Start speading smiles!

I firmly believe that smiles are contagious. About a month ago, I was going through some difficult times. All of the wonderful people in my life came through and lifted me up. In a previous blog post, I told you that I needed to give this love back to the universe. I think I’ve found just the right way to do so.

What are these delightfully happy and colorful frames, you ask? They are awesome frames. My intention is to give these out to people who make me smile. This could be the Caribou coffee lady or someone that I work with. 

I’m hoping that they will pass it on to a smile-giver and that the frames will share love with many people. 

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I’d love if you would join me in doing the same thing! You don’t necessarily have to make fun frames. Try spreading smiles in your own way.

1. You could simply smile at a stranger
2. Say hi to people passing you in the hall at work
3. Try giving three sincere compliments a day
4. Compliment a stranger
5. Treat your neighbor
6. Thank people

Joy’s Hope is featuring projects you can do every day to spread smiles. One project that caught my eye is bringing a treat to your neighbor. She baked some Pillsbury ‘break and bake’ cookies and took them to a neighbor. It gets dark so early now. Imagine coming home to a freshly baked stack of cookies. That will surely brighten anybody’s day!

Another simple way to spread smiles is a simple thank you! Pick up a pack of thank-you cards and set a goal. Maybe you purchase a dozen cards and want to use them in a month or even a week. When someone shows you love, thank them. Or maybe just pick one person a week and send them a card. Imagine how happy your child, parent or friend would be to get a thank you card...just because.

I always enjoy checking the mail and seeing a handwritten note from someone. We have become so accustomed to communicating via texts and e-mails, that we don’t write love notes anymore.

You could be the difference between somebody having an alright day and an awesome day. You are awesome! Let your light shine bright! 

Please share your smile-spreading ideas below.

When you wish upon a star...

Have you ever wished upon a star and had the wish come true? I honestly can’t say that I remember a time when this happened. I’m not saying that it hasn’t, but I just can’t recall.

I went to check the mail on a chilly night last week. I looked up and saw this amazing star in the sky, shining brighter than all of the other stars. 

Instead of being able to take the moment in and enjoy it, I was reminded of a recent experience that I had with a friend, looking at this very same star. It made me angry.

A friend, that had disappeared without explanation. A friend that made me realize we weren’t as close of friends as I thought we were. 

I was even more upset with myself for letting this person have control over my experiences, although they had so easily disconnected from me.

So, how do we change our paradigm? 

It’s easy, just do it! Create a new memory, a better memory. I sat in my driveway, looking a bit crazy, I must admit. I imagined all of the people that I loved and that loved me. I made a wish for each one of them. I wished for happiness for one, good health for the next and love for them all. 

I released my old friend and sent them love. I released the negative memory and imagined it floating into space.

Now, when I look at that star, I see dozens of amazing people surrounded by love, including my friend. I know all of my wishes for will come true this time!

It may not easy to be honest, but please remember how important it is. Live your life with no regrets! Live your life with love. 

Don’t procrastinate on your life. Don’t wait for a better day, more money or the next best thing. Your grass is green, my friend!

Do you have a paradigm in your life that you can shift? 

Now, I’d like to share some photos of some of the wonderful people in my life, that I’ve had the opportunity of photographing recently!

Congratulations to this beautiful couple, 
Justin and Emily Janacek!

Check out this beautiful Stillwater High School Senior, 
Hanna Gjermo!

Logan's cousin, the adorable Addison!

Congratulations to Kelly and Alex, on the arrival 
of little Madelyn! Here's a great image with 
her awesome brother, Dima!

Wow! Am I lucky? Happy wishes to all of you, my friends!