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A behind-the-scenes look at Terranam Wellness & self-care tips for taking better care of yourself.
BY MARIA GARRIDO - 2 MINUTE READ
Embracing Life's Little Miracles: a Journey of Heartwarming Moments
POSING FOR MY PORTRAIT
This past week, I found myself deep in thought on a busy commuter train. My mind was bouncing between the next meeting on my agenda, the bill I forgot to pay, the errands I had to run, all the while staringly aimlessly down at my phone. At first, I didn't notice the bright-eyed 12 year old girl sitting in front of me. But after a while, her intent stare made me look up and I realized she was drawing my portrait. For the next 20 minutes, I pretended not to notice, while I watched her out of the corner of my eye, pulling colored pencils and markers out of her backpack and concentrating on getting the color of my eye shadow right and drawing the depth of my dimples with precision. As our journey came to a close, I looked up at her and said "Well done! You're super talented." She smiled shily. I asked her questions about her passion for drawing and she told me that she liked to doodle to pass the time. I didn't dare ask her for the picture but she did ask me to autograph it, which was so sweet I naturally agreed. The whole encounter warmed my heart and made me smile for the rest of the day.
LOOK UP
It's so easy to overlook the small wonders that surround us. We go about our daily lives in the mindless hustle and bustle, dreaming about the next holiday and forgetting to look up and observe the world around us.
Earlier this year, I was busy unloading the car in the evening at Terranam when my 16 yr old said, "Mom, look!" His head was leaning up, looking at the sky. I followed his gaze and saw that the sky was sprinkled with beautiful stars and I'd just missed a shooting star he'd seen fly across the dark night. I stared up at the sparkly sky and thought...'geez, when was the last time I bothered to look up?'
Now, I pay attention. I get my head out of my usual whirlwind of thoughts and I look around and experience things I never realized were there. I look at strangers and when our eyes meet, I smile. When I walk, I look up and sometimes see amazing things....like this fascinating formation of clouds. When I saw this, it stopped me in my tracks and I reveled in the magical pause .
MOMENTS THAT MATTER
Life's little miracles don't just happen on a beach in Bali, or at Terranam Wellness☺! There are tiny and unexpected magical moments all around us, small discoveries or experiences that we stumble upon by accident that lead to a sense of joy. We just need to open our hearts and eyes and spot the serendipity.
Many years ago, when I was starting my career, I was invited to my first company conference. I was
on my first business trip ever and I was super excited. On the plane ride, I casually chatted with the man sitting next to me. When we landed, we went our separate ways and I thought nothing more of it. Six months later, the executive assistant of our CEO asked me to come to his office. I'd never set foot on the top floor of our Manhattan headquarters but she seemed friendly on the phone so I didn't think I was in massive trouble. The CEO smiled at me and told me he was proud of how I was representing our organization. I listened attentively- and surprised- when he explained that he'd received a letter from a man who had met a young woman on a plane. The traveler said that her enthusiasm for the company and excitement about its future were a great example of outstanding corporate culture and he was impressed with both the young lady and the company. Without a name, it had taken our CEO's team months to track me down to thank me. That chance encounter on an airplane led to priceless mentorship from our CEO in the early years of my career.
Random acts of kindness from strangers who exchange a casual smile with you remind us that there is goodness in the world, just waiting to touch our lives when we least expect it.
Life has shown me that when we are open to the tiny wonders of the world, the seemingly mundane experiences become extraordinary in their simplicity. It is in fact, in the overlooked little things that we find joy and opportunity. They remind us to be present in the now, to savor what the moment has to offer. And when we are open, we will experience more of these moments, gifts from the universe that reminds us of our shared humanity.
SELF CARE TIP
A positive attitude can make you more open to new experiences and opportunities. So, as you go about your day, stay open to the possibilities. Who knows? You might just find a little miracle waiting to make you smile and warm your heart. After all, it's these magical encounters that make life truly extraordinary. Cheers to embracing life's wonders and finding joy in the little things!
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