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Watch For It…
When I wake up each day, I can see the sunrise through a window arch in our bedroom. This morning, the clouds looked as if they'd all had a generous helping of blush applied to their cheeks. They seemed to linger suspended there, as if the sunrise was waiting for my awe before continuing.
I came downstairs to the smell of coffee. (There are a few things I've perfected over the years as a working mom...mostly the aroma therapy benefits of coffee brewed via timer in the morning and the promise of something yummy coming from the crock pot when we walk in the door at the end of a long day.)
Next, I started my Pandora station and who should come on to usher me fully into the day but Bob Marley singing these words...
"Don't worry about a thing,
'Cause every little thing gonna be all right.
Singin': "Don't worry about a thing,
'Cause every little thing gonna be all right!"
Rise up this mornin',
Smiled with the risin' sun,
Three little birds
Pitch by my doorstep
Singin' sweet songs
Of melodies pure and true,
Sayin', ("This is my message to you-ou-ou:")
Singin': "Don't worry 'bout a thing,
'Cause every little thing gonna be all right."
Singin': "Don't worry (don't worry) 'bout a thing,
'Cause every little thing gonna be all right!"
My days probably all start this way, but I hurry right past such little bits of joy. Or worse, I focus on the distractions that are laced up with anxiety and gloom. But today, the beauty broke through with a pink and fluffy start to remind me,
Everything's gonna be alright.
Life on the car lot has revealed amazing things to me about human nature. My favorite customers are the ones who come in defensive and angry--either because they hate the car buying process or because they're full of fear that they won't qualify to buy the car they really need. I like those stories that end in us exchanging hugs or hand shakes before they drive off in their new car.
I could focus on the customers who treat me with disrespect and condescension based on their assumptions about my profession. I could focus on every aspect of my job that seems to minimize my value, or the fact that most days my efforts result in earning less than the average McDonald's worker. I could focus on the fact that the career step I thought was going to follow this experience seems elusive at best. I could pity the fact that my chief champion is a thousand miles away.
Instead, I will rise up and smile with the mornin' sun.
Yesterday, the sky was overcast but the sunshine was there...it broke through in emails from my fierce and fabulous sisters who lifted me up and reminded me whose I am.
And it came through this card that arrived from my friend Ann to remind me that I'm an amazing woman...and that I should get some nifty driving gloves just like this woman on the front of the card...
Today, look for beauty and be beauty. Be the little bit of goodness that fills another person's sails with just the breeze they need to carry them across a rough patch. Be the beauty that sees beyond labels and thinks beyond assumptions.
See beauty. Be beauty. Grow goodness. Life is good!
Mimi, I'm late to this comment, but better late than never, right? This is such a good reminder that beauty, health and happiness are all an inside-out job. It all starts within each of us, and as RiverwoodWriter said: "Attitude is the best accessory". But those gloves, sunglasses and red lipstick complement that best accessory! Sending smiles, sunshine and beautiful sunsets your way. Cheers! Kaarina
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LikeKDillaboughRiverwoodWriter Thanks so much for stopping by, Karrina! It's good to hear from you. I'll be back to the blogosphere soon. I miss you!
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LikeMimiMeredithRiverwoodWriter Miss you too Mimi, but friends are always "around". I'm around for you, for the short or long haul. Be well. Cheers! kaarina
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LikeSo here I sit. Trying to think of something amazing & special to say because you are amazing & special & I type, delete and retype. It seems that none of my words are conveying how truly inspirational you are to me. This is beautiful and I love you dear friend.
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Likestacibishopglass@cox.net Well you do this every day! So you are equally inspirational, Staci--in so many ways. Here's to resilience and the stamina to keep moving forward as we find our way...and especially to the beauty all around us and in each other as we hold one another up! Hugs to you!!
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LikeI think this underscores the power of our lenses. In every moment, there are things we can be happy about or there are things we can be miserable about... the choice is where we aim our lens and focus our attention.
This article was a beautiful reminder of that. And sure enough, it happened to me this morning as well. I started singing to my dog because I was happy for no reason. What a great way to be... even if I knew I still had a tough work day ahead of me!
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LikeRickManelius This just makes me smile!! I love the spontaneous joy in the act of random canine serenades :)!! Here's to bits of joy tucked in where you least expect them, Rick! Thanks for the great comment!
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LikeAlso go get yourself some driving gloves.
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LikeKevinMcHugh For sure! It's all about the accessories :)!
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LikeMimiMeredith KevinMcHugh
I saw a great ad last night on TV (don't know for what) with the final message: "Attitude is the best Accessory!" I liked that so much, I wrote it down, and now I know why...to share it here :-)
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LikeRiverwoodWriterKevinMcHugh I LOVE that!! I am printing that out and taping it to my computer monitor at work! Excellent words...and it a powerful, positive attitude sure beats uncomfortable shoes as an accessory...don't you agree, Kevin!?
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LikeMimi I really enjoyed this picture and more importantly enjoyed how it moved your spirit. Of course the smell of coffee in the morning always helps us all to get started. You are an awesome person and friend so don't let anyone steal your joy at the car dealer. Thanks for sharing.
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LikeKevinMcHugh I miss you!! Wish you were here to see the sunrises and sunsets from your side of the wall!!
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LikeMimi, What a wonderful message...and gorgeous sunrise photo! Thanks for the beautifully stated reminder.
Anne
(oh...and, LOVE Bob Marley)
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Likeannethewriter Thank you Anne! I had the song stuck in my head all day.
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LikeNot a bad song to have stuck in your head :) And, my apologies to Bobby McFerrin (the other Bob) who was the artist who did "Don't Worry be Happy." Another great song (that I was just listening to yesterday) is from Bob Marley - "Don't worry...About a Thing...'cause every little thing, is gonna be alright." MimiMeredith
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Likeannethewriter We must be long lost soul sisters! That is the other one that was going through my head today, too! It all started with Pandora this morning and the "Jack Johnson" station!
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LikeMimiMeredith Ha ha! Well, you've inspired me...had to put on some Jimmy Buffet for some more happy tunes!
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LikeLife is good, it really is. Whereas we have obstacles, there are some who are nowhere close to being as fortunate as we are. Yes, do take the time to appreciate the beauty in the little things; it means you are slowing yourself down to enjoy the journey.
Trust me, I know the love/no love feeling that comes with sales...........hang in there...............and good to see you.
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Likebdorman264 Love/No Love is the perfect description. It is a great way to practice teflon coating our spirits, isn't it!? Thanks for sticking with me in spite of my social media absence!
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LikeMims - You are BEAUTY to so many - the goodness that fills sails and carries many of us across the rough patch. May your days ahead be light and breezy and you find the wind beneath your wings good friend.
Thanks for always showing me to see beauty and to grow goodness the best I can. Hugs today!!
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LikeThanks, dear friend. But I think it is you who epitomizes the life of a beauty seeker! Hugs back!
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