"If you're up to something in your life..."

My heart was unsettled today when I saw my child's teacher began to cry during?our parent-teacher conference.?

We'd?just finished listening to her talk about our son—how he’s a happy boy, loves music, has a hearty appetite, enjoys reading, and so many other things that were music to our ears. Then she asked about my upcoming Happiness workshop. I shared a bit what it was about and who I helped.?

Suddenly, her eyes filled with tears. She quickly apologized, saying, “It’s the election. I feel scared.” I assured her it was perfectly okay to feel this way, reminding her that allowing yourself to feel emotions is not only normal but healthy.

“Thank you,” she said.

"I'm with you," I said, assuring?her it was absolutely OK to be vulnerable.

Before we wrapped up our 15 minutes,?I?shared with her a story, along with two brain training practices to try. Now, I want to share that story with you, in hopes it brings you a bit of light, no matter what might be weighing on you.

Yesterday, while working out from Starbucks, I met a remarkable woman named Sue.?"I feel sad about the result, but I try not to let it?impact me?much," Sue said. Hearing her story helped me understand why.?

Sue spent her career teaching kids with special needs, changing?the lives of many that others often?gave?up on.

"You were obviously born for this work, Sue," I said, to which she smiled. Now, in her new phase of life,?Sue has taken on?a mission to bring?her late mother's legacy?- 1,200 paintings - to the world. She showed me some of the collection from her computer and my?"Appreciation of Beauty & Excellence" trait?(based on my VIA Character Strengths) kicked in.

There was only one word I could utter: genius. The paintings were stunning,?equivalent to the works of famous artists.

"A man drove all the way from Florida with a big truck to buy my mom's paintings. 50 of them, at USD 100,000," Sue proudly said.

It took years for her to find the right art broker, but she persisted, holding to her belief that “everything is possible."Having another sip of coffee, Sue also shared she had a children's book manuscript she hoped to publish soon. Meanwhile, her creative mind continued?churning ideas for another book.?

"I'd?been working with children for so long?that I could get into their world, and this manuscript reflects?that," Sue said with a warm, contended smile.

It's the mission close to her heart, to her loved ones, and the dedication to her passion that fueled her; her optimism isn’t shaken by outside events. It's living with a mom who had unleashed her talents?and lived her life to the fullest that had significantly?influenced the way Sue's been navigating her own precious life.

That's Sue's story.

Before I left the conference,?I reminded my son's teacher?of the wonderful mission she's?on to help shape the future, and how grateful we are, as parents, to have great teachers like her take caring for our child.

What lifts you up when you're?feeling down??

What're your strongest happiness anchor?

What do you believe is your life purpose?

What do you have to get done in your life time?

Curious about my Happiness Infinity Method to stay positive?and live your best life regardless of circumstances?

Join me in my upcoming Happier Career Happier YOU workshop on November 15.?

Seats are limited and are filling up quickly, so grab yours?NOW?if this speaks to you. We'll talk more in person then.

Onwards to Happiness Infinity,

Amy Nguyen

Photo: Sue and me. "If you're up to something in your life, age doesn't matter." (Sue)