[blockquote source=”Thích Nhất Hạnh”]Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.[/blockquote]

Isn’t it amazing how nothing can stop a smile?

Not even the stiffest of pokes straight through to the ribs, nor the sternest of disapproving frowny brows.

And one chortle-snort, no matter how properly disguised, can take out even the most disciplined of well-intentioned church choirs.

Oh, and doesn’t the shameless crackle-break of ‘prrsht–hee hee hoos…’…. have the capacity to make you feel so darned good??

Laughing until we can no longer breathe…and the ache in our sides has caused us to seize…

And no matter the fiery foul, spitting nails sort of mood…when laughter strikes, it also transforms.

And suddenly, we’ve all but forgotten…. “What was it that we were muttering over…?”

With something as simple as silliness, my dears…all the walls in this world crumble away.

So stop being so stern and so awfully tucked away, and proudly don your goofiest of grins…

Smile, my dears – the broadest and goofiest of grins,

Let laughter shake the dust of complacency, and let life in through your heart’s ‘door.’

“Laugh, even when you feel too sick or too worn out or tired.

Smile, even when you’re trying not to cry and the tears are blurring your vision.

Sing, even when people stare at you and tell you your voice is crappy,

Trust, even when your heart begs you not to.

Twirl, even when your mind makes no sense of what you see.

Frolick, even when you are made fun of.

Kiss, even when others are watching.

Sleep, even when you’re afraid of what the dreams might bring.

Run, even when it feels like you can’t run any more.

And, always, remember, even when the memories pinch your heart.

Because the pain of all your experience is what makes you the person you are now.

And without your experience—you are an empty page, a blank notebook… a missing lyric.

What makes you brave is your willingness to live through your terrible life and hold your head up high the next day.

So don’t live life in fear.

Because you are stronger now…”

~ Alysha Speer