CHEERFULNESS
It occurs to me that one of the worst manifestations of the ills of our time is the inability of many to maintain a cheerful demeanor. People seem unable to keep a smile on their face even in leisure hours, even when doing something they selected as a hobby, even in the face of success, even in the best times they're likely to have. People frown in response to a cheerful greeting, a smiling welcome, good spirits around them.
Some of them are unwilling to appear cheerful to avoid vulnerability. These people apparently believe that if they smile, or otherwise express pleasure, others will use it against them. They seem to think that a smile is a sign of weakness, to be exploited by others. Others are afraid to appear cheerful; they seem to feel that serious pursuits are inconsistent with enjoying the pursuits. Still others feel that a smile is child-like, naive, a sign of immaturity.
Whatever the reason, the lack of a cheerful demeanor hurts all of us: It hurts the frowning, because demeanor so easily translates into mood. When we smile, we soon feel greater pleasure. To smile leads to laughter, to enjoyment, to a better feeling about whatever we're doing. Smiling turns drudgery into fun, work into play. I've often said that serious does not mean grim: I mean that the most serious pursuits, the heaviest burdens, are easier if we can be cheerful.
Equally important is the effect of a cheerful exterior on those around us. A happy smile makes others smile, reassures them, encourages them. A frown worries people, makes them fear they have offended or done something wrong.
If you can keep a smile on your lips you'll do better and others around you will be more welcoming, friendlier. You'll all have a better time, even in the hardest of jobs, even in what is objectively the worst of times. Practice in the mirror if you have to but keep smiling. It'll make your life easier and more enjoyable and it will help others.
7-3-00
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