Health & Wellness would not be the last , either .) But I decided not to worry about that . It was an authentic , unique moment to enjoy — sock coffee or not . I was uplifted and fascinated by this woman ’ s generosity . I felt immensely grateful to be there in Columbia . I was grateful to be sipping coffee with her on a brick , in the eerie calm after the quake , staring at a woman whose grand smile stared back at me .
We did not communicate with our mouths , but I believe our souls connected and communicated . As I finished my coffee , I thanked her with “ miles de gracias .” We had shared in the suffering , grace , sisterhood and love of the moment . Tears in our eyes , we hugged .
I did not know if there had been a foot in that sock . I did not know if that dark brown color was original or not . I did not know how my body would react to non-drinking water . What I did know was that I would remember for always the woman ’ s smile . Everything she could give , she gave away , and she did so with unforgettable warmth and kindness . She was a woman who did not have much to give , but she gave me her coffee and her smile — one that used the full length of her lips .
THE SOURCE OF GENUINE SMILES
When we see someone smiling , we assume this person must be positive , confident and probably successful . And yet some of the most beautiful and genuine smiles I have seen were on the faces of people in the poorest of countries — in rural Africa , in the slums of India and the remote areas of Guatemala .
In wealthy towns and countries , the smile has disappeared from the faces and the hearts of people . How could this be ? Could it be that gratitude gets crushed under the weight of abundance ?
Take a moment to think about what is left when we lose everything . What remains when your life amounts to no more than a mountain of debris ?
What remains is who we truly are . Our original and natural selves manifest only when we are on our own , without belongings , without labels and without the comforts of our usual environments .
Underneath the rubble — societal , relational , material rubble — is raw human nature . Raw human nature is generous , optimistic and grateful . When we are raw , we think of giving first because we are no longer scared of losing anything . And we are grateful because , instead of wanting more , we are grateful for what we do have . If we are left with only our raw human nature , we are optimistic : Perhaps this is why some of the most beautiful smiles come from those who have the least .
That beautiful , giving human nature is our core . In order to be happy , we need to reconnect to it . The following actions can help you move closer to true happiness and gratitude .
Some of the most beautiful and genuine smiles I have seen were on the faces of people in the poorest of countries — in rural Africa , in the slums of India and the remote areas of Guatemala … How could this be ?
FOUR STEPS FOR RECONNECTING TO GRATITUDE
Even if you feel grumpy , tired or sad — and especially when feeling anxious and stressed — it ’ s important to keep smiling and to express gratitude . Here are four steps to help you stay on track .
© © Morning Check-In The moment your alarm clock sounds , check how you are feeling . Welcome whatever feeling or emotion is present , whether it is positive or negative , and take a moment to recognize what you ’ re feeling .
© © State Your Gratefulness Every day , either silently or aloud , name three things for which you are grateful . If you find it challenging at first , you can start being grateful for the pillow , for the sweetie lying next to you or for the space that you have in your bed . With practice , your gratitude will expand daily in its depth and impact .
© © Smile Fake it ‘ til you make it , if you must . And when you smile , keep it large .
© © Stop Negative Thoughts At any point in the day , if negative thoughts overwhelm your mind , stop and take a moment to express gratitude and smile . Make sure it is a real smile ; it should be a smile that is yours and that connects you to the beautiful diamond you hold within .
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Amelie Yan-Gouiffes ’ s job and passion is inner diamond mining . She is a motivational speaker and public speaking coach who empowers people to uncover their inner diamonds and unleash their full potential through her “ Be and Become ®” programs . To learn more about personal and professional development through public speaking , contact Amelie on www . facebook . com / beandbecome and on her Public Chat www . viber . com / beandbecome .
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