A Little Inspiration

Easily one of my favorite icons is Mother Teresa of Calcutta. I find her ability to remain ever-humble in a world where millions looked up to her, to be nothing less than saintly. I have been reading a few quotes by Mother Teresa each day, and I found one recently that stuck out to me as an ideal way to live life:

"Joy is very infectious. We will never know just how much good a simple smile can do. Be faithful in little things. Smile at one another. We must live beautifully."

A few things struck me as I read this particular passage. Notice how much emphasis she has placed on finding happiness through the simple things. She is consistent with this idea right down to her sentence structure, using just a few words in each sentence, but in such a way that the meaning is clear: our actions, however small, have a ripple effect. Why spread anger when it is so easy to simply smile?

I am just as guilty as the next person of sometimes letting my frustrations get the best of me. Heaven knows I have snapped at people who certainly did not deserve it when I was under stress. I believe it is fair to say this is one thing that is easier said than done at times, but the importance of common courtesies, as well as a simple smile is overwhelming. In fact, it can get you pretty far in life.

The view from the hotel parking lot--the whole town had
recently been destroyed by a tornado

A quick example: In May, Cameron and I were headed to a good friend's wedding in Arizona, which is a bit more than a stone's throw from my beloved Michigan. After driving all night and day, we landed in a tiny town at the end of Kansas, quite exhausted and unkempt after about 19 long hours of driving. The couple ahead of us was quite rude upon discovering that no, this hotel did not have presidential suites, as they had just rebuilt after a tornado wiped out the entire town not long ago. The woman at the front desk of the only hotel for at least 70 miles gave us the price of a room, which was a bit more than we had wanted to spend for a few hours' sleep. I thanked her for her help and Cameron and I quickly discussed whether we should bend the budget a little. The woman heard our situation, and offered to give us a discounted rate. We of course gladly accepted and thanked her profusely for her help. We ended up loving the experience we had there, right down to the Hot Pockets we ate for dinner from the local gas station since the restaurants had not yet been rebuilt.

Life's little lessons often stick with people, and I think that on that day we learned that simply by being kind, we were able to enjoy a great night's sleep in a state-of-the-art and green-friendly hotel, for less than we would have otherwise. It's a simplistic example, yes, but at the same time, it fits.

Regardless, I am very much enjoying this collection of Mother Teresa's quotes, and it has certainly helped give me a new appreciation for the world around me, even just a friendly smile. It really is the simple things, isn't it?

Current Reads

Looking for a good book? I've got plenty of recommendations...after all, I read like it's my job (anyone looking for a book critic?? That would be another one of my dream jobs!. Here are a few of them (no spoilers, I promise!):

1) At First Sight by Nicholas Sparks- I read this one in about 3 days, and during those few days, it was like an appendage. I was completely attached. The book follows Jeremy and Lexie through their whirlwind love story after a chance meeting. I laughed, but I cried even more. Talk about a tear-jerker! This is a great book for the beach, and great to read before bed if you don't mind staying awake a few more hours than you expected because you just can't put it down!

2) The Thank You Economy by Gary Vaynerchuck- If you are starting a business, already own one, or have anything to do with sales or marketing, this is a must-read. Not only does it discuss effective ways to increase your customer loyalty and building a relationship with your customers, but it does so with humor. This is not the typical, dry, boring econ book; it's entertaining and informative. Awesome.

3) Twenty Love Poems and a Song of Despair by Pablo Neruda- I'm not usually big on poetry, but I started reading Neruda's poetry not long ago, and I can't get enough. This is my favorite collection by him, but be warned, the poems aren't appropriate for kids! I read them in the original Spanish, and I recommend that if you can, but they are just as beautiful in English--give it a try!

 Up next on my list: Baggage Claim, Mother Theresa: Her Essential Wisdom, Wuthering Heights (loved it the first time, so I'm reading it again!) and The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela.