Below is a post I recently did on Instagram and Facebook regarding the fact that everyone keeps telling me how happy I seem lately. I’m often smiling – it’s kind of my thing. But people are noticing a deeper happiness. After I posted this I got so many comments, phone calls and emails that I thought I’d share here for all that aren’t on that social thing:
“Kristin, you look so happy. I’m so happy for you.”
People keep saying this to me lately. Some know a lot of my journey the past few years. Some know a little. But everyone is noticing the same thing.
I’m. So. Happy.
So what’s changed, you ask?
It’s not my bank account – that’s actually a horror story, for now.
It’s not more time in my day or nicer things in my house.
The thing that’s making me so happy is something that never occurred to me but is so obvious it’s ridiculous.
Unconditional Love
On a two way street.
I’ll explain:
I realize now that as I had to let go of toxic relationships – personal and professional – to simply survive the emotional crisis that annihilated my life the past 3 years, I inadvertently surrounded myself with people (and dogs lol!) that love me for me. No conditions, no expectations, just love.
When I wrote my book earlier this year, I realized my parents’ unconditional love for me my whole life set me up to thrive.
As I let that awareness set in, I started taking note of who in my life was fully invested in me with zero ask in return. My inner circle got smaller. Better. Stronger. And as everyone is noticing, I’m better, stronger, happier.
I’m actually happier than I have ever been.
With bigger challenges than I have ever had.
However, knowing that I have a solid tribe, I am deliriously optimistic, every single day, that I’ll overcome all that life brings.
But wait, there’s more: the reason that my smile is so big, the reason I’m enjoying life despite the mountains that refuse to move, is that I give my tribe the same unconditional love right back.
Two way street.
My son Michael actually taught me that part.
Unconditional love.
Look for it.
Invest in it.
Demonstrate it.
The results will make you so happy.
PS – with my new mindset I’m attracting the most amazing people and opportunities! This pic is me at my modeling debut at the @buckshappening event! Lol! And I have supreme unconditional love for that #Vegan leather jacket from www.freepeople.com ❤️
Kristin Smedley is a 2019 Champion of Hope Award winner. She is an author, non profit CEO and TEDx speaker. She originally planned to be a third grade teacher… and then two of her three children were diagnosed as blind. Kristin now shares her journey of raising her kids to not just survive challenges, but to thrive! She speaks around the globe regarding blindness and resilience, and she just launched her new series teaching people to SEE Differently. Watch her TEDx talk here and order her new book here. If you are interested to have Kristin speak at your upcoming event, school, or business meeting, email her at [email protected] or contact her here!
