LOVE MONTH: DAY 29: “Let us always meet each other with smile, for the smile is the beginning of love.” – Mother Teresa
Maybe it’s just me; but there are some folks I feel less than happy to greet. I somehow manage to smile at them nonetheless. Not a phony smile, but as rich and sincere as I can be.
Why? Because that is how each of us would be greeting each other if we were truly capable of unconditional love. The kind where we fully accept each other and let go of old hurts, expectations, disappointments, and agendas.
Not being able to do this is human, and I have just as many challenges in this arena as anyone. I find, however, that these are becoming less and less important to me as I go along.
My ego wants to keep a mental (and emotional) record of every wrong, every slight, every hurt feeling EVER and treat others accordingly.
What I know is this: Most of us are just trying to get along. We all do things, from time to time that are thoughtless, cruel, selfish and self-serving. These actions quite often hurt others. Not because we are intentionally setting out to do this, but because that is how interaction with other humans works.
Because I am at fault for having expectations and agendas with others, I must let go of those stories. Yes, some of this stuff has truly hurt me, sometimes even psychically.
But I cannot afford the dubious luxury of carrying these stories around.
So, I can smile and hold out love to others, even when my ego tells me I don’t really mean it. I am not able to carry the burden of the stories my ego tells any longer.
Today is a new day for me. I will do my best (intention) to walk through the day with no agenda for anyone other than to loving. I think those who are living in the ego and its fear stories are the best ones to love, for I know how that feels.
Today I want to walk in love and be in love and spread love where I go. I may encounter those with whom I am less than comfortable and my super lovely ego may jump in with screaming purple monkeys telling me I must be nasty to specific people (or sometimes ALL of them!).
But I will do my best to extend a smile and love to everyone I meet. I will let you know tomorrow how that goes.
I think THIS is the absolute meaning and purpose of the 12th Step. Being that example of what we PRACTICE in the rooms and outside the rooms. My practice is less than perfect, but I can improve my record today. That is the intention and the goal.
Let me know if I am smiling when I see you next!
Dolphin Hug 