The Path of Life Will Be Much Smoother if Each Mile Begins with “S”

By Phoebe Pineda

Point to Ponder: “The people whose first instinct is to smile when you make eye contact with them are some of Earth’s greatest treasures.” –DailyGoodQuotes

Storyline:

Of the many people Anand’s met and worked with over the years, few have made as big an impression as Xiomara Cedillo.  Every day, employees grabbing their morning coffee or their lunch would be greeted by name and Xiomara’s sunny smile, a gesture that, while small, radiated kindness and positive energy.  People like Anand left the checkout register feeling invigorated, motivated to carry on with their workday.

“I've always believed that a smile is your signature,” Xiomara says.  “You don't need to wear makeup or fancy stuff, a smile will open up any doors for you.  A smile will let you see different points of view.  Take everything with a smile and nothing will be as bad or hard as it seems.”

Growing up in El Salvador, Xiomara had a very social childhood: “In my neighborhood, everyone knew each other,” she says.  “Nothing existed--no electronics, no social media.  We had toys made out of sticks and the tops of soda bottles. It was simple, but I was very happy.”  Xiomara carried that energy with her when she began working in the US, even on days when it wasn’t easy.  “I tried not to let bad days bother me at work,” she says.  “In customer service, you have to put out good vibes and have a good way of looking at things.”  Her positive energy was so widely appreciated by those she met that when her company’s catering contract expired, the employees of the customer’s company requested Xiomara be kept on with the new staff.  Though grateful for the opportunity, Xiomara found staying on difficult when faced with questions about her less fortunate coworkers, and eventually ended up leaving for a new position.

Even after switching jobs, Xiomara has left a lasting impression.  “Of the people I keep in touch with, I remember about 150 names,” she says.  “One person I met started visiting me at my new job and brought me cookies and an Olaf beanie she made me.  Another person invited me and my grandson to spend time with her.  I saw someone from my old job on his birthday, and when I talked to him, he was surprised that I still remembered his name.”

While the pandemic has disrupted these friendly interactions, Xiomara encourages people to remain optimistic.  “Stay positive–I know sometimes it's hard to when you confront a problem or something bad, but just take it easy.  Take it as it goes.  God would not give you anything too hard for you to handle.  Just work it out, take it as a good challenge, and be positive about it.  Whatever comes, just face it.  It's part of life.  If it doesn’t happen the way you expect it, you’ll learn something from it.”

Reflection:

Last week we discussed sunsets, and how they act as an opportunity to reflect on the past.  Now, as the sun rises on 2022, it’s important to start the year off right.  A smile can be a beacon of light in times of darkness, and if all of us follow Xiomara’s example, greeting the New Year and those around us with a smile, that light will shine brighter and stronger. 

Originally from the SF Bay Area, Phoebe Pineda currently studies Writing and Literature at the University of California Santa Barbara's College of Creative Studies.  In addition to storytelling, she enjoys sunset-watching, road trips, and making art.

Anand and Phoebe first met at a Kid-to-Work Day over two decades ago. Once a week, they meet to discuss the various stories, experiences, memories, and lessons he's collected over the years. They approach each conversation from two different stages in life, one looking forward, the other looking back.