Lately, I have needed to remind myself of the importance of wearing my smile and spreading joy.  This time of year can be both exhausting and beautiful.  If I allow myself to get off focus, I feel stress taking over my inner peace.  There is something very special about all the festivities this time of year, so long as I keep my perspective on the reason for the season. 

My expectation for myself is to keep the birth of Jesus as my focus.  Keeping love, compassion, and kindness with me as I navigate the beautiful chaos of the holiday.  Staying true to my faith, praying my way through each day.

When I am purposeful about being centered in prayer, I can navigate the unexpected and respond with compassion.  I know that if I am worried, stressed, or nasty in my response, I forgot to include Jesus.  As soon as I recognize my error, my go-to is prayer.

Many things we do in life are not considered joyful experiences.  However, there are ways to make the things we do more joyful if we are willing to change our perspective.  For me, one of the most significant factors is when I change my mindset away from myself and move it to others.  A big part of that is being able to love and serve those around us.  It is much easier for me to move through my own suffering when I turn my focus to others. 

I seem to find my natural smile when I am prayerful, including Jesus, and serving others.  Normally, I find it easy to wear my smile.  Occasionally, I forget to put it on, and when that happens, I seem to lose my joy.  I move to prayer and refocus on others.    

When I am centered in my faith, I can always find joy and a reason to smile.    

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