Hello, Smile Big Dream Bigger family! We hope that all of you are safe and doing well. Wow, I cannot believe that this quarantine lifestyle has been going on for over a month. So much has happened and I am sure that everyone’s life has been impacted in multiple ways. Although our platform (Smile Big Dream Bigger) encourages individuals to smile big with their hearts and dreams bigger, beyond their imaginations, lately I have been questioning if smiling with our hearts during this uncertain time is appropriate? 

Unlike most small businesses, my online teaching platform revenue has increased due to this pandemic. I now have new families and students enrolled in my online program, and my current families are still enrolled in my program. I am beyond thankful for each and every last one of you. I had an unbalanced emotion about this situation because as I am succeeding there are so many people without jobs, food ex… so much of my heart wails for those people, and there is so much I want to do to aid them; so I feel ashamed at times to display my accomplishments.

At the same time, I want to show entrepreneurs, and educators like myself that we still matter, and we must be the example and proof that we will all get through this. Seeing the “teacher side” of me starts to come up because I never want any child to feel left behind in-class/online, yet I still want to honor and highlight the students who have exceeded above expectations. So can we smile during difficult/sad times?

I received my answer while reading Michelle Obama’s book, Becoming (yes, this quarantine lifestyle has given me the time to read so many books). In her book, she states that “during hard times, especially hard times it is still okay to laugh. For the sake of the children, in particular, you have to find ways to have fun.” So, I have decided that it is okay to smile, laugh, and to enjoy myself during this pandemic. I have done so by reflecting on what makes me happy, and creating entertaining and educating Youtube videos for families. Make sure that you subscribe! I have also taken the time to listen to members of the community and I have shared their stories. Read the article.

I want you to know that no matter what happens in life, I want you to enjoy every moment of it. Take this self-isolation time to think about things that make you and your family happy..then find ways to create that happiness, even if it is dancing, doing homework or art and craft with your child, or even taking a walk…don’t ever stop smiling.