You're always smiling...

I've been to this fitness class a few times, with a similar crew. . Today a woman came up to me and said "you're always smiling, I just find you amazing because you're always smiling as hard as it gets!" . 🤔I've gotten this often over the years. At times, my smile has been there to hide physical pain, fatigue, emotional pain, frustration with how things are going. Not every disease/ condition is visible from the outside. ...And if I'm being totally honest (and vulnerable) I have used this smile as a defense mechanism so that others won't "bother me" and so that I can go on in my own way, on my own time. . But these last few months- that smile has been more genuine than ever. I have found solutions for so many things and connected with my world instead of hiding from it. .

And so today, this is what I told that woman:

"Thank you so much- that means the world to me. I've really found something inside of myself over the past few months and it's been life changing. I feel like me again. I feel free and happy, energized, and healthy. When all of those things come together, I can't help but smile- no matter what life throws at me."

She responded- "Well don't change a thing- you keep doing whatever it is that makes you smile, and you keep on smiling- because it shines- you have the best smile -it's just beautiful."

I promised her I would. I promised myself it would be genuine and not a defense or shield from my world- but rather a way to connect with it.

I deserve this happy, healthy, vibrant, and "free to be myself" feeling. Everyone does 💜

Hoping you all find yourself smiling your "real smile" soon! 🤗

#findyourjoy #unleashyou #unleashyourpotential #spreadyourjoy#dontjustsurvive #engageinyourlife #chooseyourhappy#saynicethingstostrangers #conqueryourfears