I think lately I have been very drawn to this idea of a simple smile changing the world. I've been enjoying looking at the pure joy in others, the humor and the laughter that spreads so quickly when the vibe is positive, when people are happy, when people turn up the corners of their mouth into a smile. Really, I think if there is any such magic in the world, this is it. People are always trying to find that "magic incredient." No research is needed to find happiness. Smile. Create your own energy. There's the research. It works.

Something our staff at our school does very well is share joy. For the most part, we have a lot of humorous individuals. We have a lot of individuals who can create laughter with one line, one joke and one look. And I think sometimes I become so stressed out about the work I have to get done that I forget to see the beauty of our vibe. In my current obsession with smiling and the effects of smiles on others, I did run across a song that the world should listen to when they wake up every day. If you do not know him, Kirk Franklin is one of the leading composers and creators of gospel music. His song "I smile" is unbelievable. In fact, I've been starting every whimsical day with this song. I'm going to attach the link at the end of this post, but I do want to share the refrain which is almost a prayer that we should keep on our hearts every day as we wake up to lead intentional, humor-filled, loved-filled, beautiful lives together. 

Every day you wake up is another gift, another chance and another attempt to create your smile and leave it on the world. Leave your smile on the world and the world will inevitably find a way to smile right back. Leave our smiles on the world and the world connects with a smile. It's not about your smile it's about our smiles. If you think you can smile alone, it just simply isn't possible. Think about it, you are smiling by the thought of the words of another or the action of another. We smile because we sense positive connection. The strongest smile finds a way to connect the world so that it smiles back. It isn't meant for one person. If it is, well-it isn't really a smile then is it?

The song below is about connected smiles: 

Today's a new day, but there is no sunshine
Nothing but clouds, and it's dark in my heart
And it feels like a cold night
Today's a new day, tell me where are my blue skies
Where is the love and the joy that you promised me?
Tell me it's alright
(The truth is)
I almost gave up, but a power that I can't explain
Fell from heaven like a shower

I think the only complaint I have for Mr. Franklin and his lyrics are in place of "I smile" it should be "We smile" Though, I do think when he was writing this song, he was speaking of "The connected I" not "The singular I."

Wake up. Connect through a smile or many smiles. You were just given a brand new day. You have every reason to smile.