Spread a Little Sunshine

Have you ever thought about the ripple effect a smile can have in the world? I have. From a young age, I was very in tune with the feelings of others around me. I had a curiosity about why some people seemed happier than others. It broke my heart to see people in pain. I am still quite sensitive these days and am known to wear my heart on my sleeve. There is nothing that brings me joy more than to see another person embrace their potential. It has always been that way for me.

I always felt deep down that my purpose was to “spread a little sunshine”. I look around me each day and wonder how I can make a difference in the life of the people that cross my path. I see what is possible when we all contribute to the greater good of creating a loving and caring environment wherever we are. I believe that it is a choice we all make every day – whether conscious or not. When we venture out into the world, we decide how we will experience each day. With our thoughts, we attract circumstances that create experience. How we react to those experiences is determined again by our thoughts. What we do and say is all related to what we are feeling at the time, but can also be clouded by judgments and biases that we have held for a long time.

We have all had mornings that didn’t start out so well. When everything seems to go wrong and we can’t shake the foul mood we are in. Throughout the day, we continually hear bad news and encounter rude people. We just want the day to be over! We get red lights and burn our supper. The kids are acting up and the in-laws are driving you crazy. Have you ever stopped to think about how YOU are being on these days, and how you are contributing to the reality you are experiencing? Have you considered the ripple effect that your frown can have in the world? I have. It’s pretty ugly so I won’t get into it. I’m sure you can remember such a day. I can. Ugh.

The fact is we have the power to change our thoughts. This means we have the power to change the experience we are having just by changing the meaning we are giving it. By changing the way we are being, we can create a positive ripple effect in the world. A significant impact can be made with one simple gesture: a smile. The amazing thing is that it doesn’t take any money, time or energy. It is one of the first things we ever learn how to do. Despite the ease in doing so, it is surprising how many people forget the power behind the smile. Imagine how your day can be turned around and you can spread a little sunshine:

Smile at your neighbor as you back out the driveway. Smile at the children as they cross the street in front of your car. Smile at the cashier at Starbucks. Smile at the driver who lets you out of the parking lot and then smile at the next one you let out. Smile at all the people you walk by on the hiking trail. Smile at your kids when you pick them up. Smile at your spouse when you come home from work. Smile to yourself when you go to bed and, then again, smile when you wake up.

Be conscious of this effort and the result it has in your life. Your heightened awareness may help you to realize how much (or how little) sunshine you have been spreading all along. The good news is: there is never, ever too much so keeping spreading it. [Living in Newfoundland & Labrador, I can tell you, we can ALWAYS use a little more sunshine!] And, while we can’t always depend on the weather, we can always depend on ourselves… so step up to the plate, embrace your potential, and spread a little sunshine… you never know how your day will turn out! Smiling is contagious you know. Lesson Learned.