and Hahn says that he smiles as a practice, meaning as a way to change his mindset....as a sort of meditation. 

I find it does work. 

It's best to start when you're feeling good, so that you're prepared for those times when you're angry or sad, or whatever. Just try it. Smile for no apparent reason and see if your mindset doesn't change to match that smile. Besides, it'll give your face a break. To frown is to be tense...and no one wants to be tense. So, chill out and smile.