A few weeks ago, I noticed that at my ripe old age of 27, I have been blessed with “laugh lines” around my eyes.
At first, I panicked, contemplated getting botox, and then sat pondering the inevitable aging process that would take its toll on my body in the years to come.
When my thoughts stopped racing and my heart rate decelerated back to a somewhat normal pace, I immediately proceeded to do what any OCD young female would do, I Googled, “what causes laugh lines, and how do I get rid of them?”
Despite the fact that they are caused by genetics (always the parents’ fault), aging and overexposure to the sun (not guilty…), some argue that laugh lines are indicative of a happy soul- one that laughs and smiles so much that they form wrinkles from it.
You know what, I’ll take it. I like to laugh, smile and be positive. I also love thinking I’m awesome. So wrinkle lines from being awesome…can I get an amen?!
Seriously though, as mentioned in previous posts, the past month (or two) have been challenging. I threw a pity party, could have been practicing for the part of “Grumpy” in a Snow White production, and scared a few people away with my negativity. Like I always say though, there is a reason for everything.
I emerge from this test slightly stronger, with a few lessons to take away and also knowing who my true friends and family are. You know who I mean? The people who, despite all your crying sessions, rants, emotional roller coaster rides, and maybe even a little meanness, have stuck by your side. Then there are the really special ones that even while you were being a total witch, made every attempt to slap you back into your Mary Poppins self, nicely reminded you of your blessings, and even brought you Starbucks (or called every day to see if you needed that, chocolate or Chipotle).
I’m counting my smiles this week for the blessings that I have every day- even on those “bad” days. Life will always have ups and downs, but it is how we handle ourselves in those situations and how we grow from them that makes us who we are. And if that means that I have a few extra wrinkles in exchange for an overall happy life and cheery outlook, then I say amen and count those wrinkles as blessing as well.
Stay smiling,
Stephanie
