Some extras to inspire, motivate, perhaps to change your life...
Below are some things I have found, read, seen or discovered which have changed my life, made me feel differently, or enhanced the way I live. I hope you find them life changing as well. ~Amy
The Apostolate of Smiling by Rev.Bruno Hagspiel, SVD
When I was young, my grandma gave me a little folded card with the following text on it. After reading it I couldn't wait to start smiling at people.
Just a little smile on your lips:
Cheers your heart
Keeps you in good humor
Preserves peace in your soul
Promotes your health
Beautifies your face
Induces kindly thoughts
Inspires kindly deeds.
Smile to yourself until you notice that your constant seriousness, or even severity, has vanished.
Smile to yourself until you have warmed your own heart with the sunshine of your cheery countenance.
Then... go out - and radiate your smile. That Smile has work to do - work to do for God. You are an apostle now, and your smile is your instrument for winning souls. Sanctifying Grace dwelling in your soul will give the special charm to your smile which will render it productive of much good.
Smile on the lonely faces
Smile on the timid faces
Smile on the sorrowful faces
Smile on the sickly faces
Smile on the fresh young faces
Smile on the wrinkled old faces
Smile on the familiar faces of your family and friends - let all enjoy the beauty and inspiring cheer on your smiling face.
Count: If you will, the number of smiles your smile has drawn from others in one day. The number will represent how many times you have promoted contentment, joy, satisfaction, encouragement, or confidence in the hearts of others. These good dispositions always give birth to unselfish acts and noble deeds. The influence of your smile is spreading, though you do not always see the wonder it is working.
Your smile can bring new life and hope and courage into the hearts of the weary, the overburdened, the discouraged, the tempted, the despairing.
Your smile can help to develop vocations, if you are a Priest, a Brother, or a Sister.
Your smile can be the beginning of the conversions to the Faith.
Your smile can prepare the way for a sinner's return to God.
Your smile can win for you a host of devoted friends.
Smile, too, at God ...Smiling at God is loving acceptance of whatever He sends into your life, and you will merit to have the radiantly Smiling Face Of Christ gaze on you with special love throughout eternity.
"Lord To Whom Shall We Go?" by Timothy Cardinal Dolan
This is a book from one of my favorite writers, and someone who embodies the Apostolate of Smiling. This book is a powerful, yet fun read. It will inspire you, even in your humility, to do better, be better, live better. Cardinal Dolan's writing style is very conversational. You feel as if you are sitting across the living room or the dinner table and enjoying a great moment as you read his books. I especially loved Chapter Five. Get it, read it, pass it on! Click on Cardinal Dolan for a new window to open up to find this book.
The Fuzz Speech by Dr. Gil Hedley
All I can say it watch this. It will give you a new perspective on movement and your body. Click the fuzzy peach to get to the video.
As a retired eye doctor and a Licensed Professional Counselor who has lived with incurable cancer for 15+ years, Dr. Emily knows that how we see the world defines how we heal. In this compelling memoir, she explores the powerful intersection of visual science, clinical expertise, and personal survival.
By weaving her professional knowledge of the eyes with her journey through childhood neglect, medical trauma, and multiple therapeutic modalities—including art and couples therapy—Dr. Emily introduces readers to Brainspotting: a transformative visual practice used globally to process PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
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