Even though it gets harder.
Best way is to think of warm childhood moments: that red balloon, the first bike, or the first date.
I managed to write a few lines in a piece of paper and tossed it onto her balcony. My version of texting.
Later, I walked back and forth at another girl’s door to eventually spot her coming out.
We eventually went on a movie date (smiling now:)
My version of match.com.
Technology is making it easier for young people to connect.
To capture intimate moments with I-phone.
On LinkedIn, people tend to look more serious than on Facebook.
Some people don’t even show their faces on Facebook.
Wonder if they smile off camera.
You don’t need to whiten your teeth to smile.
It comes from within.
Self-radiant.
Inner joy.
The conviction that you are worthy and have a lot to offer.
My mom, when still alive, caught me on my down note.
She stepped into the room, and cheered me up “handsome boy, people just don’t realize what they miss in you”.
She saw it first hand. I came from her. She never stopped smiling and being friendly to nurses and care workers.
That gift apparently transmits through the DNA.
I now take on her role to cheer the world many times over.
Hard times don’t last.
Just make sure you can still smile in good times and in bad times.
On camera or off it.
I know it gets harder.
That is why we need to try it more often, sort of overcoming smile-resistance.
I know consumer sentiments are down. That’s why we need to smile more often.
Perhaps, if we can’t convince others, then at least we can convince ourselves.
Cheers!
Thang Nguyen 555 