Smile in September

I am not naturally a smiley person. I was considered too serious as a child, a shy secret worrier. I married a man who smiles. My father cautioned me to not ever let that change. He knew me well enough that he feared my potential impact on my husband. It was a wise warning.

Ken reinforces my efforts. My smiles and small laughs please him. I guess he knows they are sincere when they happen. I have tried to relax and let my happiness show. Blank and private faces are almost as unhelpful as frowns. I am convinced letting your "light" shine makes a difference. A smile is a light.

I was a substitute teacher for about eight years. It was often a difficult task, but it taught me that one of the very best ways to have a good day is to be happy. The kids could tell. They responded. It is a lesson that I need to relearn and apply. When I have family problems, criticism doesn't help, Worry and fear don't help. Smiling might.

Jane Babcock