#337 – What are your reasons to smile?

When the world looks dark and nothing seems to be "right," smiling feels futile. Why smile, when everything's so... ugh?

I was in that place yesterday:

• The after-dinner walk around South Pointe was uncomfortable: the weather was clammy and the paths were crowded
• Our son had called and told us he was going to receive an undeserved DR (Disciplinary Report)
• The notifications on my phone were disconcerting

It felt like my only option was negativity. Sadness, dejection. Despair.

But then I decided I didn't need to be there––I'm always at choice. And so, I rebelled. I tried smiling, the question "what are my reasons to smile?" echoing in my head.

Well, "I have facial muscles that allow me to," I answered myself––so why not do it?

That led me to realize that smiling, even when nothing appears to grant it, is the ultimate act of resilience. A radical statement of acceptance: everything that comes my way will be welcome. An eternal declaration of peace.

So, from now on, this will be my stand: why smile? Because I can.

And you? What are your reasons to smile and declare eternal peace with life?

Love,

Carolina