Day 638

"A smile is worth a thousand words!" If that is true, there was an amazing amount of money floating around Walker and Mercy today! Every person that approached us had a huge smile on their face and it was contagious! Even Sam (still in training) made so many people smile on our walks today!

Offering a smile to someone you recognize comes naturally. Smiling at strangers is more of a challenge, but worth the effort. My "smile exchange" is easier when there is a great big Golden on the other end of a leash, but there are times when my dogs are home and I must face people by myself! Today happened to be a great example of that.

Heading out to pick up a few more Valentine's Day treasures, I made a couple of stops and attempted to smile at every person I encountered. With a quick "Hello" and a smile, most everyone sent a smile back to me. I was feeling so successful about this 'Smile Exchange' when, suddenly, there was a big challenge before me!

Checking out at one of my stops, the cashier seemed somewhat morose. I had a moment to observe her as she helped the customer before me and came up with a plan. We greeted each other, when it was my turn, and I inquired about her day. The conversation went something like this:

Me: Hello! How is your day going?

Cashier: Not so good. I didn't feel like coming to work.

Me: I'm sorry. We all have days like that. You came and that is a win in your column.

Cashier: I almost cried earlier, but took a break and kept going. Then, I changed my day.

Me: That is amazing! Wow! How did you do that?

Cashier: I made myself smile. The more I smiled the better I felt.

Me: (Finally getting a big smile from the young lady.) Well, I think that is awesome! You have taught me something today. When I feel down, I will make myself smile and change my attitude for the better! Thank you so much for that idea!

Cashier: (BIG grin on her face) You are so welcome! Glad I could help!

Well, she did share an important truth that had eluded me to some degree. Although I know a smile often appears when you feel happy, it had not occurred to me that forcing a smile could lighten a mood. The next time I feel a bit melancholy, I will conjure up a smile and see what happens. Of course, I could always pet a Golden and get the same result!