One day I was walking through a book store when an old man flagged me down and asked, “Why are you so happy?” This threw me for a couple of reasons: 1) This man was a total stranger 2) I didn’t think I was doing anything that made me look happy. My confusion must have been obvious because he added, “Every time I see you, you are smiling.”
Interesting. I wasn’t even aware that I was smiling. All I could do was shrug and say, “I don’t know, I just am. Life is too short to be otherwise.” He laughed and shook his head as if I had just spoken gibberish. I totally understand his reaction as most people find my almost constant perkiness a little overwhelming and annoying.
The old man’s question got me wondering why I bounce through life like I’m surrounded by sunshine and rainbows. Now, I’ll be the first admit I’m not happy all the time, but for probably 95% of the time I’m wearing a dorky grin on my face without even realizing it. Truthfully, I believe that smile is there because I make a conscious decision each morning to embrace joy whenever possible. It’s a choice, plain and simple.
Naturally, this chain of events lead to a very Wreck This Journal moment where I used one of the blank pages to paste in a free write (please forgive the run-on sentences and grammar monstrosities!) and a visual representation of why I believe so ardently in the power of choice.
The sun shines even when you can't see it.
The sun: When I wake up every day I have a choice on how to perceive my day – no matter what happens. On days full of good things, its easy to be happy and see the sun. But then there’s also the choice not to take it for granted and be grateful. On a day marred by bad things, its a little harder to find the joy, but not impossible. This is where the work of deciding really comes into play. I could choose to be angry or sulk or paint myself a victim. That would be easy, but it defeats the purpose of being alive. If I take a more difficult road I might see the good in the bad. If I choose to count the moments in between the darkness, the light becomes much brighter and flushes out the dreariness . . . and its because I am aware of my choice.
The rays: Let the day begin with the light of a hopeful smile.
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c.b. 2011
Love the sentiment, the feeling and the words. Even the color choice makes me happy. Great job!
It’s amazing what you can do with a coupe of Sharpies and a box of crayons.
Thanks for reading and keep smiling!
Such wise words…I wish I had thought this way when I was your age. But now I’m taking the same approach and it makes a world of difference. Thanks for sharing.
Its never too late to make that choice!
Love your journal page – it illustrates with my eleventh commandment: Don’t postpone joy!!!!
I love that commandment! It’s definitely one to live by.
You ARE always smiling! Even when writing – alone at your lap top.
You are everybody’s sunshine.
Awww, thanks.
Writing especially makes me smile!
I choose joy!! xoxo
You are one of the happiest people I know. You are always smiling, laughing, and lifting up everyone around you!
That is so sweet of you to say. Thanks. xoxo
*CHEERS* to your choice *big smile*
May your day be filled with the same!
C. B. you are Never annoying. I so wish I could have your outlook on life and really am trying since you last wrote about it. You are an inspiration.
Also, I can just imagine what writerly thoughts are forming in your head at any given moment. With your crafts, art, writing and teaching it is Obvious your mind is constantly filled with creative thoughts.
Thank you for being you and for sharing our outlook on life.
You might change your mind about the “not annoying” part if you ever spend a morning with me. I am one of those chipper morning people and I drive everyone nuts with that.
The inside of my head is a crazy place. There’s never a dull moment, nor a second where I’m not creating something.
I woke up feeling a bit blue and This made my day! Choose joy!! Thanks for sharing.
Yay! I hope your day continues to get brighter.
this is beautiful on so many levels. i wish you would produce it as a poster for sale! I know, I know, you have a lot on the go………..just a thought for you to put on the back burner of your mind.
you are truly an inspiration and i so appreciate your presence here.
Aw, thanks.
A comment like this, definitely gives me a reason to smile.
The bloke who stopped you – he probably had you sussed as one of these people who, when falling past a 20th-storey window, is heard to remark, “Okay so far…”
M
Hahaha! Probably.
Smile On ! I like the idea that you did not even know that you were smiling. It came from the inside out!
My mother says I do it all the time.
I suppose the smiles that come without thinking are the best!
Thanks for reading!
I was in the middle of a phone call a few months ago when I realized it was going bad. Really bad. Like life-altering, things-are-not-as-they-seem bad. I took a deep breath, sat down, and told myself: we are not going to let this be how the story ends. And so I changed it – I let the words pass over me and through me and forgot them as they went. I didn’t get angry or sad – I chose to remember the good, let the bad go…and end MY story MY way. We can all make those decisions – big and small ones every day. So you let your light shine C.B. – it’s a reminder for all of us!
This made me cry . . . tears of joy.
I love how you decided “the story” was yours to tell! Bravo!