The early hours of the morning are often characterized by hushed tones and gentle actions. Waking from a deep slumber requires the body to revitalize, slowly remembering how to move every last muscle, even the small that reside in the fingers and toes. There is comfort here.

Stepping out into the world for the first time that day, I remained in my own headspace, daydreaming as I made my way to the restroom to wash my face.

There was a woman approaching the doorway from the opposite side of the hall. She looked to me and made eye-contact, wistfully smiling before opening her mouth.

Good Morning!

Cheerful and spritely, a wave of warmth radiated from her words. There was a tone of sincerity in her voice that was rooted deeply in her expression. As I gradually began to become more awake, I started to notice the situation more clearly.

Good Morning

I uttered the reply sheepishly, slowly regaining my voice from the previous silence of slumber.
A bright yellow bucket rested next to her ankle, in her left hand was a sign that read, "Caution, cleaning in progress."

How are you?

The worn phrase rang differently when she was the one delivering the words. The curiosity in her question was truly genuine, and it seemed that any answer I could have given her would have sparked a truly unique conversation.

Our banter continued and the discussion led from topic to topic. We laughed as we recalled how busy the previous week had been, and how we longed for the refreshing air of summer. At this point, I began to ponder the nature of the conversation and how it had started in the first place. I found myself fascinated by her soulful optimism.

This woman, tasked with the tedious and tiresome obligation of cleaning up a college restroom every single day, was the picture of joyfulness. The work that she does, day in and day out, requires a great amount of patience and courage; it takes a truly special person to continue to be joyful despite completing such an unpleasant job that anyone would dislike.

It is unequivocally important to understand that our attitudes shape the way we see the world. If we chose to be stressed or agitated about the work we do, then we will see the world as a stressful and aggravating place. However, if that mindset is shifted and we instead bring light and radiance into our daily routines and jobs, then suddenly the world becomes a much brighter place.