Thursday, June 14, 2012

Hugs, Smiles, & Making Peace

My granddaughter is growing up quickly. She will be eight years old in a few weeks. Talking with her is like talking to an adult. Recently I thought that she was not as loving and affectionate as she used to be. It was like she’s got so much going on that hugging was no longer a priority. I was wrong. This past Monday I picked her up at her martial arts school. She didn’t see me walk in. All the kids were dressed the same and it took me a few minutes to find her in the crowd. The children were all sitting like little Buddha’s listening to “Master Thomas”. As soon as Chloe saw me, she ran towards me, wrapped her arms around me, and held on like her life depended on it. I almost fell down. Later in a restaurant, she hugged me again without warning. Sometimes I look at her and wonder, “Does this child have any idea how much I love her and how much she has changed my life for the better”?

Yesterday I made peace with someone with whom I had an estranged relationship. I was hesitant to reach out but I thought it had to be done. When I did so I was relieved and somewhat joyful that my reaching out seemed to relieve them of a burden as well. In fact, I got a hug. I feel much better for having taken the chance and for breaking down a wall that needed to come down.

Breathing in, I calm my body.
Breathing out, I smile.
-Thich Nhat Hanh

I’ve always been a little self-conscious about my smile. It’s probably because I’ve always felt like I needed to go to the orthodontist. However, I still try to smile as much as possible, even to strangers. Over the years I have worked with some people who had wonderful smiles and every time they smiled it brightened my day. Today I challenge you to smile as often as you can. You have no idea what it’s effect may be on others.







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