S.M.I.L.E.

     How does this picture make you feel? Does it make you smile? If your day was down in the dumps and this smile greeted you on your way home from the office would it make the drive home easier? The power of  an unplanned and courteous smile often has the ability to make a bad situation better, and heavy situation lighter, and a cloudy day brighter. So, where does this beauty of life go as we pass into our "adult" life? At what point do we replace the smile to a stranger to show them we care with the constant internal burden of our own situation.

     That spirit does not have to be lost, and maybe with the help from the acronym (S.M.I.L.E.) to remind you of some perfect time to bling your Pearlie's you can spread some unexpected joy to an unsuspecting stranger.

     S is for STRANGERS. Yes these are the boogie men that we are taught to not take candy from as a child, but as adults we should learn to drop this avoidance of our neighbors and learn to embrace them for the similar struggles they fight every day. For the most part people are GOOD, but never taking the time to get to know new people we often lose faith in our fellows. A quick smile can be the perfect instigation of a handshake, that may just lead to a new best friend, and at least a lifted spirit.

     M is for the MEDIA and all the hate it spews. The next time your T.V. or radio blurts out with the latest figures on death and destruction, just sit back and take in a big smile about all the good in the world. Here is an even better idea. Pick up a book, read, and smile about all of your new knowledge.

     I is for the IGNORANCE of the unavoidable people that you will come into conflict with. We are not all meant to be alike and this comes with one giant consequence: WE ARGUE. Arguments happen and often a little conflict is healthy. But always be able to drop the battle, put on a smile, and apologize for any harmful words or actions.

     L is for LOVE. The great uniter of men and women, parents and children, rich and poor. Without this essential feeling towards mankind society does not exist. The day that greed, malice, and self-indulgence take over the rule of love all hope may be lost. This may sound mushy gushy, but love is far more powerful than roses and high school dances. It is that quiet and powerful ember, by whose spark is ignited by the power of faith and devotion, that allows all great accomplishments to be accomplished.

    E is for EXCELLENCE. When people do great things be proud of them. Do not covet the properties of another man, and let not what you work for be stolen by the envious. Excellence is achieved through discipline, hard work, and devotion, and these are traits we should all work to emulate. When you witness greatness be sure to always give a smile and a wink.

    Craig P Hargrove