Sorry for the delay. I am always playing catchup with comments as I have an utter inability to keep them brief, it's a curse, although one I bear gladly as I love to truly engage with those I cross paths with rather than just hit the comment section and run...
Thank YOU so much for the beautiful message and the fabulous encouragement, it is always such a boon to know another has read the piece you put so much time and effort into. Thanks for the awesome tip regarding the enormous power of gratitude too. I have taken up what some may consider a strange activity of late...
When I feel worn-out, frustrated, or even when I feel my mind patterns or mood heading South, I go to the closest mirror and smile at myself as if I am greeting someone that I love very much and care about. I gotta be honest, it doesn't always feel like the most natural thing in the world and I don't always initially feel like smiling but there is a magic that happens shortly afterward.
If people find this a little odd, that can only be considered their problem, right? If this acts as a stress valve (as I think it does) and helps me avoid a period of low mood then it is totally worth a few people thinking me to be an oddball. There really is something magical about a simple smile.
Again, thank YOU so much, wonderful to cross paths with you @drrune Ihope you have a truly wonderful weekend and an even better week to follow 🙂
Hello, Steven! Thanks for such a beautiful reply. Yes, I totally get that trick, it's wonderful! I do a lot of things in public that I'm certain people consider odd, but I care less and less about that, hahahaha.
And yes, smiles can truly transform our day, especially in the hardest situations, so I wish you an abundance of smiles and laughter from now on! Hugs from Venezuela!