Smile

The word Smile is defined in the dictionary as, a facial expression characterized by an upward curving of the corners of the mouth. In reality, its a physical definition for a smile. The definition lacks emotion in so many levels, and many other characteristics that can be attributed as a reason for a person to smile. Consider the things or events that make you smile; a funny joke, a fond memory, or maybe witnessing something humorous or joyous. There are countless occasions for someone to smile; sometimes the reasons can be an advantageous one or perhaps a special necessity for someone. Ive been in situations that have been no laughing matter. Indeed, my family and I grieved as my grandmother was slipping away to a better place, yet knowing that the inevitable was approaching she smiled, and very weakly joked around as she lay in her death bed trying to comfort us. She did not want us to be sad; my grandmother healed our sadness and grief with the power of her smile. In all seriousness, some people may get offended if youre seen smiling during traumatic, dramatic or emotional moments. Fortunately, many hospitals, homes for the elderly, and hospices, frequently hire clowns, magicians and entertainers to attempt to bring cheerful smiles from people who

otherwise are not in a joyous state. Those who may be suffering thru terminal illnesses; depression, grieving or living sad, lonely mundane lives can benefit from the healing power of a simple smile.

Children have the power to make anyone smile; imagine yourself as a child, youre spinning round and round in place, arms out stretched, making yourself dizzy and then try to walk. Kids giggle and find it funny, even when they fall down or bump into the furniture, (especially after parents tell them whats going to happen if they dont stop.) I would crack a smile every single time, watching my children take great delight in life and having fun. A child can be full of hilarities, and can put a smile on anyones face comparable to a contagion. Something about watching youngsters play can force a smirk on even the sternest or most serious of people. A child can make you smile without trying; they make funny faces, ask silly questions or are comical doing the simplest of tasks. Nothing is more satisfying than to see a child smile; give them candy, they smile, take them to a carnival, they smile, and god forbid you tickle a child, smiles all around. Yes, if you ever feel the need to smile, children are more than happy to help. The older we become, the more serious we become about life. An adult laughs an average of about 15 times a day; a preschooler laughs an average of 400 times. Then theres the ever present Fake Smile. Dissecting my own smile, I was never effective at hiding my emotions, despite how I fool myself that I have acting talents worthy of fooling the CIA. Even my cats know when Im having one of my rather dreary days. I guess I really am that transparent.

I was browsing through pictures taken of my last new year's party and similar to what any normal person would do, I went to look first at the photos that contained me (to post in Facebook, of course). As I perused through the few hundred snaps and tried to remember all the faces and the names that came with them, I could not help but notice how I appeared in the pictures. What started out to be a narcissistic endeavor to get the best shots of my not-so-beautiful person to post on Facebook (with delusional hope that by doing so it would increase traffic to my page), slowly turned into an introspective observation of my behavior that night. I looked at each picture of myself, I tried to recall what I was feeling, what I was thinking at that very moment. True enough, my immediate thoughts translated to how my face looked when the picture was taken. Smiles tell a lot more than just a pretty pose for a pretty shot, I found; that night, I learned that besides being happy, I was also being:

1. Flirtatious. I didn't realize I was achieving this until much later when I noticed a few ladies in the party photos, smiling back at me doing the same as myself. I really could care less if my smiling translated as such though. The idea that I was willingly getting away with it was pleasurable enough.

2. Friendly. Never mind the wrinkles, nothing beats returning a smile with a smile. I smiled a lot that night, so much so, I think my cheeks needed a vacation by the time I

got home. I think I got to meet more new people that night because I had a smile on (almost) the entire night. Hello new people!!! Think anyone will add me on Facebook?

3. Hopeful. Blaming the idealist in me, I wished that friends would let by-gones be by-gones, (resembling Gandhis desire for world peace). I got my wish; blaming the romantic in me, I wished to find someone whom I could strike up a good conversation with. That wish was harder to grant, or maybe I was intoxicated and was already having a conversation? I smiled at the thought, because I do remember many awesome conversations and having fun.

4. Doubtful. You can never snuff out the cynic in me; even then, I still smile, halfhearted, but still positive, hiding my thoughts being unsure and having a cynical heart. For instance, politicians who show their teeth with a broad smile to the voter, but pretend that they are smiling, doubtful of their political campaign.

5. Guarded. Even at times of awkwardness and discomfort, as long as I am in public, I will still be able to smile. I think it would be my default non-responsive response whenever I find myself in a pickle, or while pondering whats going to happen unexpectedly.

6. Supportive. I smile to give a helpful nudge at cheering up someone, providing moral or emotional support. Another way is to applaud someones happiness or achievements with a supportive smile on your face. 7. Loving. I smile to cherish, acknowledge my affections, or to show how much joy their love is being appreciated. Love is having the sweetest dreams about a person and waking up with a smile.

8. Amorous. The romantic in me, a flirtatious smile can create an attraction towards you, and strike up a romantic conversation, or a natural applicability used to venture your attraction and interest in another person.

I had a full heart by the end of that night. I left early, I didn't mind. I was already full to the brim and based on all the pearly whites I was already flashing, I really could not ask for more, and thats all the more reason to smile. So to conclude the choices or reasons for expressing a smile, it all boils down to what situation a smile is formed for. You might say it is to assume a facial expression to indicate pleasure, favor, or amusement, but sometimes derision, mockery or scorn as well. To regard with favor, (Luck smiled on us that night.) To have a pleasant or agreeable appearance or aspect, approximating for natural scenes, objects, etc. (The landscape smiled in the sunlight.) To assume or give (a smile, especially of a given kind): She smiled a warm and friendly smile.

Ill end this essay with a quote I found while researching the various definitions of the word smile, I truly believe it speaks volumes with its simplicity without over complicating the term. Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, and sometimes your smile is the source of your joy. Thich Nhat Hanh (born 1926); Vietnamese Buddhist Monk, Teacher, Author, Peace Activist