Smile | But I Smile Anyway...

Spidey’s Serene Sunday – Part 256

26 Jan 2020 36 Comments

by Ritu in Spidey's Serene Sundays Tags: Blog, Blog Post, Blogger, Blogging, Smile, Spiderman, Spidey, Spidey's Serene Sunday

“A smile is a curve that sets everything straight.”
Phyllis Diller

Well, thank you for that, Spidey. You know exactly how I feel about smiling. 🙂

Personally, I feel so much better, when I have a smile on my face. Even if times are tough, that slight upwards curve of my lips, sets the tone for how I approach things.

I guess a smile helps to send positive hormones around your body, and they will make you look at situations in a much brighter way.

Equally, greeting someone with a smile (a genuine one, though) eases moments too. I know that as long as I have a smile for my parents, when opening the door every morning, and more smiles for my pupils, the parents leave, reassured, and the children come in happier, too.

I am known for having that smile on my face. When I was at university, I was described as ‘that smiley, curly haired girl from Birmingham’. See, the smile was always noticed first!

And I am totally unable to put a false smile on.

Even if I try and smile to mask any hurt or upset, it is quickly picked up on by those closest to me. Because that smile won’t reach my eyes. (That’s how you can tell anyone’s genuine smiles – if they smile and their eyes shine, or even crinkle at the edges, that’s a real one. If they are all teeth, but the eyes are a bit dull, and wide open, hello fake smile!)

Equally, a smile from a stranger can be worth more than you know. It costs us nothing, but benefits us by exercising plently of facial muscles, and can give someone who may be feeling forgotten, a real boost.

So… today, I won’t ask a question. Today, a challenge. Try and smile a little through adversity, and see how it might change your outlook on a situation. Or give someone who looks like they need it, a smile.

Have a peaceful Sunday Peeps. Smile, and enjoy your week! ❤

Spidey’s Serene Sunday – Part 179

22 Jul 2018 24 Comments

by Ritu in #bloggers bash, Audio, Family, Spidey's Serene Sundays, Thoughts Opinions & Memories Tags: Blog, Blog Post, Blogger, Blogging, Bob Marley, Perfect, Quote, Serene, Smile, Spidey

“Just because you’re happy doesn’t mean the day is perfect, it means you’ve looked beyond it’s imperfections.”

Bob Marley

Thanks, Spidey.

Isn’t this a great thought to ponder upon?

I hope you have a perfect day too. 🙂

Have a peaceful Sunday Peeps ❤

Spidey’s Serene Sunday – Part 178

15 Jul 2018 46 Comments

by Ritu in #bloggers bash, Audio, Family, Spidey's Serene Sundays, Thoughts Opinions & Memories Tags: Blog, Blog Post, Blogger, Blogging, Family, Parents, Quote, Serene, Smile, Spidey

“You don’t choose your family. They are God’s gift to you, as you are to them.”

Desmond Tutu

Thanks, Spidey.

After the particularly harrowing week we had with Pops, this quote couldn’t ring truer.

It’s always been a struggle being three hours away from my parents, being so emotionally close to them.

And it’s always been one of my biggest fears too, one of them falling ill, and me not being able to do anything, immediately. My brother being in another country doesn’t help either.

But here is where the beauty of having a large, close-knit family comes into play.

My parents have, over the years done SO MUCH for everyone, that when they are in need, there is no shortage of people offering their support.

Even so, not everyone can commit to a long term solution.

When Pops was ill, he stayed with his niece, my cousin.

Whilst I couldn’t come down, I was given regular updates on his health. Even after the major hospital stay, once I had to come home, I received calls and messages to let me know how he was.

When I came to spend days with him, I stayed with them too. No one wanted me to be alone at Pops and Mums place.

And now, since he needs a lot of rest and recuperation, they have taken him in again, until I can come down more long-term in the holidays.

I was with him again yesterday, and he’s tired… lots of well wishers on the phone and visitors, but he’s comfortable.

My cousin and her family are really looking after him.

They really are a gift from God to us.

Pray for his speedy recovery, Peeps.

Have a peaceful Sunday ❤

Spidey’s Serene Sunday – Part 177

08 Jul 2018 59 Comments

by Ritu in #bloggers bash, Audio, Family, Spidey's Serene Sundays, Thoughts Opinions & Memories Tags: Blog, Blog Post, Blogger, Blogging, Family, Parents, Quote, Serene, Smile, Spidey

“Parents act so strong for us, that we often forget how fragile they are.”

Anon

Thanks, Spidey.

Writing this knowing that Pops is back in hospital after another relapse, and possible infection.

I wanted to go and see him yesterday, but he convinced me he was okay, and under the care of my cousin. There would be nowhere to stay, and it would be a long round trip journey to complete in one day, especially in this heat.

I had reassuring calls from him and my cousins. It was decided that I would go next weekend instead.

Then, at 8:45pm last night I get a call…

They’ve had to take him into A & E again, because the pains were getting bad again.

I am grateful he had been there, at their house. Goodness knows what he would have done if he was at home, alone.

He sounded pretty down again when I spoke to him, but he was on an IV drip, the antibiotics getting ready to kick in.

They’ll be keeping him in under observation for at least 24 hours.

I want to go today.

He tells me, no.

He’s in the hospital, I won’t get to be with him much. Everyone else is there.

I know that.

But it’s a double-edged sword…

I worry about him, and need reassurance myself. I know I am getting calls and updates, but it’s not the same.

Equally, if I was to set off early tomorrow to see him, then drive back the same day, he would worry about me. It was on a journey back from home that my awful accident happened…

I know my mum. She is probably beside herself too, but staying as calm as she can. She really can’t get here, being in Finland.

Still in the throes of deciding what to do… Hubby Dearest is ready to take me as and when I want.

Pray for his speedy recovery, Peeps.

Have a peaceful Sunday ❤

Spidey’s Serene Sunday – Part 176

01 Jul 2018 48 Comments

by Ritu in #bloggers bash, Audio, Family, Spidey's Serene Sundays, Thoughts Opinions & Memories Tags: Blog, Blog Post, Blogger, Blogging, Heat, Quote, Serene, Sisterhood, Smile, Spidey, weather

“Sunshine is delicious, rain is refreshing, wind braces us up, snow is exhilerating; there is really no such thing as bad weather, only different kinds of good weather.”

John Ruskin

Thanks, Spidey!

Something to ponder upon, as we are experiencing a mini heatwave here in the UK. Some areas are getting repeated wildfires, the water is drying up. There is talk of hosepipe bans, and warning us to try not to have a bath, but shower instead – there may be a water shortage. And oh, the heat! Sleepless nights, afternoons that really require siestas, because it’s too hot, but we can’t because we have to work…

A few short weeks ago we were lamenting the cold winds, previous to that the one week of snow was just too much for us. And rain. Well, better not talk about the rain and Britain! It’s always around the corner, but never at the right time for us.

There is always someone complaining about the weather, but reading the quote above made me think. It’s like that old adage; Every cloud has a silver lining.

There is something positive to be taken from all the weather we experience, and though heat is not my best friend, generally the world is easier to deal with when it’s sunny. It’ll cool down soon enough, then we’ll start getting tetchy with the lower temperatures!