Most people are so absorbed with their separate lives and interests that they don’t stop to think about the importance of a smile. This hit hone for me on a recent trip to Maui to my granddaughter wedding. During the trip, we went out on a boat to do some snorkeling. One of the crew members was Bob Pedersen. While on the trip, Bob smiled at me, and I smiled back and struck up a conversation. I was surprised to learn that Bob, too, is a published author. It’s amazing how just smiling at someone can open up an entire conversation.
We spoke about our writing experiences, and I made a new friend. At the end of the trip, Bob asked me to wait a moment while he jumped off the boat and went to his locker. He returned with an autographed copy of his beautiful book, Seeds of Awareness – a Journey Towards Self Realization. I was blown away. Not just by the generosity of his gift, but by the book itself. An accomplished poet and photographer, the book is filled with gorgeous photos and art work accompanying his insightful poetry. One of the poems made me think long and hard about the importance of a smile. Here’s what Bob wrote:
How Many Lives
Had been
Touched
How Many Souls
Uplifted
-
How Far
Had that One Smile
Journeyed
BEFORE
Its Magic Met your Eyes
While
Softly Kissing Your Lips
-
The Grace of a Smile
Set – Free
Is
Truly a Gift
Given
Unto the World
Bob’s smile, and his words, made my day. It could have been a small thing that I ignored, but then, I would have missed out on a wonderful opportunity to meet a uniquely talented individual. How many times have you failed to smile back? How often have you looked at someone and not smiled? What opportunities did you miss because you forgot the importance of a smile?
Think about this next time you look at a stranger. Smile at him or her, and give that person and the rest of the world that gift. It’s possible your smile might make a difference in the life of another.
Til Next Time,
Carol
We spoke about our writing experiences, and I made a new friend. At the end of the trip, Bob asked me to wait a moment while he jumped off the boat and went to his locker. He returned with an autographed copy of his beautiful book, Seeds of Awareness – a Journey Towards Self Realization. I was blown away. Not just by the generosity of his gift, but by the book itself. An accomplished poet and photographer, the book is filled with gorgeous photos and art work accompanying his insightful poetry. One of the poems made me think long and hard about the importance of a smile. Here’s what Bob wrote:
How Many Lives
Had been
Touched
How Many Souls
Uplifted
-
How Far
Had that One Smile
Journeyed
BEFORE
Its Magic Met your Eyes
While
Softly Kissing Your Lips
-
The Grace of a Smile
Set – Free
Is
Truly a Gift
Given
Unto the World
Bob’s smile, and his words, made my day. It could have been a small thing that I ignored, but then, I would have missed out on a wonderful opportunity to meet a uniquely talented individual. How many times have you failed to smile back? How often have you looked at someone and not smiled? What opportunities did you miss because you forgot the importance of a smile?
Think about this next time you look at a stranger. Smile at him or her, and give that person and the rest of the world that gift. It’s possible your smile might make a difference in the life of another.
Til Next Time,
Carol
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