There are those times in our lives where all it takes is acting on a thought to start something that has the ability to change the world. Not just thinking about it, but truly taking all the steps necessary to see that thought come to fruition. Such was the case with the Bring Smiles to Seniors program.

Visiting my grandmother in her senior community was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. Every time I walked the halls and saw the sadness on the faces of those that were confined to their four walls, my heart felt heavy. As I talked with nurses and learned more about the loneliness of seniors, it baffled me how insignificant many seniors become as they reach the final years of their lives. This despite the fact that many had given so much.

On one particular night, I lay in my bed going through the previous visit in my mind and decided that there was something that I could do. I put a post on my personal Facebook page and asked all my friends and family to send me greeting cards that I could then take to the residents in my grandmother’s community. The response was overwhelming. I received enough cards to ensure that every single resident in her community received one. That was the true beginning of what has now become a national program.

Because I acted on that emotion and thought on that particular day, hundreds of thousands of seniors across America, Scotland, Norway, Australia and other parts of the world have been reminded that they are loved. An amazing group of volunteers have come together to run a program that now brings joy to so many. The people participating in our program have been given new purpose and added new meaning to their already incredible lives. Grandparents have reconnected with their grandchildren. Families have come together during card making events. Companies have involved their employees in the work that we do.

For me, it has been a personal journey. I started this program to send cards to seniors. What I wound up with is so much more. Without even realizing it, I have touched lives in ways that I could have never even imagined. Every day I learn of a new way that has happened and I receive confirmation that in this lifetime, this was what I was meant to do. I would venture to say that each and every one of our volunteers and individuals involved in this program could say exactly the same thing.

Four years ago I did that one thing that my future self would be thankful for. I have been reminded in the past, continue to be reminded today and no doubt will be reminded every day in the future. When we allow those thoughts that enter our minds to become realities, the impact we have on the world can be endless. Today, I hope that you turn that thought you may have into something that your future self will be thankful for as well.

#morningswithron #bringsmilestoseniors