No Ordinary Ollie

I went to the eye doctor for a checkup last week. It was a typical visit, until I sat down with the sales guy to pick out new glasses. I'll call him Ollie.

He was a tall, self-assured fella with a kind face and an upbeat presence--rather jolly actually, in a modern sense. He told me to let him know if he was "too much" for my taste, stating he was eccentric and could come across too strong. But being too much hadn't occurred to me in the least. He was truly delightful.

While he continued to meet with me, in walked another customer--a young, groovy guy, who more than matched Ollie in his light-heartedness, with a grin from ear to ear and a bounce in his step. This was one cool cat. He wore a floral surfer hat and purple, horn-rimmed glasses, and you couldn't imagine anything bothering him. He and Ollie instantly recognized and heartily acknowledged one another.

After he walked away, I asked Ollie if he thought happiness was genetic, pointing out that both of them seemed to possess extra doses of joy. Since this was not a topic that could be explored in depth in our brief encounter, I was expecting a surface level, simplistic response. That's not what I received.

Ollie sat for just a moment reflecting on my question and then with intention and utmost sincerity replied:

"Every morning when I wake up, before my feet hit the floor, I say thank you, and I say it out loud, even if my wife is still sleeping. And with each step I take as I walk to the bathroom, I continue to say thank you. That's how I start my day every day. I say thank you."

Tears filled my eyes as I received this unexpected wisdom from this stranger-turned-teacher, who I recognized in that instant as a kindred spirit. Yes, I thought, I can be happy, too. I can start my day every day with gratitude. Thank you, Ollie.

Great souls walk among us, so keep your eyes and ears and heart open for the lessons coming your way each day!