Reasons to Smile (still)

On his walk, Solo’s head is always down. His nose moves in circles and sweeps across wet ground. It slides up and back across fallen tree limbs and stalks of grass. He is steadfast in his purpose, unwavering. I suppose I am too, except I’m seeking change. I’m unhappy without movement that I determine is forward. I’ve tried to make that one of two rules of our walks. I’m never successful. Solo, too, moves forward, but then back and forth and around.

Roughly ⅔ of the way into his walk, there’s a point where looks up at me. He doesn’t break his stride, but he somehow pauses to acknowledge, “You’re here. We’re here. I like it.” Something in his gaze tells me he's smiling. The look on my face is likely as flat as I feel. Bored with the walk. Bored with life. Nothing to share, that’s new.

Why smile? Or not? Is it harder to take the time or find a reason? Or, are we really just awful at realizing how much or little we smile?

Share a Smile Day has origins that date back to 1997, though obviously people have been smiling for much longer than that! This day was established with the purpose of creating opportunities for fostering a good mood and happiness throughout families, workplaces and communities. Finding its place on the calendar in early March, this time, after making it through to the end of winter is just when a smile is most welcome.

Smiles have the power to break down barriers of culture and language, since they don’t actually require any words at all. It’s not even necessary to bare teeth, because a smile can be subtle and natural. Plus, there’s not really any time commitment because a smile can easily be given on the go and in the moment, usually without any need to stop whatever activity is happening at the time.

Yesterday was March 1 and it was‘ Share a Smile Day. I learned this only because my list of pressing topics, or invented, new ways to feel purposeful, lessened. I finished my list of new things to notice. I read once that dogs take their time not because they’re looking for something different, but instead checking to make sure nothing has changed.

Reasons to smile, still: