Not the forced grin that graces everyone's face when someone behind the camera yells "cheese," but the real deal.
What better medicine is there than provoking the corners of a kid's mouth to turn up and hear a giggle escape? Or how about that smile that lights up someone's face when you see them for the first time in too long a time? Even the smile from a perfect stranger promotes a sense of human togetherness--it may not be the full fledged smile that crinkles the eyes, but it's warm, and comforting.
So, I am grateful for smiles.
There is a framed poem in my room, one of it's stanzas saying:
...the hug can break the language barrier
and make your travels so much merrier...
I'd argue that the smile is even more advantageous. Hugs are great, too. I love hugs. But a smile is so much easier to pull out. Everyone--race, culture, language aside--understands a simple smile. It is happiness, laughter, enjoyment, friendship, well-wishes...any or all of the above, and more. The expression of a smile is limitless, but always, if it is sincere, it means well to whomever it is bestowed upon. And I'm grateful for the fact that I can smile at someone, and they'll know just what I mean.
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