What better, on a Sunday afternoon, that a visit to a farmers? market?? The Eastern Market and nearby flea market were filled with locals taking a stroll, enjoying a coffee, and purchasing fresh produce.? The breeze whipped through 7th street, but it was offset by the sun, high in the sky.? Before I began my day, I engaged in a popular social event with some locals: Sunday brunch.
Vanessa, Caitlin, and Ashley were my guides as we walked and talked to our eatery as part of their monthly ?brunch club.?? We arrived to a warm restaurant with a decadent? menu including considerably more seafood than is customary in the Midwest.? I looked around to see the various environmental portrait paintings, full of scenes of fox hunting and fishermen.? All three of the young women were from different states, spanning from New England to the old West, and have continued to venture around the nation and the world through their work, like many of the people here.? The group has a charming ritual.? A goal of every brunch club reunion is to conjure up a goal, short or long-term, to be performed or completed by the next meeting.
Two of the young women already had their goals decided.? The first said that she was going to challenge herself to take part in activities that were out of her comfort zone.? This idea reminded me of the Jim Carey film ?Yes Man,? in which Carey?s character must say ?yes? to every opportunity he encountered.? With that philosophy, fears and insecurities must be dismissed.? But, at the very least, a memory is created, and often self-improvement and empowerment occur.? The second woman desired to show appreciation for those she cares about more frequently.? We often tell others how much we care, but action, especially in unexpected scenarios, takes that? thoughtfulness to another level.? Thank you to this group for a fine meal-time conversation and for the coffee later in the day.
People of all ages would pass me, all reading the words ?Be Happy,?? and most changed their neutral expressions to smiles.? A few responded with ?thanks!? or ?you do the same!?? A man dressed in blue then approached.? ?That?s a by-product,? he said in passing.? I attempted to engage him in conversation, to expand upon his thought, but he simply kept walking and repeated his quote.? My interpretation of his feedback is that happiness has a direct correlation with our demeanor.? We have the power to decide whether we see the bad or good in a situation.
In the middle of my day, Priya, an Illinois native stopped to ask for the meaning behind my board.? We had a lengthy conversation that eventually led us to sitting down for some hot chocolate to talk about Chicago (which is celebrating its 175th birthday today!) and our favorite paintings at the Art Institute.? In between our light topics, we dove into our opinions on our current society.? She mentioned that she admired how my project was enjoyed by others at a time where technology has begun to dominate our lives.? Granted, the blog and social media assist me in spreading my message, but even I take delight in knowing that my simple concept receives a sizable reception.? We truly need to find time to separate ourselves from the mass communication and simply learn about the people that step into our personal story books.
At the flea market, across the brick road, I spoke with a merchant.? Mark, born in California but primarily from South Bend, Indiana, was selling exquisite, hand-crafted items from Istanbul, from pillows to beaded, glass bowls.? He had joined the military and has since had the business with a friend.? The quote on his business card struck me.? It read, ?The Journey Begins Here.?? Was this symbolic of my trip?? I like to think of it as a journey or a discovery of how my world can impact me and how I can reciprocate that.
About a month ago, I had a conversation with an academic adviser at my university.? We decided that attitude is a choice.? We will all experience tribulations, but our outlook is dependent on no one but ourselves.? Beyond that, our struggles allow us to recognize compassion.? Take a look within to appreciate your surroundings.? Choose to be happy.
I will see you for Day 5 at the L?enfant Plaza Metro Station, in honor of Joshua Bell, from my Urban Poetry post.
Source: http://thegirlwiththewhiteboard.com/day-4-be-happy/
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