HAPPY MONDAY EVERYONE!!

  I am sure many of you are excited that it's the end of the rainy Monday, but let's count those blessings!  Right now, say one thing that happened today that made you smile...one thing, that's all. (Sorry folks, it can't be that Monday is almost over)  If you had one smile, then today was a success.  OK, maybe not a hugie success, but let's face it, one smile is better than no happy thoughts at all.  Can I get a hollaaaa from the group in the back?

  Some of you may know that I had a slight 'window to finger incident' two weeks ago.  If you have no clue what I am talking about, it's ok, I understand.  Basically, a broken window in my apartment fell on my finger.  Now, without being too dramatic, I would just like to explain that this was one of the most painful experiences of my life...mentally, physically and emotionally maybe even figuratively, theoretically or hypothetically?  I know I am really dramatic, right?  However, don't judge me until you hear me out.  *Remember we don't judge here in Smile-lution land o' fun.* After the window fell on my finger, I realized that this was a pretty serious injury.  I was home alone, and in complete shock!   As I am pacing around my apartment screaming in pain like a wee little baby, I remembered the ER was right around the corner and called my roomie (B Wallio woop!) to find out which street it was on.  After talking with my Aunt (shout out AK! WOOP) who was in town for the weekend, I went to the ER and was there for a few hours.  Here's the thing, this whole situation was pretty bad, but I realized that it had potential to be much worse.  I could have only 9 viable digits (one less middle finger); I could have been in the ER by myself all day; or I could have had to get in a cab or walk 50 blocks to the nearest ER.  For whatever reason, the situation was the best that it could have been, and I am super grateful for it. 

   As I am seeing the progression of how my little digi is healing, it's amazing that with given some time something that caused me an immense amount of pain can feel good again.  Think of one circumstance in your life that you thought, 'Will I ever be happy again?'.  Everyone has had those moments, it's called life and sometimes life isn't pleasant.  Life can be absolutely phenomenal, but it can also be as painful as losing your middle finger. (or almost losing it, haha)  The thing about growing up is realizing that tough times come and go, but there will always be another sunny day in the forecast.  I have said it before, but I love this running analogy that I came up with while training for my halfie-marathon...'to every up hill, there is a downhill.'  The way to push through those up hills is remembering the wonderful feelings of happiness or of love.   Whatever brings you joy...could be as simple as hanging out with your sweet A dog or taking a walk in the park, OR just eating a peebee and jay.  We have to realize that we deserve to be happy no matter what other people say.  Yes, bad things happen to good people, and good things happen to bad people.  That's not for you to worry about.  Follow your true hearts' desire, and you will find happiness.  Don't let anyone else determine your happiness, let them figure out their own life. 

  I am going to take a little turn here from the 'time heals all', and go with this happiness path.  A few weeks ago it dawned on me that everything in this material world (I love a good Madonna ref every now and then) was once a simple thought or idea.  One day, Manhattan was simply one building, now look at it!  Wild, I know!  Music, fashion trends, paper, words...everything in this world at one time did not existent.  30 years ago, to think that everyone would have their own tiny computer with them at all times, was a crazy thought.  (since a computer was the size of an entire room!  imagine carrying that around, you're smart phone doesn't sound so bulky now.)  It's unreal what can be accomplished if you follow your heart.  This, my friends, is because you will do everything in your power to achieve it.  Don't be afraid, be you. 

  To quote my happy tune Train-Hey Soul Sister, "I can be myself now finally, in fact there's nothing I can't be".  Don't let anyone dampen your ideas with their raining negative thoughts.  When I came up with this Smile-lution idea, almost 100% of my peeps agreed it was a great idea since they knew it was 'me'.   There was a small few that thought it was silly, but that did not break me down since I was on a mission...and I still am.  After 7 months of writing this, I am still inspired every day with the feedback from my friends, family and the many people across the United States that I have never met.  All I am doing is simply spilling out my thoughts to everyone to show what really happens in this brain...this dome it's not just for show!

I leave you with this little ball of truth from one of my favorite inspirational speakers Michael Beckwith: 

         "You can start with nothing...and out of nothing, and no way, a way will be made."

I hope you all have a wonderful week!  Get out there and play, jump in puddles or go for a happy hour with some friends (you must be 21 years or older to consume alcohol).  It's a busy world we live in, slow down and make time to spend with the people you care about...it's never too late.

Love you all!!

-Lizzzzz   xoxo