Early Summer 2013 -- Slow Down Enough to Smile Dear Friends It's been really hot here -- sweltering even -- and when I left work for my lunch break a few days ago, I was in a hurry, hot, and in no mood to deal with anyone. I have not been feeling well lately, to say the least. I have a recurrent cancer, which means surgeries, rounds of radiation, and chemotherapy. It seems like a never-ending cycle and leaves me feeling pretty anti-social. As I approached the market entrance, I saw an elderly gentleman sitting near the door. Ugh, I thought, he's going to try to sell me something or ask me to sign a petition. I did not want to engage with this guy so I hurried past him and nodded kindly with a smile. He stopped me and said, "Ma'am you look very nice today." I thanked him and continued on my way, but also chuckled because I was wearing a maxi dress with my "warehouse approved" sneakers. Not my best look I have to say. As I finished shopping, I thought this man's kindness had earned him a moment of my time. After all, he did manage to put a bright smile on my face, so if he wanted to pitch a sale or a political idea, I could at least listen to him. Right? As I walked slowly toward him, I mentioned how hot it was and asked if he, wearing a dress shirt and tie, was melting in the heat. His response was, "You’re so pretty. Your beauty trumps any effects this horrible heat has on me." Wow. No sales pitch, no petition. He just wanted to compliment me. Now I don't know about his being sent here by any higher power, but I do know for certain I was meant to pass this man on this day. If I had just whisked past him, avoiding eye contact, with no greeting whatsoever, I never would have heard his kind words. He made a huge impact on me. I hope that in our hurried lives we can all slow down enough to smile and greet someone who might just be there to lift our spirits and put a huge smile on our faces. Other Issues: Late Spring 2013 -- Recognizing Gifts Spring 2013 -- Doing the Best We Can Early Spring 2013 -- Know Where You're Going Holiday 2012 -- Our Power to Adapt Fall 2012 -- Gratitude for What We Have Early Fall 2012 -- See the Beauty in Front of Us Late Summer 2012 -- Modify So It Works for You Summer 2012 -- Finding Balance Early Summer 2012 -- Go Ahead and Take that Risk! Late Spring 2012 - Trusting Your Gut Spring 2012 - Living Life to the Fullest Early Spring 2012 - New Year, No Excuses Winter 2011 - A Thoughtful Tip Holiday 2011 - How Did I Get Here? Fall 2011 - Giving Thanks for What We Already Have Late Summer 2011 - Taking Ourselves Off Automatic Midsummer 2011 - Friends Through Thick and Thin Early Summer 2011 - The Power of Nice Late Spring 2011 - The Gifts of Spring Spring 2011 - Worst Case Scenario Early Spring 2011 - Break Away From the Herd Winter 2010 - Lessons From Feral Kitty Holiday 2010 - The Art of Imperfection Fall 2010 - When the Student is Ready... Late Summer 2010 - Saddle Up Midsummer 2010 - Hurry Up and Wait Early Summer 2010 - Don't Just Stand There. Do Something! Late Spring 2010 - Gifts From My Mother Spring 2010 - Taking That First Step Early Spring 2010 - I Think it's Time Winter 2009 - Choose Love, Not Fear Holiday 2009 - Paying it Forward Fall 2009 - You're Not Alone Late Summer 2009 - "Searching" for Peace Midsummer 2009 Early Summer 2009 Late Spring 2009 Spring 2009 Early Spring 2009 Winter 2008 Holiday 2008 Fall 2008 Late Summer 2008 Midsummer 2008 Early Summer 2008 Late Spring 2008 Spring 2008 Early Spring 2008 Winter 2007 Holiday 2007 Fall 2007 Late Summer 2007 Midsummer 2007 Early Summer 2007 Late Spring 2007 Spring 2007 Early Spring 2007 Winter 2006 Holiday 2006 Fall 2006 Late Summer 2006 Midsummer 2006 Early Summer 2006 Late Spring 2006 Spring 2006 Early Spring 2006

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