Recently, I came across an article that said Japan has forgotten how to smile. The culprit being COVID-19 masking. When you wear a mask, you can forego formalities and skip smiling. Apparently, the Japanese continued this habit even after masking rules were relaxed.
As Japan gradually lifts its mask mandate, the nation grapples with the aftermath of prolonged mask usage. In response, “smile practice seminars” have surfaced nationwide to address the reported loss of smiles among the population.
indiatimes.com
While reading this article, something struck me out of the blue. I opened my phone gallery and scrolled through the pictures. I realized my recent photos did not show me smiling. I kept staring at them, livid that I had overlooked this obvious change. I had a poker-faced expression in almost all images, which wasn’t the case pre-covid.
I now have to consciously make it a point to smile for photos. It takes effort.
However, some things seem to instantly light my soul up, irrespective of whether it shows up on my face:
- When someone remembers something I said ages ago
- Warm smiles from strangers while shopping
- Words with the power to tug heartstrings
- Watching an uplifting movie on Friday night after a long, tiring week
- Enjoying a good book in my bed on a Sunday afternoon
- Immersing in music at night, lights off, with no distractions
- Wandering outdoors aimlessly with an ice cream in hand
- Comfortable silences
- Peace
- Warm bubble baths
- Being around animals
- Conversations that flow
- Showing and receiving gratitude
- Warm hugs and forehead kisses
- Empathy and kindness
I am sure there are more.
It’s when you note down the small joys in life do you realize most of life’s prized gifts are things that cannot be bought with money. Things that rejuvenate and keep you sane. When I am down, I know I can rely on these items on my feel-good list to bring my mood back up.
Life happens, with all its challenges and unpredictability. Still, we should never let go or overlook things that light our souls up. Those bytes of sunshine might just be our medicine, the sure-shot solution that can help us regain a smile lost in the rubble of uncertainty that life often throws our way.
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Photo by cottonbro studio
The Monkey Dilemma 