The long lost art of the Smile.

Imagehttp://www.mixedplateblog.com/2009/10/smile.html

Have you forgotten how to smile?

Have you forgotten how to be patient and kind?  Have you forgotten how to be thoughtful, helpful?  When was the last time that you opened a door for someone, went to their aid when they dropped their books?  When was the last time that you connected with a stranger through a meaningful exchange?  When was the last time you asked after someone’s well being? Weekend?  Family?  And actually meant it and were eager to hear the answer?

When was the last time you smiled?

Imagehttp://www.humanitysteam.org/node/3072

Heads down,

brow a frown,

hurrying, scurrying

mouse after cheesing

or rat racing

runners pacing

words left unsaid

the in between spacing

of our rat racing

shoe lace tying

unedifying

society

closed minds

closed eyes

walking in the dark

pacing, racing

oblivious to the art

of life

all around you

blinded

horse rider guided

blindsided

by what should have been seen

if you were aware

of the space you share

the essence of life in the air

oblivious to it

unable to see

unable to be

part of society

busy pacing

racing

unable to see the faces

the kind life giving moments of grace

the hero’s

the ground zeros

walking by

always there

but you are unaware

pacing

rat racing

with out a care

the light in peoples eyes

make my spirit rise

to gaze upon a smile

every once in a while

by some one who cares to realize

that all of the eyes

that surround you

belong to the lives

of people realized

Lift your head up.  Lift your chin up.  See the reality of existing.  Experience your surroundings and stop to take a moment to enjoy the pure gift of living.

Every one has a story.  Decide to be the author of yours.  Write your life story like none has ever been before it.  Life is a gift not to be ignored.  So take a moment to smile, even if it’s forced.  Even if it feels like your face is going to shatter.  Even if it feels like you’ve forgotten how.  Walk on wobbly legs like a fawns first steps.  Break your face free of it’s own frown, rearrange the placement of the lines on your face.

Embrace your life.

Smile once in a while, especially at yourself, even if you look like this…..

Imagehttp://www.challengertalk.com/forums/f5/green-envy-watch-first-arrival-begins-52330/index185.html

73 comments

      • Phoebe Sparrow Wagner's avatar
        Pamela Spiro Wagner

        Have you seen Jill Bolte Taylor’s TED lecture on TV or Youtube? This reminded me of her, her resilience and ability to stay calm and even upbeat– although for her it was in the face of a severe hemorrhagic stroke in the left side of her brain…Yours is an inspiring page. You might like to check out her inspiring video “My Stroke of Insight.”

  6. thusspakei's avatar
    Paul J. Stam

    Yes, I smiled today and the fact that you dropped by Paper, Mud and Me, and liking my post about my Congo book entitled, “River Congo – Chapter 5” also made me smile. Thank you so much for stopping by. – Aloha – pjs.

    Reply
  8. Pingback: What better way to start the weekend…? | Comfortably Numb
  12. Rachel Gerson's avatar
    wolfhoof

    This is great! I hope you do performance poetry. This would sound fantastic read aloud 🙂 Thanks for the uplifting message, as well. It’s a much needed thing in these ethers…

    Reply
  13. Mikey's avatar
    Mikey

    Jennifer, I very much enjoyed this article and it is so true. I’ll share with you a story I read sometime ago about a man who had become so despondent that he was going to take his own life by jumping off a bridge not far from where he lived. As he was walking toward the bridge, he decided that if he met just one person who smiled and appeared to be friendly, he wouldn’t jump. Strangely, the story ended without telling what happened, but the writer asked some very penetrating questions … suppose that man had passed you or me on that dark day:

    (1) Would he have changed his direction?
    (2) Or would he have carried out his desperate plan?

    I know the chance of encountering an individual in that state of mind is very small. Yet, every day we come in contact with many people in diverse walks of life who are carrying heavy burdens, facing trying situations, or worrying about the future. They long for a kind word, a sympathetic ear, or a warm friendly smile that reflects a caring heart. I know of an individual who is always ready with a big smile that radiates the love of Christ. I believe he is the kind of person who would have caused that desperate man heading for the bridge to stop and turn around. Today, for Jesus’ sake and with a Christlike love, may we encourage people who are hurting by giving them a kind word and a friendly smile? God’s eternal Word tells us to encourage one another and to build one another up. And you know what? It’s so easy to do this when you pass along a friendly smile. So, if you see someone without a smile today give them one of yours because it might just be what they need!
    __________
    The human spirit soars with hope when lifted by an encouraging word and smile.

    Reply
  14. harulawordsthatserve's avatar
    harulawordsthatserve

    I really enjoyed this, and the poem is brilliant! Thanks for dropping by my blog and for the like. I’ll be back to read more here later…blessings, and thanks for bringing a smile to my face, I’ll be sure to pass it on:-)

    Reply
  16. mancoach4903's avatar
    Iamrcc

    Cute. A smile is one of the few things you can share that’s free. Doesn’t cost either the giver or the receiver anything. Thanks for the visit and the like of my post “A Dandy Dandelion”.

    Reply
  18. Vanessa's avatar
    V.A. Farria

    I really enjoyed this post! I like your site. It’s fresh and interesting. I will visit again and thank you for visiting my blog.
    Love and light
    V

    Reply
  23. reocochran's avatar
    reocochran

    This is especially true in crowded areas, bus stops, airports, city scapes, where people are rushing around. I think that is why small towns and parks, other relaxed setting have people smiling more! Great poem and post!

    Reply
  24. cliff445's avatar
    cliff445

    This made me smile! 🙂 i have a hard time figgering out why so many peaple are gloomy gusses, all the time. Life is too short to spend so much of it in the doldrums.
    We humans use way more facial muscles frowning than is required to smile.

    Reply
    • Jennifer David Writings of a Mrs's avatar
      Jennifer Writings of a Mrs

      You are very right. I guess it’s sometimes hard for people to find a reason to smile but a smile from a passerby can help the day but that requires walking with your head up and staying connected with your surroundings even when you feel down.
      Thank you for sharing your thoughts,
      Jennifer

      Reply
  28. Tom McCubbin's avatar
    Tom McCubbin

    Hi Jennifer,
    You have a really interesting blog going on here. I’m glad I found it.
    Thanks for visiting my journaling site as well.
    Best Regards,
    Tom

    Reply
  34. Kevin Anglade's avatar
    Kevin Eleven

    This is great! I’m glad that I’m a natural smiler and it is swell to know that there still are some caring, loving, appreciating as well smiling people out there! Great post Writings of a Mrs. : – )

    Reply
  39. Sonia Ahmed's avatar
    juggan

    Thank you for stopping by my blog and i am glad you liked my post.
    What a pleasure to read this poem, made me feel elated…
    Will come back to read more…

    Reply

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