Tuesday, February 4, 2025

A shorter woman with broad features enters my line. She has a clean look with unblemished skin, ponytail, crisp-clean, zipped winter coat and tailored pants. Alison told me she is always smiling. “You know they say when you smile it produces serotonin. So even when I don’t feel like smiling, I try to smile.” She told me she learned this from her mother who was always happy and such a generous soul.

“I once went on a date and I saw a beautiful gourmet cookie that was $8.00. The gentleman said who would pay that much for a cookie? I knew that was the last time I would see him. I married my husband because he has such a huge, generous heart.”

Alison tells me her mom contracted ALS. “Her body has shriveled up. She no longer can even acknowledge my hugs. It goes so fast. Two years ago she was traveling the world and going out with her friends…She is really no longer there.” As she tells me this, her eyes are watering almost as if trying to comprehend the frailty of life.

“It may sound cliche, but life goes by so quickly. It is so important to appreciate those around you. So even if my husband is just lying on the couch, I don’t take it for granted that he is here with me in this life.

Alison, like all my other teachers, understands that there are daily struggles we all must face, and we must make a concentrated effort to acknowledge the good.
When Conditions are harsh, beauty still exists-open your heart


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