I sat in traffic, drumming my fingers on the steering wheel, practicing an incredible amount of patience. I have learned, over the years, to value my time on the road - my quiet time. It isn't always quiet, sometimes my radio is blaring and I am singing along.  More often though, I am on the phone. I try to catch up with business calls or touching base with friends or my mom. I am not one of those that can sit idly or yell and scream at other drivers - though I see and, sometimes, hear plenty of that.

This particular commute seemed to be going at a snail's pace, about 3 miles per hour. As I slumped into my seat and looked through my CD case, something strange was happening outside. It was just starting to pass from dusk to night when I caught a glimpse of something unusual. A bubble floated down the front of my car. That's what I said, a bubble. As soon as the first disappeared down the front of the car, several more appeared and then all of a sudden the air seemed to be filled with bubbles. I looked in my rear view mirror and failed to see the source. I looked to my left - nothing - and then I looked to my right and my eyes met the driver of my neighboring vehicle. We both smiled, shrugged and continued to look around.

After several seconds and a lot of neck twisting, I spotted where the bubbles were coming from. In my blind spot, about three cars back on my right, I saw what looked like a plastic gun sticking out of the backseat window of an SUV. Bubbles galore were being shot out of the "gun" and filling the air. I couldn't help but forget about the miserable traffic I was facing and just smile, smile, smile. When traffic began to pick up the SUV eventually passed me and I saw, what appeared to be, a fresh-faced twelve-year old gleefully pumping bubbles from her back seat perch. She waved and continued on her quest.

She had succeeded in causing spontaneous happiness along her way. I cannot imagine that her intent was too far off from that. Not one to reside in misery for long, I was very appreciative of the respite and I believe it carried me through the rest of my commute and well into my evening. There will not always be bubbles to lighten your way nor will there be a quirky kid to think of an ingenious way to change the attitude of dozens of drones caught in the same plight.

It's Friday. Shower your co-workers, employees, employer, candidates, clients, and/or hiring managers with bubbles. The worth of a smile: the interest alone creates the ROI you not only need but deserve. It's an investment you can afford.

© by rayannethorn