Smile Bigger

Scott Graham Photography

Smile Bigger, Hug Longer, Love Stronger

The other day, I was passing a cute older couple crossing the street, so I smiled. The older woman smiled back like only older people can–with wrinkles of joy. I was so delighted that I tried to smile bigger. By the time we passed each other, my face was sore from trying to make the edges of my lips touch my ears.

This experience made me think about the phrase, “Give an inch, take a mile.” What if when someone gave us an inch, we GAVE a mile? If someone smiles at you, you give a huge smile. Maybe we could just forget about the inch and just give a mile out of the goodness of our hearts.

I decided to push the limits of my love and happiness. I smiled as big as I could to anyone who looked my way, regardless of the demeanor on their faces. I hugged my sons until they struggled to get loose, then I made a game of it–”Daddy is the hugging monster.” I told my wife I loved her every time I talked to her.

That was one of the best days of my life. Funny thing was that my wife and oldest son woke up the next morning in a great mood–they are not normally morning people.

This love without expectations reminds me of a line from the film Adaptation. Charlie Kaufman was recounting an event in high school when his brother, Donald, was talking to a girl he loved. When Charlie tells Donald that she was just making fun of him, Donald reveals that he knew that she did not care about him.

I am deciding right here and now to smile bigger, hug longer, and love stronger regardless of how pathetic I may look. I can’t imagine a better way to live life.

Thank you for reading, sharing, and/or smiling.

What thoughts or actions have lead to amazing days for you? Please share.