Today was a day like any day but I opened my computer after taking the children to school and the first thing I read was a post on Facebook – I’ve already decided that it’s going to be a GREAT day!  That immediately had a profound effect on me – wow what a wonderful outlook and yes today can be a great day.  I decided to thank her which I did.  Did you know that when someone gives you a gift you want to reciprocate and the cycle of giving begins? 

As I am a little hard-headed at times, it can take multiple reminders that I can claim my day from the moment I wake up.  Lucky for me, I was able to be in the company of others who had also decided today was going to be GREAT as you will see next.  I then had to hop on a conference call with four very different yet extremely bright, articulate and thought-provoking individuals.  As everyone began to share the “blueprint” of the events and decisions taking place in their professional and personal lives a few things came to mind.  First, they each mentioned something that was not only going well but brought joy to their lives.  Second, they truly listened to each other.  Third, they cared enough to ask questions.  Fourth, this group of highly accomplished professionals might seem were grouped by chance but they if you listen in it is obvious they were brought together to learn and impact one another.  They have chosen to embrace each day as a learning experience. 

As days never seem to quite end around my home, there is more to tell.  I realized I had forgotten to make a deposit at the bank so off I went to (hopefully) hurry through the drive-thru.  The first lane had an old jeep that needed a new paint job so I quickly drove into option #2.  I put my deposit in the vault and pressed send, with the thought that my turn would be next.  I looked over to see the windows were down in the jeep and I could hear everything the older man was saying.  Do I have any money in there?  Got to keep the wife happy you know, she would be mighty sore if our balance was low.  Well yes sir, you have money its okay.  Well I have a good amount right?  She quietly told him the balance of $642.  That’s great, she will stay happy.  I thought to myself how lovely to e content with that amount in your account.  He then said to the teller, “You know I sing to my wife every morning so that she wakes up happy.  You know what I sang her this morning?”  He began to sing “Let the rest of the world go by…

I am including the lyrics as they are quite beautiful —

With someone like you, a pal good and true
I'd like to leave it all behind and go and find
Some place that's known to God alone
Just a spot to call our own
We'll Find perfect peace, where joys never cease
Out there beneath a kindly sky
We'll build a sweet little nest somewhere in the west
And let the rest of the world go by

 Although I had planned on a quick entry and exit at the bank, this man had made me smile, from ear to ear actually. I was no longer in a hurry and certainly not irritated for having to wait, it was a true blessing.  His intent for the day was to live and make others happy, what a great idea.  The teller said Mr. Otto, what a wonderful song.  As he drove away, he started singing the song again.  I was still smiling as the teller said “did you like the song?”  Yes, I did and I believe I would marry him in a minute. 

Funny thing about joy, it spreads and is quite infectious.  Through calls, emails and meetings the rest of the day, I felt calm and had the knowledge that everything was going to be alright regardless of the deadline, obstacle or just plain unhappy person.  Tomorrow as you experience your world and the people in it, will you claim the day and the feeling you want to experience most and most importantly, what will you learn?