Don’t Let A Mask Hide Your Smile
Smiles are Contagious
Use your smile to change the world, but don’t let the world change your smile. ~Connor Franta
I have been staying home for the last month, only venturing out for necessities. On the rare occasions I’m in public, it’s jarring. People look scary. And afraid. It’s unnerving in an already difficult time.
I’ve been reminding myself to smile, even if no one can see it. It’s a proven fact that smiling helps people cope in times of stress and lowers heart rates. If ever the world needed to take their anxiety down a notch, it’s now. Bonus: Smiles are contagious.
While we do our part to limit social interaction and maintain a safe distance from each other, we venture out in a mask covering half our face. Though our smiles are hidden, we can still find ways to let them shine through.
Acts of Unexpected Kindness
The elderly couple two houses down lined the edge of their property with dozens and dozens of colorful, plastic Easter eggs filled with pennies, nickels, and dimes for the neighborhood children. There was a message in the driveway wishing everyone a Happy Easter.
Believe me, I didn’t have to see the smiles Larry and Rosemary were sending out. I could feel them. We’re under a Stay-At-Home order, so families have been taking daily walks for exercise. Imagine the kids’ faces when they saw their surprise! I didn’t have to be there to hear their excitement and see their mile-wide grins.
Help Where You Can
- Offer to pick up groceries and supplies for people who are compromised.
- If you can, donate to your local food bank. The need is greater than ever.
- Support your small, local businesses when possible. They are struggling to survive. Getting take-out to feed your family helps restaurant owners feed their own.
Thoughtfulness
It’s easy to get caught up in our own troubles. This virus didn’t cancel your loved one’s birthdays, anniversaries, or the fact that your cousin Gretel just got her cookbook published. Send cards, make phone calls, and reach out to show that you remembered and care.
Pay Attention/Be Perceptive
Isolation has many struggling with loneliness and depression. Look for signs. Notice what people around you are saying/doing and NOT saying/doing.
- If your grandma calls you every Monday and Thursday evening and sounds vacant and distant lately, it may be time to find out why.
- If the guy down the street takes a morning stroll every morning precisely at 7:00 and you haven’t seen him in a few days, maybe you should check on him.
- When a stranger starts telling you their life story in the long line at the grocery store, don’t turn your head. From a safe distance, engage the person and show interest. You may be the only person they’ve talked to in a month.
Gestures/Positive Signals
- Human touch, always a source of comfort between loved ones, is now a big no-no if you’re not living in the same household. Find ways to show affection other than hugs and handshakes.
- Who doesn’t love a great wink? It can be flirtatious, playful, or friendly.
- The peace sign is a dependable smile-generator.
- Thumbs up sign.
- And then there’s the always the tried-and-true wave. Depending on how it’s done, a wave can convey a variety of positive messages.
As we navigate these changing times, we cannot allow the dark and somber times to take away our light. Be safe. Be mindful. Brighten the world with your smile. Challenge yourself and see how far it can reach.
Tracy is a writer and freelance editor who believes everyone’s story deserves to be told. Her work can be found in various publications including NY Daily, Falling Star, The MacGuffin, The Haven, and The Junction. Her favorite thing to do when she’s not writing is combing the beach, sifting through the sand for treasures — preferably sea glass and Petoskey stones.
For another one of Tracy’s feel-good stories, check this one out!
https://medium.com/@tracystengel