Keep Your Smile: Joy Is Still Out There

Some days don’t go the way we plan. Disappointments have a way of sneaking in, sticking around longer than they should, and casting shadows over the bright moments. And in those times, it’s easy to get lost in the murk of it all, to feel like the weight is just a little heavier than usual.

But here’s what I’ve learned: joy doesn’t disappear. Sometimes, you just have to look a little harder for it, purposefully, patiently, and with an open heart.

For me, it might be something as simple as catching every green light down Saginaw Street, from the West Side Neighborhood all the way to Frandor. It doesn't happen often maybe on a quiet Saturday or Sunday morning. However, when it does, I feel unstoppable. My smile widens with every light that stays green. It’s silly, maybe, but it feels like the universe is giving me a nod, saying, “Here you go, this one’s for you.” And for a moment, I feel cool again. Light. Alive.

Maybe for you, it's offering a helping hand or holding the door open for a stranger. Those little kindnesses are more powerful than they seem. One act can ripple outward in ways we’ll never fully understand. Kindness begets kindness and in giving it, we often receive something in return.

So whatever you're facing whatever weight you're carrying today, I hope you'll take a second to pause and look around. Joy is out there, glimmering in the corners. A favorite song playing at just the right time. A compliment from a stranger. The smell of coffee. The sound of laughter. A green light.

Hold onto your smile. It’s not just for the good days, it creates the good days.

Joy abounds. And you deserve to feel it.

Photo Credit: Darryl Evans of Pure Enchantment Photography