A personal exploration. - Is there a persistent, irritating lump causing discomfort within you?
I'm not a smiley. In me, there's a constant irritation. I make snorting noises when someone fumbles around with their wallet or cards at the cash register. My daughter asks in horror, "Is it still on, Dad?" as I claim a parking spot faster than someone else with their car. My mom would've said, "Don't dig for dirt under your nails."
Time for a mini-adventure
It's time for a mini-adventure, which involves stepping out of your comfort zone in a small way. For one day, I'll pretend to be a ray of sunshine, no matter what. No matter the weather. No matter who I meet. I'm taking on a challenge with myself.
At the supermarket checkout, I begin my mission. A young man is impatiently waiting behind me, clearly in a rush. "Please take your time," I say with a smile, "I'm not having heart surgery." He thanks me. I even let two more customers go ahead of him. "How pretty is that color?" I tell a lady in a blue coat. She smiles. "It's from Lidl, only 30 euros." I'm getting the hang of it. "Cute little stuffed animal," I praise a father pushing a stroller. He's thrilled.
Spreading joy
Giving unexpected compliments to strangers feels so good. It's a great way to beat the winter blues. I throw coins into all the beggars' cups. I help an elderly woman push her walker through the mud. I run after an old man who lost his glove. I compliment the grumpy supermarket cashier: "How do you get that perfect winged eyeliner?"
I leave behind a trail of smiling people and can truly feel the hard knot of grumpiness within me loosening up. I'm handing out small moments of happiness and feeling better and better. I'm even starting to feel bolder. The older woman in the pharmacy is slightly taken aback when I ask her, "What perfume are you wearing?" But she replies, laughing, "Chanel for Men, my deceased husband used to wear it, so I still can smell him."
As I headed home that day, a young man bumped into me while he was distracted by his phone. Normally, I'd say, "Watch out, you moron!" But instead, I say nothing and remain a smiley. It just feels better.
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