Smile Jar

It's an understatement to say that the past couple weeks have been tough. Receiving a new diagnosis out of the blue, and dealing with a multitude of issues from all of my doctors hasn't been easy. I've said it before, and I'll say it again. I wear my heart on my sleeve. I'm not good at hiding the way I feel. Even when I think I'm doing a good job keeping my emotions under wraps, the people around me can always see what I'm feeling by my facial expressions. I try my best to keep a smile on my face at all times, especially when I'm visiting the Children's Hospital. The staff, patients, and family members have all called me out on it. They question how I can maintain a smile while going through such difficult times. My answer is always the same...think happy thoughts. It's hard not to smile when you're thinking about rainbows, and cotton-tailed bunnies. When life throws me a curveball, I think about all the things in life that make me happy. My family, my friends, my dogs, scented candles, soft cozy blankets, rosy cheeks on a brisk fall morning, the smell after a summer rain, etc. It's hard not to smile when you think about things that are so happy, comforting and cheerful. The comment I heard most was that it's difficult to get into a positive headspace when surrounded by so many challenging obstacles. That got me thinking. What could I do to help the kids and family members smile while they endure such pain? Then it came to me. A smile jar. I got an ordinary mason jar. I put a decorative label on it, and put it in the children's oncology unit. I wrote out instructions how to use it, and placed the written directions next to the jar. They simply stated that on a piece of paper write down someone, or something that makes you smile and put the paper in the jar. You can write as many "smile papers" as you'd like to share. The jar will stay in communal areas of the unit. When anyone is feeling down they can reach into the smile jar, and be reminded of something happy, in hopes that it will bring a smile on their face. I started with one smile jar, and now there are multiple smile jars throughout the hospital. I received a voicemail today from one of the nurses a the Children's Hospital. She said she was delivering a message from the kids. They could tell that I have been pre-occupied lately(her words, not theirs). They said that I haven't been smiling as much lately as I usually do, and they wanted to help. Each of them put five "smile papers" into a jar today. They wanted me to have a full jar to take home with me next time I visit, so that I would never stop smiling. Knowing that such sick children are thinking of me while they are going through such terrible struggles themselves, is enough to keep a smile on my face indefinitely. I can't wait to pick up the jar on my next visit to the hospital, so I have a little piece of each of them with me at home everyday. Everyday is a gift, and there is always a reason to smile. Somedays it's harder than others to find something to be happy about, but there is never a reason not to smile. I believe smiles comfort the heart and heal the soul. They are the only accessory anyone needs. No amount of jewelry, make-up, or perfume can compare to a smile.