A Big Smile

Do you keep anything in your current memory that makes you smile? Coaching has taught me to keep such memories close so that I may call upon them at a moments notice to create a shift in perspective. It works if you remember to 'remember!'

Yesterday, I found myself so caught up in thoughts about situations that it didn't occur to me to seek out a pleasant memory. It was evening and I was on my way home. I stopped at a grocery store to purchase a few items. I went to the checkout and saw a teenager at the cash register. She was sitting a distance from the register so I wasn't sure if she was open, even though the light was on. I thought, "she reminds me of my nieces who are young and beautiful and full of life." I approached and asked if she was available to ''ring up' my order?"  With a yawn, she said, "yes" and added that she was really tired. I asked if she stayed up too late the night before? She said, "not really I was just busy coloring." I was stunned by the answer. I asked her age. She said, "19." I thought, "wow, a 19 year old staying home on a Friday night to color!" She explained that, "Amazon has these really cool adult coloring books," and she loves the creative arts. She also told me that she would be starting school again on Monday, pursuing a nursing degree.

Perhaps the knowledge that there is a beautiful 19 year old that stayed at home to color on a Friday night isn't that great a revelation for you reader. And, there have been times spent on Friday nights with my young nieces that delighted me beyond measure. But, on this particular evening, when my mind was so unclear and fuzzy because of my thoughts, and no one dear to me nearby, that I, felt an internal shift. I experienced a warm and peaceful calm. A sort of renewal. A grand reality.

How lucky we are to have memories. How easy to use them for whatever we decide. I don't know about you, but, I love the ones that bring about a big smile for me. I will keep this one close.

I hope you have many memories that bring, for you, a big smile...