I had a TIA (also called a mini-stroke) last month. My mind suddenly was not able to track information, and I was unable to move my limbs or speak as I usually can. It was a very odd sensation to attempt to reach for the phone and not have my hands move into action. And I was alarmed when the sounds that came out of my mouth were nothing like what was on my mind. As odd and frightening as all this was — fortunately it only lasted about an hour — what seemed the strangest was when the ER doctor would ask me if I could smile — and I couldn’t. How could this be possible, I wondered. How could I not have the ability to smile?Since that day, I’ve been steeped in gratitude that I recovered quickly from the TIA and have no residual effects. I’ve also reflected quite a bit on the experience of losing abilities I take for granted. I normally expect to move and speak. I normally expect to smile at will. I’ve been wondering what my life would be like if could never smile again. Hard to imagine! Glad it’s not the case.Today, because of this experience, I appreciate the ability to smile in a way I never did before. In fact, I’m choosing to smile more often. I have a lot to smile about.What about you? Do you have something to smile about? How about the fact that you can smile?:)