Waving

Being a transplant to Austin, I notice just how darn friendly this town is compared to California. In California, when I smile at people (which is a habit everyone should get in to), I am either met with a tolerant half smile or a funny look. In Austin, I am often not the first to smile and am usually also met with a little wave, or a "Mornin!" if they are in ear shot. I have always known I did not belong in California. Nothing suited me; not the weather or the people or the sights. I can see what people love about it, but none of those things are my cup of tea.

Driving to work today, I was stopped at a light and looked to my left. The vista to my side was the top of trees in every fall color one can imagine, with church steeples breaking the thick. The sun was rising and there was a soft glow about the city. I couldn't stop smiling. The woman behind me began to look and then smiled too, like she hadn't noticed it.

It is very easy to get into a routine and begin to lose sight of the beauty all around us. Today's optimism lesson is to look up, down, sideways and backwards. Notice what you have been missing every single day! And take the time to wave at all those friendly faces nearby :)