Sunshine on My Shoulders

Jake Frost reflects on how his toddler spread sunshine one Saturday morning, and how people of any age can learn from her example.

It was a sunny Saturday morning along the waterfront and I was out for a walk with my one-year-old daughter, The Little Wonder. She was “up top,” as we term it: up on my shoulders.  

A cool breeze was blowing off the water, sunlight was sparkling on the waves, and all the world seemed to be sparkling, too. 

Everyone was smiling.  

Strangers even waved to us! 

It was like the sunshine of the day had seeped into everyone’s soul. 

And then a telltale shadow explained why. 

A telltale shadow 

Cast before us on the ground was our shadow, strolling along with us, and as we went I saw a little shadow arm extend outward above my head, and wave. 

Ah-ha! The whole time, unbeknownst to me, hidden from view up on my shoulders, Little Wonder had been waving to everyone as we walked! 

And no doubt smiling, with that amazing smile of hers: pure happiness. 

So it had been Little Wonder initiating all the good cheer! 

I guess if you want to enjoy the sunshine of life, sometimes you have to shine first. 

I remember my kids starting at a new school and saying they didn’t know anyone and had no one to play with at lunch. My suggestion was: instead of waiting for someone to walk up to you, why not walk up to someone else? If you’re wanting someone to come talk to you and play with you, maybe others are wanting the same thing. 

Sometimes you have to extend yourself a bit, like Little Wonder extending her little arm. 

Coffee shop quotes 

Little Wonder and I stopped at a bakery to get a treat. Written on a chalkboard alongside the menu was a quote attributed to Mother Teresa. I’d never seen it before, but I liked it. It read: “There are many good people in the world. If you can’t see one, be one.” 

I don’t know if Saint Teresa of Calcutta really said it, but it seems like good advice. And practical: there are probably many people all around us waiting for a chance to smile, but you’ll only find them if you smile first.  

When you start to shine a little, the world has a way of shining back.  

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Copyright 2024 Jake Frost
Images: Canva