I used to smile a lot. Heck, I could even be accused of downright grinning a good percentage of the time, however as the years have passed and life has gotten more complicated, I’m seeing that a smile on my face is a rarity. I’m more apt to be seen frowning, grimacing, or just staring blankly. I admit it – I have become a monumental grouch. Oscar in his garbage can has nothing on me.
I’ve noticed it in others also, whether it be at work, sitting at a stop light, at a restaurant, or the grocery store. OK. Given the poor excuse I have for a grocery store, I can truly understand that one, but it’s genuinely rare anymore, to see a smile on a friend, let alone a stranger.
When did the world stop smiling? When did we start thinking unkindly of those who think differently from ourselves? When did we become so busy we can’t look someone in the eye, acknowledge their presence, smile, and say good morning? Wouldn’t the entire world be more civil if everyone smiled at just one extra person tomorrow, two the next day, three the day after that, and so on?
Thus comes my challenge.
Smile more.
Smile when I don’t want to.
Smile when I don’t think I can.
Smile at people I don’t know and wish them a good day....and mean it.
Smile at people I know and with genuine feeling, ask them how they are...and listen to their answer.
I have a feeling that if I practice what I preach, I’ll be out of those grouchy, bitchy doldrums in no time flat, and I just may make a few others smile in return. Coca Cola wanted to teach the world to sing....I'd like to teach us to smile. It’s worth a try.
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