The power of a smile…pass it on!

Posted on January 14, 2020 by Movin' it with Michelle

Sometimes it’s easy to forget the power of a smile. As someone who suffered from depression many of my young adult/adult years, I can admit smiling wasn’t always easy.

But as I ease into my “midlife” years, I’ve made it a point to smile more. While I still have demons many know nothing about, what I have more of is simple gratitude for life. I work in a VA hospital, and as a Veteran myself, I am humbled EVERY. SINGLE. DAY as I walk down the halls.

Yesterday morning I came in to work early, only to find the lock on my door was broken. An hour and two locksmiths later, along with a new handle mechanism being installed, and I was finally ready to start my day. This set me back, though, and I had a hard time regrouping from to simple (and stupid) set back. My run in the evening after work was horrible, and my family was snappy at me. I closed my eyes on my recliner for 20 minutes to regroup, and decided tomorrow would be a better day.

I woke up before my second snooze went off this morning and was determined to have a good day. One way I LOVE turning my attitude around, is to pass on kindness to others. I arrived at work almost 25 minutes early, parked my Jeep and decided to go in early to get some work done. I used to DREAD walking in to work every day, and would sit in my Jeep until the last…possible…moment. Not anymore!!!! I love my new job, so coming in early isn’t something that is rare. As I entered the hospital, I greeted our volunteers with a big smile and a “Good Morning!!!!” as I do every single morning. Today I passed several Veterans on the way to my office, and one in particular MADE MY DAY. I smiled at him and wished him a Good morning, to which he responded “Look at that smile, you must love where you work. Thank you, and Good morning to you!!!” I smiled back and thanked him for his service along with assuring him that yes, it’s an honor to serve fellow Veterans.