I was just thinking how rarely I see people smile out in public. I'm a natural-born smiler. I can't help myself. I just generally feel happy. People looking on probably think I'm an idiot or something, walking down the sidewalk grinning. I smile at songs, memories, pretty things, secret plans, sudden realizations. There are millions upon millions of reasons to smile.
I've noticed that most often the smiles I have returned to me are given by young people. Teenagers. The ones you would think least likely to smile back. It's true, though. And, that's fine. If it brightens a moment for someone in the midst of their angst or even if it's an involuntary response, a reflex, I think smiles beget smiles and the more smiles you smile the greater your potential for happiness. And when you're happier, you're more likely to inspire happiness in others.
So, it's Sunday night. I have some anxieties over family illness and some work-related things and some personal things, too. But, even now, writing this post, I feel the beginnings of a grin lifting the corners of my mouth. It's infectious, I tell you! Can't you feel it? You know you want to. . . SMILE!
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