I never thought I would need to remind myself to smile.  I hate to admit this, but I have smiled less, hugged less, and communicated less with people in general than I had six months ago.  Our lives changed dramatically with COVID-19.  One thing that has hit me hard lately is that I am using my smile infrequently. 

I see social media posts that say, “I really am smiling behind this mask.”  I absolutely would have thought that I could identify a smile with or without the mask.  I thought our eyes would communicate the smile.  But in the photos online, I really would not have known the people were smiling. 

I walk over to a mirror with my mask on and smile.  My heart sank because I really didn’t know that I was smiling underneath the mask.   Normally my eyes and facial expressions speak volumes.  Sometimes more than I want them to speak!  But with the mask, it is more difficult to read those expressions.  It is rare for me to be able to tell somebody is smiling under a mask unless I hear the person laugh.

I had made a decision in my mind to consciously smile more than I have been, not for others, but for myself!  When I smile I become more relaxed.  I find that I enjoy myself more when I am wearing a smile on my face.  In general, I feel better and have more fun when I am smiling.  I remind myself throughout the day to smile and engage more with my eyes. I want to communicate joy. 

Moments after making that decision, the song, “Smile”, by the Sidewalk Prophets was played on the radio.  The words are perfect for right now, perfect for explaining what a smile means to me personally.

“Smile”, by the sidewalk prophets:

There’s always a reason
To always choose joy

There’s something deeper
That the world can’t destroy

Smile
When you think you can’t

Smile
Get up and dance

Smile
There’s a bigger plan
And you’ve got a reason

To Smile
When you think you can’t

Smile
Just clap your hands

Smile
There’s a bigger plan
You’ve got a reason to smile

I like to smile so that people know I am welcoming and want to spread joy.  I didn’t realize the impact my smile had on me personally.  I have neglected my smile over the last six months and am working to regain that part of my wardrobe. 

I consciously dress with a smile every morning.  COVID-19 has brought change, but my smile is mine to use abundantly.  I have made a decision to smile!

I have always known how important a smile is to my overall ability to connect with people.  The mask hides our smile and reduces our communication and our ability to connect.   I did not realize the importance of my smile to me personally, to my overall emotional health and well-being.

I pray that despite the need for masks my smile will shine through. 

When I feel myself losing my smile and joy, I remind myself that there is always a reason to smile!

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