Growing up, one of my childhood friends, Michele, would make the statement that certain things were the same, only different. I know, sounds funny but, very true, in my opinion. Let’s explore.

We live in a world that is very unique. It’s a world that allows us-almost encourages us-to “be ourselves”. Ever heard the phrase, ‘just do you, Boo-boo?” Well, that’s where we are today. Individualism. Just “do you’. Now, I’m not sayin g right or wrong here, that is not the point of this blog. I hear you< “well Einstein, what IS the point of this blog?” It is this: we, individually and collectively, while different, are very much the same.

I recently spent time in Italy, France, the Netherlands and England. the culture in EACH locale was quite different. The food was different. People, and how they interacted with “foreigners” was different. My experience with each city, each country was different. You know what wasn’t different? These 3 words: Love. Smile. Kindness.

Each place I visited offered a very distinct and unique take on life. The locals went about their daily lives and routines “their” way. However, at the end of the day they craved the same thing that we ALL do: a gentle smile, a small dose of kindness and love. Language barriers don’t come into play with these three. I’ll say them again: LOVE. SMILE. KINDNESS.

So, keeping being you. You are special. Just remember to smile, be kind and love each other. We’re all in this thing called “life” together.

Be well,

Jeff