Underneath

Why is under the surface? This is something one has to dig deep when thinking about the world and finding your place in it. I have always considered myself like a onion. Hidden underneath is more grit, creativity, and goals. I love to travel. This I knew the moment I got on a plane and went to Vancouver for the first time. It holds a special place in my heart. The love of all things Canadian started with watching Degrassi.

Another thing that makes me 'me,' my love of smiling. I have been told I am a selfie king and proud of it. To capture a moment is special. This trait I got from my mom. She is the keeper of memories and boxes upon boxes of pictures. Seeing our past and reminiscent of my childhood. It wasn't perfect, but it sure had its unique and loving moments. I also have a hobby of photography which shouldn't be any surprise.

Talking, something I love to do. I equate this trait to the slaves. My people were banned from speech and expressing their opinions. It is why I am highly opinionated. Having a voice and the courage to stand up for what I believe. This is something most people are shy, scared, nervous, or ashamed to do. Not me. Hear me ROAR. Not a Leo, but you get my drift.

Writing is too easy a subject to discuss. My love of driving and road-trips comes from not having a car and being stuck going to work in the worst traffic in the world. Yes, California in my pinion has the worst traffic in the entire world.

Dedication, that is something I am especially proud of. Most people give up their childhood dreams, mine was to be a teacher which I will do later in my life's journey. My passion for writing is something I am still learning, shaping, and not letting others deter me from. If we all stuck to our passions, the world would be a more colorful and serene place. I am a glass half-full point of view. By not sticking to our dreams, the world moves on. We need people to do the everyday work. Grocer, cashier, garbage person. These jobs are thankless, but get done everyday. I use to be a cashier and loved it. Strange right?!? I have always loved my jobs. That is because I chose things I wouldn't mind doing on a daily basis. I has been a unique experience, but one that I am proud to have accomplished. Working in retail and customer service has been difficult to say the lease. On the flip-side, I learned patient and empathy from others.

Everyone is going through things. We all have struggles. How we handle them various from person to person. The one thing that is constant is, we all could use a hand. Helping another person doesn't require reward or special recognition. If one is of service, it shines through that you made that person's day. I have done this by giving my last 15 minutes on the meter, letting someone cut in line at the grocery story, or simply smiling.

Smiling has been shown to be contagious. Smile at strangers is healing. That is one thing that was lacking during quarantine. in our post- lock down world, we are forced or required to wear mask. I use both language because it is about interpretation. Anyway, by wearing a mask we can't see a person's smile. Depression and anxiety were and still are high when dealing with Covid. It will be interesting to see how we cope with things.

Take care. Stay safe. Be kind. Think about your actions and the consequences.