A smile is more than just an upward curve of the mouth. It is the gesture which symbolizes joy, happiness, optimism, and laughter. A stranger with a welcoming smile can brighten your day! And a friend with compassion who listens without pursed lips is the one you lean on when times are tough.

One small gesture can mean so much in so many different ways. As I was leafing through one of my Father’s old poetry books. I came across this little poem – it brought a smile to my face.

A Smile

Let Others Cheer the winning man,

There’s one I hold worth while;

‘Tis he who does the best he can,

The loses with a smile.

Beaten he is, but not to stay

Down with the rank and file;

That man will win some other day,

Who loses with a smile.

~ Unknown

It was the eternal optimism of this poem which made me smile. It seems when things get grim the last thing anybody wants to do is smile. But what if we did? Would it change our own perspective on life? I want to know what hides behind your smile?