Later on that same day I had an interaction with a homeless person looking for spare change near the skytrain. I said hello as she passed me by, even though I didn't have any money to share that day. She turned and I looked at her and smiled, though I felt that pang of guilt to not be able to offer her something.
Her response was to grab my hands in gratitude. She thanked me for not only looking at her, but also for smiling at her. "I'm lucky if people acknowledge me. No one ever smiles at me anymore. Thank you! You have made my day!"
There have been many times when I have luckily smiled at the right person at just that moment they needed it. The power of a smile or small act of kindness is amazing. It is the only power I know I have that is easily shared. So I share it. I smile and acknowledge everyone I make eye contact with, because for me that is the gift of being human. We are all here together. And yes, every smile can make a difference for you and those you smile at.
Don't wait for people to smile at you first - create your own ripple that starts a wave of happy! All energy is contagious, so are you spreading grumpy vibes or positive ones?
My life is full of reasons to smile, something I am grateful for every day. Family, friends, community and a good home with good food to nourish us.
I'm also lucky to work at a community centre I love, so it's easy to smile when I'm there too. The best places to work have always been the places where the team of people around you are good at lifting each other up by lending a hand and supporting each other. No matter what the job, when approached with a positive attitude it will always be more enjoyable. Cheesy but true. ;)
When I was a server at the Keg I had an awesome co-worker who would sing the Smile Song when we got in the weeds which always helped me laugh and get over the stress. (and the song still brings back memories of her adorable smiling face!)
Happily, Sasha has become a fan of singing this song too! Enjoy, and be sure to spread a little happy with your own gorgeous smile today. :)
"A smile costs nothing but gives much. It enriches those who receive without making poorer those who give. It takes but a moment, but the memory of it sometimes lasts forever. None is so rich or mighty that he cannot get along without it and none is so poor that he cannot be made rich by it. Yet a smile cannot be bought, begged, borrowed, or stolen, for it is something that is of no value to anyone until it is given away. Some people are too tired to give you a smile. Give them one of yours, as none needs a smile so much as he who has no more to give." ~Anon
