Oahu, Hawaii

Denia, Spain

The Value of Kindness & a Smile

When I was a kid, my mom instilled in me the value of a smile. She’d say a smile could change someone’s day from bad to good. A smile could get the door opened for you literally or, in an interview, figuratively. My mom said a smile was powerful and when paired up with kindness, amazing things could transpire.

I teach these same principles to our children today. Try your best to be kind. Childhood has its rough times with jealousy, bullying, peer pressure, and more. Don’t let one bully teach you how to bully everyone else. Instead, remain kind to those whom haven’t lost the privilege. Think to yourself and ask if you haven’t offended the individual. If you have, it will take courage to admit it and apologize, if you haven’t, have compassion and hold it within you, for the bully or individual. We never know what is going on in their lives. 

Smile and people are willing to offer an extra inch or more of themselves.  As for kindness, lend an ear, and take the time to talk to someone, no matter what your age difference is with them.  People feel good when you offer them your undivided attention. Simply by being there, and listening, you’d be surprised at what you learn. 

I believe I’ve followed my mother’s philosophy often. Many people I have come to know to believe that I’m soft and naïve. It’s not true. I am strong. The smile isn't a sign of weakness. I am simply choosing to keep everything else I feel between me, my pen and my journal.