A boatload of smiles!
This past Saturday morning I organized and hosted the 2nd Annual Boatload of Clowns Cruise. The 1st week of August is International Clown Week and a great excuse to gather regional clowns together for a celebration of smiles. This year we reached out to the Starlight Children’s Foundation to share all of our smiles with about 60 folks that certainly could use a opportunity to escape and relax. We dedicated the Cruise and all profits to www.RedNoseResponse.org What happened next can only be described as a Magical Moment in Time and Life of all of us on board the Dutch Apple! As Captain Lou pulled away from the dock, we left the rest of the world behind. No cares, no worries, just a rare opportunity to enjoy the moment and life itself!
Wonderful moments matter
As the cruise began, I immediately realized that a wonderful positive energy developed between the Clowns and our guest families. On one hand we had assembled a group of 75+ individuals dedicated to helping make people smile. On the other hand, we had a group of wonderful families facing great personal life challenges and, truly ready to smile. On the other hand (yes…”I” am writing this so 3 hands are ok!) we have me and Team SmileMonster. We’re all about helping make people SMILE MORE and it doesn’t get better than this. I am still deeply touched and humbled by my experience this weekend.
We spent two and a half hours laughing, dancing, hugging and loving life! Everyone smiled for the entire time we were on board and, for most of us, on into that day and night. As I looked into the faces of moms, dads, brothers, sisters, grandparents, clowns and everyone on board, I realized something about myself that will continue to fuel my future emotions.
Feelin' the love
When I become focused on all of my problems, concerns, challenges and stress… all I need to do is reflect for a moment on this past Saturday. My problems are insignificant. How dare I ever hide in self pity or self-centered distress. Learn from those with real life and death concerns, learn to live and love today. Enjoy all you have! Every moment you focus on the negative is a moment lost to enjoy and cherish. SM
The smiles are contagious!
Thank you for making the cruise such a happy experience. My grandkids are still talking about it.
It’s so refreshing to see such a positive project for a change.
You are making a difference in many lives – Thank You!
Sandy, thank you so much for the kind thoughts and words. We will continue to weave our positive message into as many lives as possible. It is going to be another great day. Be sure to smile!
SM