I am a fraud. I’ve been faking it.

You know: ‘fake it ‘til you make it!” Now that I have your attention, I’m not really a fraud or, faking it at all. I just CHOOSE to put on a happy face. Smile

As many of you, who have read my book, know, I’ve had quite the run these past 4 years. Failing health, 2 major operations(back surgery and knee replacement surgery), multiple tests, rheumatoid arthritis, you name it, I seemed to have it. We had to exhibit tough love with our daughter. I sold part of my business, sooner than anticipated. Moved to Ohio. You get the picture.

During all of this I CHOSE to keep a smile on my face. Move forward. Yes, privately I cried. I got mad. Felt depressed. I just CHOSE no to lest those feeling fester. I CHOSE to move forward, and I CHOSE to keep a smile on my face.

You see, my point is this: as a former employee once told me, “you never know what’s in someone’s backpack.” Translation: you never know what someone else is dealing with. I remember taking Naomi, Noah and Lily with Joyce and I to feed the homeless once back in Charleston. There were some folks there that were more than a little rough looking, but i remember telling the kids to make sure to give them a smile and to wave. Reason being was that it quite possibly could’ve been years since anyone smiled at them. Gave them the simple gesture of a wave. Kindness.

So, the next time you’re in a position to do so, be kind. Wave. Smile. take a moment to have a conversation. Who knows maybe, just maybe, you’ll make that other persons backpack just a bit lighter.

Be well,

Jeff