Category: August 2023

“The best things in life are free…” or are they? There is probably much debate on this iconic lyric, and the word “free” can be a loosely used term. But from my personal experience, I can truly say… YES THEY ARE! The truth is, the power of a SMILE can be largely underestimated, undervalued, and often just brushed off these days. What people don’t realize is that a smile, the tiniest movement of our facial muscles, can move mountains, molehills and so much more!

I recall the years when people would always question, “Why are you always smiling?” or “Are you okay in the head? Why are you always smiling?” I found this surprising because for some time I thought I had a resting b*** face… hmmm… My replies would always be, “Why not? Why not smile when I do feel like smiling?” When I look at people, I certainly would prefer to smile than frown at them! Perhaps it is just my personality or maybe I am innately wired to smile. When I look back, smiling has always opened so many doors for me.

Because of my smile, it initiated and established long lasting friendships with people that I deeply treasure until now.  Smiling has victoriously helped me navigate the tricky and stressful job of dealing with suppliers, artists, VIP’s, and the demands of corporate bosses! With my love of traveling, it made meeting new people of different cultures and languages easier… and yes, even dealing with those scary immigration officers in foreign countries! Shopping in another country and bargaining has also become so, so, so seamless! A simple smile you say, huh?

A lot of who I am and what I have been able to do can be traced back to smiling – my own personal power that I wield without limit and remorse… wink, wink ;). All jokes aside, I believe it has also made the battle with life’s challenges easier – because somehow, even in the middle of my lowest lows, I still managed to smile. That tiny bit of muscle curvature sparks hope that things can be better.

I know some people are not as used to smiling as I am. Here are some FACTual reasons that any completely sane individual can relate to:

SMILING can make YOU feel happier!  When you smile, your brain releases endorphins, which are hormones that have positive mood-boosting effects.

SMILING REDUCES STRESS. Smiling can help relax your muscles and lower your heart rate, which can reduce stress levels. It ultimately saves you money on healthcare… which is a BIG PLUS!

SMILING makes you more ATTRACTIVE. AMEN! – People are naturally drawn to those who smile because it is seen as a sign of warmth and happiness.

SMILING can help improve RELATIONSHIPS. Smiling helps create a more positive and friendly atmosphere, which can lead to better relationships with others. (Hello! Save the drama for your mama!)

SMILING is HEALTHY. It’s been proven to have a number of health benefits. It helps to reduce blood pressure, boost the immune system, and even help to live longer. (Again, lower health care costs because living in America in 2023 is no joke).

And saving the best for last…
SMILING can make you look up to 10 years younger! That is 10 years worth of collagen, retinol, Botox, and all the Korean and Japanese skincare costs!!!! All for FREE. FREE! What more could you ask for?

Cue Janet Jackson…

The best things in life are free (yeah)
Now that I’ve discovered what you mean to me (don’t you know that)
The best things in life are free (yeah)

Now go and live your life with a smile… for you’ll never know the riches it can give you.

*Hey Siri, play “Flawless” by Beyoncé*

…I woke up like this
I woke up like this
We flawless, ladies tell ’em…

You know the feeling… You’re walking down the street, personal theme song in your head, coffee in hand, on the way to work, and ready to conquer the day. You see yourself in anything that displays your reflection and check yourself out… other people checkin’ you out. You’re THAT girl/guy.

You got that main character energy and ain’t nobody gonna break your stride.

Look, I get it, there are some days you feel like you’re a supporting character to a friend that treats you like an on-call therapist, or a wing-person because they just can’t make the first move. Does it actually work to be a wing-person? I’m asking for a friend. There are also days (or moments) when your inner antagonist comes out until you wash it down with coffee…or cake. I love coffee and cake. They’re a dynamic duo in an elixir that magically transforms you into a pleasant human being. 

The main character is who the story is predominantly about. The main character is YOU. Your story is about living your best life. You can take control of your narrative by radiating positivity, confidence, and self-LOVE.

I know this is easier said than done. Believe me, I have my share of ups, downs, ins, and outs, but along my journey, I’ve found some ways that can help you shift and control your narrative.

• Life is Beautiful – Find the beauty in the little things. Take yourself on dates. Do the things that make you happy. Treat yo-self.
  
  “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” — Ferris Bueller, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

• Me, Myself, and I – Besides God, you’re the only constant thing in your life. You have to enjoy being in your OWN company. We can’t always rely on others to do things with us alllllll the time. That also includes breaking out solo from those girl group bathroom trips. Being comfortable with being alone and not feeling lonely becomes your superpower in life.
  
  “The most exciting, challenging and significant relationship of all is the one you have with yourself. And if you find someone to love the you you love, well, that’s just fabulous.” – Carrie Bradshaw, Sex and the City

• Learn to say “no” – Not many of us say it. Be clear on what you want to accomplish in your life. You have to set boundaries to enforce what you want to achieve. By setting boundaries, it shows that you respect yourself and demonstrate that you are the main character. It also radiates that you love yourself enough to work on something you care about.
  
  “I love you, but I love me more.” – Samantha Jones, Sex and the City

• What’s wrong with being confident? – The answer is nothing. There’s nothing wrong with that. Confidence is attractive… it is also key. Know the difference between confidence and cockiness. Please don’t be too into yourself to the point of coming off as narcissistic. Nobody likes that. Don’t do that. Knock it off.
  
  “I don’t skate through life, David. I walk through life in really nice shoes.” – Alexis Rose, Schitt’s Creek

• Do you, boo – Know your worth and stop comparing yourself to others. Embrace the things that make you unique (i.e. style, hobbies, etc.). The way you present yourself, how you dress… the things that make you… YOU. Know and recognize your value and what you bring to the world. When you step into that power, you’ll learn how to appreciate who you are – that is your main character moment.
  
  “The things that make me different are the things that make me, me.” – Piglet, Winnie-the-Pooh

• Being the main character of your life means being responsible for your own choices, actions, and well-being. The actions and decisions drive the plot that usually results in the most growth or change throughout the story.
  
  “We’re all stories in the end. Just make it a good one, eh?” -11^th Doctor, Doctor Who.

You are the main character in the story of your life, put yourself first and take control of your narrative. OWN IT.

First of all, let me start by saying it’s been an absolute pleasure letting you get to know me. I loved sharing our beginning, the foundation of our story – the who, what, and why so that you really get to know US. The company, the ministry, the people behind it, and all the good good in between. Now, let’s talk about the brand… the brand with the long name… the brand with a cross and dove in the logo. The best first aid brand you never knew you needed, until you actually needed it. So, then you went and bought it, in case you need it next time and now you can’t live without it…

Be Smart Get Prepared. That ME! Remember, I am the brand personified, wrapped up in a cute, stylized aesthetic that can actually help save your life. I’m a whole entire message, a mentality, an invitation to a lifestyle. Be Smart Get Prepared wants you to literally Be Smart Get Prepared and live your best life. Do all the adventurous things and take us with you! Let your kid ride that bike until the street lights come on (umm my age is showing, because I actually don’t know if this is a thing any more). Go camping with your family. Check off that cross- country road trip from your bucket list. Explore your fave hiking trail with your doggy dog. Do your thing on that 120-mile bike ride, rockin’ the spandex with your biking club.  We want this for you. We love this for you. Good health, an active lifestyle, peace of mind, first aid, and safety look good on you, sweetie. So, GO. We got you.  

Be Smart Get Prepared is the only first aid brand that designs kits to fit your lifestyle in multiple categories – Home, School, Office, Outdoors, Automotive, Sporting Goods, Emergency Survival, Marine, and even Farm. Our kits are designed with intention, have purpose, and each has their own little personality to boot. And the kit’s names…oh, the names! The names are guaranteed to catch your eye, reel you in, and then the totality of the kits speak for themselves. Oh, the places we will go!

Through the products, our legacy lives on. We want to connect, we want to engage, we want to fill in that gap to keep you safe when you need it most. Our goal is for Be Smart Get Prepared to inspire, educate, and encourage you to be proactive, instead of reactive. Healing wounds, saving lives, building schools, helping communities, rescuing helpless children, empowering people mentally, physically, spiritually, and emotionally – this is our legacy….and after 32 years, we’re just getting started. Be Smart Get Prepared, holla at ya girl!