That which makes you smile

At yoga class a few days ago, our instructor told us to think of a happy moment in our childhood. She guided us to fill our hearts with that happy memory. I could have thought of many instances of joyful memories growing up but for some reason, the first thought that came to mind was my burnt orange colored mini palayok (pot) toy which I dearly loved. I must have been in Grade 1 when I absolutely enjoyed every minute playing with it.

I remember complaining to my maternal grandmother, Lola Lili, of how I could not understand why adults did not like to play pretend cooking as much as I did. I could think of no reason why the adults around me would not choose to play with a little clay palayok, every free time they had. A simple toy that gave me such joy.

Last week I chanced upon a short video posted on Facebook by a friend of mine, of her toddler playing with around 25 small packets of hand wipes and being absolutely engrossed in playing with them. My friend commented on how she had been looking for all sorts of things to keep her daughter amused and busy, but never expected some free hand wipes from a popular fast food chain was all she needed to do the trick.

My baptism godchild was in hospital and, wanting to cheer him up, I asked his mother what toy my inaanak likes to play with these days. I was delighted to see him enjoying the fruit, vegetable and other “food” toys I ended up gifting him with. It was good to see him smile whilst playing with the toys on his hospital bed.

When my children were little, simple things would give them many minutes, even hours, of smiles, giggles and play time enjoyment. Ordinary household items like a “tabo” or water dipper or small plastic food containers they could bang together with glee were big hits.

Even an empty suitcase I was about to pack clothes into could instantly be a special room, ship or airplane soon to take them to special places in their imagination.

Last weekend, one of my brothers replied to a message I had sent asking him where he was. He told me he was at the building site of some beautiful homes we had just casually talked about. He made a tempting offer for me to follow him there and we could “daydream” together. But I had things to do at home and offered for him to come around and have merienda with us instead. Daydreams are also precious parts of my growing up memories. When things did not go as hoped for and planned, I could rely on my positive musings to cheer me up and keep me hopeful and focused.

Think of that happy moment in your childhood. I thank my yoga instructor for leaving that thought with me this week. Life can present us with many complicated challenges. I go through it. My loved ones go through it. Our acquaintances go through it. We all go through it at some stage. It is during these distressing times when we need to think of a happy moment or anything at all that makes us smile. It does not need to be grand. It does not have to solve all your problems. Just that one pleasant thought that cheers you up, no matter how brief.

A nice cup of milk tea or coffee, a flower that has bloomed in your garden (or your neighbor’s!), a sunrise, a sunset, a clear blue sky, fluffy white clouds, leaves and branches that sway gracefully with the wind, soothing spa music, a Gary Valenciano, Sara Geronimo, Ed Sheeran, Michael Buble or whatever song you fancy, a vibrant yellow dandelion, a joke shared with a friend, a warm hug and, yes, a palayok toy.

I hope you find that one little thing that makes you smile, just about now.