Smile right now. Smile because you are alive, and smile because whether you realize it or not, you have countless moments worth smiling about. Smile because your smile brings joy into this world and to the people around you. Smile, not for me, but for you. Smile because you being who you are, are so totally, completely worth smiling for.
I want you to take a minute and think about today, this week, this month, whatever time frame you may prefer.
Now, recall what you just thought about. How many of your thoughts centered on negative experiences or mistakes or hardships? At least a few I'm sure. Don't feel bad about that though, I tend to focus on the negatives a little too often too.
So, now that we've established the fact that there have been some mistakes in our lives, let's throw those thoughts to the side and focus on the positive. Think back again and pick out those moments that stand out from the rest. Think about the moments that fill you with so much joy that you can't help but smile. Think about those seemingly ordinary moments in which something extraordinary happened. Think hard, and find your spark moment.
"What is a Spark Moment Chloe?" you may be asking. Let me enlighten you.
This past summer I worked at a summer camp, and one of my fellow Senior Counselors was encouraging the girls to look for spark moments during their days at camp and even in their everyday lives. She pointed out a bench on the campgrounds with the following engraved on it: "it only takes a spark."
A spark moment is a moment when time freezes, a moment when you feel overjoyed, a moment that is somehow set apart. It can be something as simple as someone opening the door for you, or as complex as a stranger sharing a deep experience with you. A spark moment is one that lights up your day. It is a beacon of joy that sheds its light to all those around you and brings joy to those you encounter as well.
Spark moments however, aren't as rare as you might think. They are so, so present in our lives, we just have to look for them. Keep looking for them, look for them everywhere, and I promise, you'll be surprised how many you'll find, and you just might be surprised by how much more joy will flood into your life.
Try this. Try setting aside a few minutes everyday to think about those moments that stood out, and start looking for them in the present moment. LET yourself be present and feel the joy that wants to encompass you. The joy that makes you feel great and the joy that makes you smile from cheek to cheek.
So, please, no matter what is going on in your life right now, take a step back. Breathe. Think. Find your spark moments. And SMILE.
