It’s Monday, and I have a doctor’s appointment today. It’s an appointment with my eye doctor—wait, what eye doctor? I’m Greek, so it’s “ophthalmologist.” I mean, I could have said, “eye doctor,” but why not use the correct word? Besides, I feel a little proud and in good spirits today, and I like to show off from time to time, so it’s “ophthalmologist” for me. And, by the way, I “own” the word, so it’s easy for me to say.Today I will be happy by choice!
Driving into the city, I decided that I will be myself today—happy, joyful, generous. I will not follow the general feeling of the people in my city (keeping to themselves, never making eye contact, never smiling, never saying “good morning”…oh, that would be a real NO NO…).
At the first traffic light coming into the city, I say “good morning” to a homeless person and give him some money. He’s not inspiring, but he is not there for that. Today, I have to feel good about myself and do good for the people I meet.
At this doctor’s office, you have to wait for hours, because everybody gets the same appointment time—it’s a very long story. I get there an hour late, and I’ll still have to wait one and one-half hours more. Nonetheless, I go in with a mission: to wait happily and to find the positive in all this weirdness.To be happy by choice!
A lady comes in with a piece of black lace stuck to the back of her head. I think she’s being cute, a free-spirit kind of thing, so I say to her joyfully, “I like what you have in your hair!” She looks at me in shock and says, “Do I still have it on?” She pulls the little lace thing out of her hair. “I just went to a funeral,” she says. “My friend died. I was a bridesmaid at her wedding and I’m very sad, but thank you for telling me about the lace.” There was no way for me to know this little detail, that the lady was Jewish and that it is a Jewish custom to wear the lace.
There’s an older lady in the waiting room who’s well-dressed in matching colors. How could you not say something about that? My eyes are happy, and so I say something to her. She could have been so interesting to talk to, but she’s called in. After two hours of waiting, she goes in happily!
After my doctor’s visit, I greet an older gentleman who’s on the elevator with me going down. I’m so happy I do. He’s so pleasant, and he’s in a good mood, too. And now here comes my little blessing of the day: I have my coat in my arms and am getting ready to put it on. Very politely, he takes it from me and helps me put it on, in full view of the many people in the elevator. That has never happened to me before, and it makes my day!
What a special morning this has been for me! I am so glad I made a conscious decision to be happy and to maybe spread that positive spirit around me. It really is easy—just a greeting, a little smile, a compliment! It worked for me today, and with all my heart I hope that it works for you, too!
Be happy it’s your choice!
Litsa, with Love!
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