“When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive. To Breathe. To Think. To Enjoy. To Love.” ~ Marcus Aurelius

We are having false spring here in North Carolina with temperatures in the mid to high 70’s. It’s a little weird, but I’m not complaining!

Yesterday, I was with my assistant Hannah, and we were doing some photography and trying to think of what we could do that was different. It can get a little monotonous photographing outfits and it’s always nice to think of a fun way to shake things up a little.

I purchased this cute pink blouse in anticipation of warmer weather and yesterday was the perfect day to take pictures! The weather was glorious, with blue skies and low humidity! I paired it with light wash jeans, adorable kitten heels from Zara, a pink Tory Burch bag and we went to the park…with a few other accessories.

The park is two blocks from our home and we are so lucky to be able to walk to such a beautiful area. I grew up playing in this park, but it has recently been refurbished and is a haven to people from all over the town. There are walking paths, a creek, lots of park benches, water features, a children’s playground and so much more! Anyway…the park was full of people walking their dogs and enjoying the beautiful day!

It’s funny how most people are so friendly but there are those few who are just inherently grumpy! It became a game with us to see if we could make the grumpy people smile with our antics and, several times, it worked. I know everyone who walked by was wondering what in the world we were doing, but we were having so much fun taking pictures and laughing.

Obviously, wine is not allowed in the park (especially in a glass), but being the rebel that I am (haha), I snuck a bottle and a glass in a bag and pulled it out for pictures. The story was going to be…how to sit on a park bench and drink wine in the park discreetly (I know, silly, but, why not?). We were obviously having a good time! and what happened was that we made most everyone smile! Laughter is contagious!

We didn’t plan on being a comedy routine in the park, but when I got home and had a little time, it made me think. The grumpy people had such a negative energy and it was going out into the world. The positive people had such positive energy that was also going out into the world. You never know how you can affect total strangers just with a smile or a kind word and…when you speak to a stranger and they smile and speak back, it makes you feel good too!

In a world where there is so much fear and negativity, why not be the light in someone’s day…even if it’s just a smile. Your smile could create a ripple effect because maybe the person you give a smile too will then smile at a stranger later in their day. Everything is energy and even if you don’t realize it, your good, positive energy has an effect in the world!

I’m very aware that everyone can’t be positive all of the time…we all have bad days, but there are ways to lift your spirits and contribute to raising the vibration everywhere!

Get out and enjoy the weather…especially on a beautiful sunny day…it’s an instant mood lifter! Give someone a smile and say hello. Look around and find things to be grateful for - there is always something! Surround yourself with people who have a positive outlook…like I said, it’s contagious! Take a 5 minute break in your day to have a cup of tea or just sit and let your mind relax…breathe! Treat yourself…it could be as small as a piece of chocolate, but you’re doing something for you. Move your body…10 minutes of yoga can make you feel like a new person.

I think you’re getting the point. Don’t be the person in the grocery store with a scowl on your face. Be the person with a smile that radiates positivity out into the world!

I am wearing a perfect spring outfit for a casual day! My jeans and blouse are both from Citizens of Humanity, my shoes are Zara (love them), and my bag is from Tory Burch!

I hope this post made you smile and that you’ll share it with someone! And…don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know your thoughts! Have a wonderful day!