A Good Laugh and a Friendly Smile Works Wonders

I am smiling as I begin to write this blog.  Really I don't know why but I was going to write about smiling and friends, and as I started to type I smiled.  Who knew.

Now I am laughing, have you ever laughed for no reason other than you can.  You kind of shrug your shoulders flash a smile and live.  Sometimes it is good to breath and relax and say God you are one bad dude. LOL  Now if that is not your thing to amuse yourself, you can do whatever you like.  As for me, I do catch myself smiling walking down the street or singing a song I just made up on the fly.  I find my self to be very entertaining when left to myself.  Now, I am not declaring I have had any Tom Cruise sliding across the floor in my skivvies moments -- well I may have once or twice.

I think you get the picture.  No pun intended.  The photo is from Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society Regional Conference.  I was just having a moment, and yes guys, or this guy has a moment -- actually I have quite a few when I am allowed to be me.  Right now I feel good.  I feel free and relaxed.  I studied my butt off and finished my assignments -- kudos to me!  It's alright to pat yourself on the back.  I think that is why I eat a lot of ice cream.  If you can't celebrate you and your accomplishments, even if it was just remembering to take out the trash because you forgot it three weeks in a row, reward yourself.  Treat yourself.  Don't cheat yourself.  We say that in New York.

Can I tell you something?  I suck at many things in life.  It's true.  Guess what?  It's ok.  I'm not living in a hangover because I am me and I don't meet anyone's standards of who I should be.  Let me clarify before I influence some anarchists!  I am me because I am Curtis.  I am me because I have my own heart, mind, thoughts, views, inflections, voice, silence, idiosyncrasies, and so much more.  I'm me because I like taking my time on some things and I rush on others.  I'm me because my palms do get sweaty and cold hands mean a warm heart.  I'm me because I laugh and cry and say, "Are you serious?"  I don't have to look like anyone else.  I have my own style and charisma -- well maybe not that charismatic.  But, it is ok to be.

I serve the most awesome God. EVER. EVER. EVER.  And He loves me.  He defines me.  He pushes me.  He surrounds me.  I'm so blessed that sometimes I do pinch myself.

You know what else.  I love my school and all the wonderful people I have encountered through it.  That was the reason I wanted to write.

I remember one day I was walking down the street in Queens, NY, and I saw this older man and he said to keep smiling and good things are gonna happen.  Needless to say when I passed him and looked back he was gone.  Really.  Life didn't go good either after that moment.  In fact, it went sour for a long time.  It's true.

However, he said to keep smiling.  That's it.  Just keep smiling.  Christ says the peace He gives the world cannot give.  Let not your heart be troubled.  He will keep him in perfect peace who's mind is stayed on Him.

Of course we don't think about God 24 hours a day, but the inclination of the heart is the focus.  Just like the man said.  Keep smiling and good things are gonna happen.  Friends, I am smiling today.  Smiling is a part of my life, and I am grateful for such a simple act.  I wanna keep smiling all the way through life up to heaven.  It's true.

I'm thankful for some really cool people that make me smile when I think about them.  If I start naming names I will be typing all night!  Just know that people have an effect on others and that smile of yours can really help somebody out.  Keep laughing!  Keep smiling!