Hope

Near Horn Head, Dunfanaghy, County Donegal

Like a small glimmer of light far away on the water,

It is there.

Like the knowledge that one wave will come after another ends,

It will come.

Like the next note that follows the one before,

It will sound.

Like the cleansing wind that brings fresh after the still,

It will roar.

Hope.

c 2023 Lisa Lyons

Don’t Let the World Take Your Smile Away

Yesterday, someone tried to take my smile. I was at the supermarket, and I greeted the person and smiled. They proceeded to glare back at me with pursed lips and no greeting. I know I shouldn’t let it bother me, but it did. It made me question the smiling, the greeting. Maybe I’m just annoying, I thought. Maybe I should stop smiling at people so much.

But that is wrong. People need smiles. Not annoying smiles that are inappropriate and placed when people are grieving or in pain, but encouraging, I’m glad to see you smiles. Smiles that make us feel good, or at least better.

“Life is short. Smile while you still have teeth.” — Unknown

“There is fear when frowning. There is love when smiling.” —Maxime Lagacé

“A warm smile is the universal language of kindness.” – William Arthur Ward

¨Smile at strangers and you just might change a life.¨- Steve Maraboli

 “If someone is too tired to give you a smile, leave one of your own, because no one needs a smile as much as those who have none to give.” — Samson Raphael Hirsch

¨A smile cures the wounding of a frown.¨- William Shakespeare

 “Keep walking and keep smiling.” — Tiny Tim

I wish I could see all of you readers in person right now. We could smile at each other, and we would feel so much better. 🙂 🙂 🙂

Smiles and blessings,

Lisa

Waiting for the Neon Sign

I’m waiting for the neon sign to tell me what to do

A giant one hung from God above my house so blue

This way, that way, or just stay still

I long to be useful, but still in His Will

What’s the plan? What’s my purpose?

As midlife is here

I’m up for adventure

Just tickle my ear

c2023 Lisa Lyons

Do Something

Scenario One: Person sitting in chair, eyes glued to a lit screen, reading about depressing news and other people’s lives. No movement, and a mild sense of anxiety pervades.

Scenario Two: Person closes screen, walks, moves body, thinks his/her own thoughts instead of what is being fed through the media, decides to go for a walk and breath and stretch. Anxiety lessens immediately. Plan: write something, anything, get the creative wheels flowing, and then take a walk.

I have made my choice this morning. Closing this laptop as soon as I press “Publish.”

Love and blessings to you all, Lisa