If you just smile

Nat King Cole made this song by Charles Chaplin, John Turner, and Geoffrey Parsons a top ten hit in 1954, two years before my birth. Lucky for me, it was one of my Dad's favorites, perhaps for good reasons.

"Smile though your heart is aching
Smile even though it's breaking
When there are clouds in the sky, you'll get by
If you smile through your fear and sorrow
Smile and maybe tomorrow
You'll see the sun come shining through for you"

"Light up your face with gladness
Hide every trace of sadness
Although a tear may be ever so near
That's the time you must keep on trying
Smile, what's the use of crying?
You'll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just smile"

It's not just about song lyrics thought; there's real scientific evidence that when we smile, we do good things for ourselves and for others.

Reasons to Smile - Health Benefits of Smiling

But I smile for another reason completely: I smile for others. Yes, really.

When you are walking along any public place, even if you don't see anyone, somewhere someone is glancing out a window and sees you. If you are smiling, you help lighten their load.

Everyday, everyone feels the burden of their lives in some way, even if they do not acknowledge it. If all they ever see is people who look like they just tasted something nasty they start thinking the world is just an unfriendly place.

Give them a reason to smile. Who knows, someone might be watching them -- and your smile count just tripled -- or quadrupled! In fact, like a stunning play of Reversi, you could magically turn an entire planet of glum faces to beams of happiness.

Your smile could brighten the whole world, and even if that was only for an instant -- wouldn't that be cause for hope?

So, smile.