smile
I smile at strangers
to let them know I see them
and to share kindness.
It’s practically madness out there.
Between long lines at the market, people feeling searching for parking,
and the general pressure to overspend,
lots of folks have expressions of pain or frustration.
It’s tempting to join the angry crowd when people seem oblivious
(or unconcerned)
that they are blocking others, or generally just standing in the way
texting or talking on their phones.
So I do my best to look where I am going and spread good cheer
by making eye contact and wear a smile I can flash easily.
It’s a smile that says, “we are all in this together”
or “you must be a nice person despite this crowd.”
Sometimes I surprise passersby as they return my smile or show a twinkle in their eyes that means we silently agree.
It’s just a reminder that emotional generosity is free, and we feel better when we make someone else feel better too.
Who knows?
It could even help to make a new friend.
I’m pretty sure this haiku was originally posted on the Seattle Missed Connections during the Thanksgiving holiday season, but it’s good advice for all of us regardless of where we live or the time of year. “It’s practically madness out there.” can describe almost any day!
