You know that feeling when you wake up? What feeling you ask….the Betty Boop feeling of course, carefree and chirpy. I think about a Betty Boop cartoon episode I watched when I was a kid. Actually, I’m certain I searched for it in my adult life and enjoyed it that much more. That woman woke up sweet, happy and with birds chirping! Ummm, why didn't anyone tell me that not everyday is a Betty Boop day. 

The wake up feeling that you have to conquer today but you might be really struggling to place your feet on the ground first, so you ask yourself how in the world can I get through my day if I can’t seem to get my feet on the ground!? I wake up and think, “Tracy, you have to be better than you were yesterday. Can you do that Tracy?” 

I have a tendency to look back and beat myself up for choices I've made. Shoot, even for the choices I made yesterday. I'm learning to let go, but letting go is a work of art. It’s a daily practice of gratitude, prayer and reflection. Tell me I'm not alone? If I do what the Lord asks, I wouldn't shame myself and allow such negative talk. But this cycle can get taunting, and on many days I run to stop it on its tracks. Because Lord knows, I don’t want it. I can list all the good things I've done, prayer for guidance to remember where God used me. When I focus myself to do that, there's plenty of good so I remember to love myself again. This is my life, truth and honesty. The voices I fight, the emotions I hide. 

Throughout my life I have met many people. I take advantage of those moments and opportunities to talk to them. I immediately wonder what their worries are, and possibly today a conversation from a stranger who cares, might possibly be a release, even for just a moment, but a release. Allowing the good energy to infiltrate the heart and feel sunshine. 

I've met friends by talking to strangers, I've learned about interesting ideas, cultures and people’s passions. It always brightens my world, it brings a happiness I can't describe. I remember one day I spoke to a man in an elevator. Aren't elevators so weird? Seriously though, it's you and a stranger for a ride in an enclosed box for the longest 30 seconds of your life! Or, it could lead to a lot longer if the things get stuck! I have friends that were stuck on elevators, these things DO happen! Oh heck no, please no! Anyway, back to the story Tracy! I said hello to the man and he smiled acknowledging me. I mentioned the elevator taking a long time to close. I was obviously making it weirder than it needed  to be. He started talking about the noise it makes if you stand in the door, like it yells at you. I said, “Yup! This elevator has an attitude problem!” He started laughing and before we knew it we were at our destination. He walked off laughing with a smile saying goodbye. Those things make me so happy! It really makes my day, because we as humans were made for community and connection. And that man's shift in happiness was quite awesome. 

In another elevator story I met a woman that travels the state helping women guide their path the minute they become diagnosed with breast cancer. Reality sunk in for me, not because I am affected but because that has to be difficult, the diagnosis. We talked all the way to the car. I was happy to meet her, she naturally radiated compassion and it’s no wonder she does what she does. It's pretty awesome to see God’s work, if you just take a minute to talk to people.

When you wake up, remember, if it’s a Betty Boop day for you, share your light!! Because the next time you need a day like that, a stranger may be sharing their light for you when you need it most.