...and the World Smiles With You

"Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy."
~Thich Nhat Hanh

I woke up (far too early) this morning with a smile on my face. I'd even go so far as to say it was a grin. Nuh uh... not sayin'. If it's real, all will be revealed. I'll just say it's leftovers of a great conversation I had last night, and leave it at that. It was a great way to wake up, even if it was all of 4 a.m.

I love to smile, but even more, I love to see other people smile. And laughing, well... it's just the best thing there is. On my way home from work yesterday, I stopped at the grocery store. As I got to the checkout, the clerk cheerfully said, "Good Morning!" And upon realizing what he'd said at 5 p.m., proceeded to chuckle the rest of the time I was at his post. I laughed and responded, "Oh god no... please, don't make me repeat the day!" The gent in line behind me started laughing too and chimed in, "No kiddin'! I'm done in!" At which point he graced us with a lionesque yawn. I grinned in return and said, "Yeah, you're in rough shape, aintchya, buddy?" The smile on the man's face was priceless. The clerk was clearly enjoying his job for that moment in time. It was an exchange that lasted all of 2 minutes at the most, but it felt so good - had me smiling most of the way home.
"Because of your smile, you make life more beautiful."
~Thich Nhat Hanh
To engage others or, as Thoreau said, "effect the quality of the day," is so rewarding to me. Sure, my own peculiar brand o' humor can be a bit off-kilter at times, but it's mine, mine, mine, all mine. I cherish my own ability to see the light side of any situation. The other day, one of my more straight-laced coworkers (happens to be the boss's wife) greeted me with a "Hey ho!" Without hesitation, I retorted, "Watch what you call me!" It took her a minute to realize what I'd said in conjunction with what she'd said. Then the laughter began. It continued the rest of the day; whenever we'd see each other, we'd burst into fresh giggles. It made the day.

Timothy has remarked, not a few times, that he loves to hear me laugh. I think sometimes he calls just to hear it. I think somehow it make him feel better. I'm honored by that. I've been around others who have infectious laughs and I love it. Laura's Mom is one of those people - I don't need to know what she's chuckling at, but that low "heh heh heh" of hers will send me into my own chortle. It's even been labeled - Laura and I refer to it as: The Bettyann Laugh.

Granted, I'm easily amused by stuff - that helps. Like ol' Brer Rabbit, I know where to find my Laughin' Place. So, it's easy for me to find things to chuckle about... even if I make them up on my own. I have one client at work who often emails me about issues and I'll reply with good business sense, but attach my sardonic wit to it. She always writes back, "You made me laugh again! Thanks, I needed that!" And I feel like I've really done my job.

Attack the world with a smile. Infect the world with your laughter. See what a difference it makes - not just to others, but to your own outlook and your own well-being.

"Smile, breathe and go slowly."
~Thich Nhat Hanh