Brighten Your Corner

When I was a child, we sang a song that included "Brighten the corner where you are" in the lyrics. I was reminded of that song recently when someone suggested that the light within me was shining particularly brightly that day. Whether we choose to think of it or not, there is a light inside of us - that is the energy we express or share with the world. So my question is, do you brighten the corner where you are or is it a dimly lit place?

We can brighten our little corner of the world in many, many ways and not always through grand gestures. Have you noticed how the face of a stranger or a passer-by lights up when you speak to them in a joyful tone and ask about their day? Have you noticed how a young child laughs with glee when we pay attention to them? Or perhaps you have noticed how your day is brightened when someone unexpectedly asks about your day or offers to help you when you didn't ask for help.

We can quietly make a small difference for others by how we recognize or greet them. We can also let our light shine by assisting someone. Even having a young person open a door for me brings a smile to my face and, often a cheerful "Thanks" brings a smile to theirs. We can take that a step further by volunteering our time or energy to others. Again, it could be in fairly small bits or larger chunks.

The wonderful thing about brightening your corner of the world is that you end up feeling brighter too. So look for ways to brighten a corner wherever you are.


Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, coping with an empty nest, non-retirement planning, and other life planning issues. She meets with individuals in person and at a distance, via telephone. Mary Ann is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association, a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association, and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). Please visit her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com for more information on her services.

To contact Mary Ann, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential voice message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com