What makes you smile?

All of us have hardships.

Sometimes it's illness and we don't know how many sunrises we're going to see. Sometimes it's loneliness, and we feel overwhelmed at the impossibleness of making it on our own. Sometimes it's discouragement that gently wraps its chains around our foot and ever so slowly pulls us down before we even realize what's happening. Maybe it's anger that wells up at injustice never satisfied. Or heartache of lost love leaving a hole that will never be filled again.

Whatever it is that weighs your spirit down, I want you to do something for me. You're most likely sitting down reading this. I want you to take your hands, imagine balling it all up from inside you like a bedsheet you just pulled off your bed. Ball it up, and then place it on the floor next to your feet. Let it sit there for just a few minutes.

Don't worry. Nothing will happen.

Breathe in and out, and i want you to think of one thing that makes you feel good. What makes you smile, what makes the knots in your stomach relax? Think of one, or two... whatever comes to mind. And i want you physically smile about it and say outloud, "I am happy because..." There is power in that statement. Repeat as many times as you want.

(If you're in the library or somewhere else.... promise me you'll do this when no one else is around anymore!!!)

Now, it's time to pick up your bundle. It will be okay, but remember why you are happy. We are all in this together. You can make it.

And you know what? You may just find that your bundle is a little lighter.

Smile.