There’s a magnifying mirror on my dressing table now. It is a Christmas gift. With it, is my intention to capture the emergence of anything onto my face, from day to day. I mean not to be surprised with any new development. It seems to be working to do that for me. I’m seeing it all, especially the changes around my mouth, that area that reminds me of a bloodhound, droopy and sad. And when did that happen? And how has that been a thing? Ugh!

A discussion I was having was going nowhere recalling the latest events in the world. Nothing seems to make any sense, on any level, for anyone, anywhere. We are living in a clusterf*%k! with no end in sight. As we are talking about the various developments, I look toward my companion and noticed her face contorted in response to the pile of disasters we were acknowledging, and to such an extreme that I had to comment to her about it. She says to me, “Well you should see your expression right now, not so good.” As we both laugh hysterically, I noticed something. Her normal expression, in repose also reminiscent of a bloodhound, suddenly brightened. All of the lines seemed to have disappeared! She looked 20 years younger!

I was amazed with how much of a change there was. I commented on this and she said she also felt so much better having let go of that conversation.

We decided then and there to try to smile more often. We practiced in front of each other, cracking up with how it seemed as there was nothing to actually smile about. But we had to admit that change that she experienced. And smiling, even when you have no particular reason, most pleasantly takes the lead over negativity and changes your mood!

So I endeavor to smile for no reason at all, just for the sake of smiling. And why not when the alternative is to be taken down with negativity? It feels odd and out of place at first but with time becomes easier and more of an automatic presence of mind.

And what have I noticed? I’ve noticed that many people when they see me seem to gravitate toward me, cheerfully, with smiles on their faces; as though they are relieved for the opportunity to smile with another person. It’s catchy thing! “What, do you mean I don’t have to be burdened with the darkness of world events; that perhaps I can be my own personal happiness event for those within my sphere?” Ah yeah, or so it seems from my recent personal experience.

But guess what else? Looking in the mirror on my bureau, I have noticed the bloodhound jowls are gone!!! Must be the power of the smile engaging muscles that have been dormant for all of the bad news and troubles that we can’t help hearing about; which, I must remember, are those things that I could not change on own. But a smile? Well, who knew how powerful it can actually be? We all have this to give. We can smile. It’s free. It’s easy. And it feels pretty wonderful too!

Charlie Chaplin wrote this song. Judy Garland sings it best for me. But you may find your own personal favorite as it has been sung by so many who realize the simplicity and charm of this gem (Nat King Cole, for me a tough choice between he and Judy…Michael Jackson, Barbra Streisand). It is one beautiful song that never gets old, just like the title.

Thank you, thank you Charlie Chaplin!

WOW!