It Only Takes A Smile

What a brilliant way to keep people warm literally and metaphorically! 

There are several podcasts I listen to on a regular basis to remain inspired and passionate about life, entrepreneurship , and passion. One of which is 48 Days to the Work You Love. Each week Coach Dan Miller encourages audience members to live out their dreams in a realistic and strategic way . He answers questions to those who are lost , provides free advice , and shares success stories. Last week , he discussed instances where he and others expressed gratitude and hope towards others .At the end he requested the audience for their stories on gratitude . I never write to podcasters, authors, or celebrities. But I felt encouraged to share the mission of this website : itonlytakesasmile.com 

Below see a link to that podcast , listen to my letter read at the last 4 minutes and 10 seconds of the show. 

I encourage anyone who needs an ongoing pep talk to take the next step in their career to subscribe to this weekly podcast.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/48-days-to-work-you-love-internet/id178145160?mt=2&i=378771633

Below is he letter I wrote to Dan:

Dan,

On a recent podcast you shared instances where you and others continue to give back to others not just during the holiday season but throughout the year. I find this is so vital and always want to show others the depth of my gratitude .

Four years ago i started the process of handing out gratitude cards to those who serve me: bank tellers , waiters, baristas , family, and friends. These cards generally have a positive quote and funny picture, of my dogs on them with a link to a website of mine: Itonlytakeaasmile.com. The site is filled with positive stories I write or have found online. We hear so many horrific things on the news , and not enough positivity. Just as negativity is contagious , so is optimism.

Initially I was extremely intent on giving this to everyone I encountered . It’s decreased through the years, and has remained primarily active when I travel. I especially try to give it to those who deal with the daily grind of disgruntled travellers at the airports . 

I have been lucky enough to have my dream job overseas the past several years as a psychologist and yoga instructor serving the military. There could be a chance the dream ends as contracts change, and so I continue to listen to your show weekly for tips, as you guide others through their struggles. 

Thank you for all you do in keeping people’s spirits up throughout the year, and fueling them to live out their passions. It serves as a reminder for me to keep up my positivity blog and handing out gratitude cards to others. I hope to attend one of your workshops in the future , as I eventually shift into the next phase of my life.  

With gratitude and love ,

Tricia

The Brits love Christmas jumpers (aka sweaters).  As Americans we love an ugly xmas sweater party . But here it’s not ugly, just celebratory.  It’s something I truly appreciate, the British love for being in the festive season. 

I have lived here for over 3 1/2 years and have now accumulated over 6 holiday jumpers. It’s quite addicting , if I could I would buy my entire family a xmas sweater as a gift. But I’m not sure they would appreciate it.

Although these two photos are a bit cheeky, they get people to smile. To combine 50 Cent and Jesus in a festive sweater is brilliant.

Next Friday Dec 16 is National xmas jumper day.  Money goes to helping children in need. Wear a jumper , raise money, and bring a smile to those who spot you!

https://christmasjumperday.org/

In October my husband and I took a quick trip to Sardinia to explore the land and sea. One excursion we jumped on was a beach/partial off road tour of the southeastern side of the island. The off road part was definitely scary, as demonstrated in the video below .​

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But it was the best part. The drive was anti-climatic. There was such an adrenaline high on this piece of the drive with the  cliffs overlooking the cleanest blue waters . But we didn’t visit that beach, simply a secluded beach with a lacklustre view. If we didn’t take have this scary portion of the journey, it would have been quite boring .

 So many times fear keeps us from doing what our hearts desire.  Push yourselves to live outside your boundaries. 

Strap on your seat belts and enjoy the bumpy ride.  Be bold , you have one life , live it!

Puzo would like to say thank you to his grandma for bringing all these stuffed animals for his holiday present . Although he was to share with his sister Bella ,

She didn’t mind. Bella was too busy getting love from her grandma and getting the smiles for her new pink fleece and leg warmers. 

Give an animal a hug today !

As Casa Aranda in Malaga opened at 8 am on a Sunday , people began to fill the chairs for their morning serving of churros con chocoalte. What’s beautiful about this city is as each stranger entered the room we were seated in , they greeted everyone with “Buenos Dias.” Although nobody knew each other , it was as if the term strangers did not exist.

How comforting it was to sit and linger in this atmosphere. Easily you can pretend momentarily you are living the life of a Spaniard , and are accepted.  

I ate too many churros, but had one remaining. As I saw a homeless man begging for money from their customers, I ran out and gave him my last churro. He smiled while saying Gracias, and he continued to say hello the staff . They greeted each other , I have a feeling he is also a regular there and gets his morning fill of churros. 

Maybe churros con chocolate can momentarily unite the world 🙂

Each time I travel I am stunned by the number of stray cats and dogs that linger the streets. This was the case in Greece. My heart went out to them. The animals looked like they haven’t been bathed in months, but they weren’t excessively thin. This means that are somehow being taken care of collectively by others. Perhaps a meal by this shop keeper, or leftovers from that restaurant .
 As we were passing an archeological site in Athens, I saw a couple feeding several cats outside the entrance. I assumed they were locals doing their rounds , but when they began talking to me I discovered they were from New Jersey. This couple (I never did learn their name) had been on holiday for two weeks in Cyprus and Greece, and had visited this exact spot the day prior witnessing the stray cats. Today they bought cat food and were on a mission to feed as many cats as they could in and out of this Athens tourist stop. It was the last day of their European journey and they spent it feeding stray animals. How beautiful is that? 
I always see homeless cats, dogs, and people when I travel. My heart aches , but I don’t do anything about it. These people were, even if in a small way.

Today was my last day in Athens with my mom. Two stray dogs followed us from one site to another, eventually they left after being scolded off by another dog and his owner. I purchased a new coral short Greek dress, and as we sat down for breakfast , I began getting emotional. I feel so blessed for the life I lead. I have my dream job, travel the world, meet many of the people I have admired through the years, and know the possibilities that are available to me in life. I felt so greedy and selfish for purchasing that last dress. I began reflecting on how I can give back. 
During breakfast , an older woman said something to us in Greek. Perhaps she was asking money for food. I ran up to her and gave her a piece of toast with an egg on it, untouched. She needed it more than me . I packed away the leftovers on our plate : feta cheese and tomatoes. I wrapped them in red napkins. I knew I could give this to someone else else. I dropped it off to someone sleeping on the street who had a cup out for money. Later I purchased a chicken souvlaki and gave it to a mother with two children who sat begging at the bottom of the steps of the subway . She said thank you in English . 
But I know ,this still isn’t enough.
Something today churned and awakened in me. I am unsure what idea is stirring, but I know a change will come in the future of how I travel. 
More than offering these gratitude cards for those who help.
More than offering small tokens of kindness for those in need.
I am not sure how things will change , but want to make a commitment in how I can serve the world in a deeper way

In our times of adversity, watching this brings joy to my heart. Props to Amazon !

Tonight I was able to watch one of my favourite female singers perform at a sold out show in London: Rachael Yamagata. It was so comforting to be in her presence. I always find such joy and contentment being in the atmosphere of familiarity as an expat. I have listened to her for over a decade. She helped me through breakups, longings, love, and bonding time with my friends. This is what artists do for us. 
Things have been quite heated in the US, during the past week. Emotional turmoil, negativity , and frustration are running rampant in our conversations in person, on social media, and even within the quietness of our hearts . This has influenced much of the world and definitely impacted Rachael tonight. It was beautiful to see how she elegantly took the high road in not getting stuck in the political drama and encouraged us the audience to begin focusing on the possibilities . She discussed the importance of sharing kindness within our circles. 
After the concert I was able to meet her , and share this gratitude card with her . As I described to her what the card was about , she gave me a hug and kiss on the cheek. It felt amazing to give at least some small token of gratitude to someone who has helped you for years throughout your life.

I feel so blessed to have met one of my favourite musicians and to be greeted with such warmth. 
Take the opportunity to share kindness with those in your realm . And if you ever have the opportunity to meet one of your heroes, take it , and tell them the impact it made.
Pass on the kindness 

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