FINDING JOY WHEN SMILES ARE ABSENT
Finding joy when smiles are absent has been tough for us all. Since March of this year when our country entered the Coronavirus pandemic life has been very different. Life has changed drastically and rapidly for so many of us leaving us searching for joy more than ever.
Finding joy when smiles are absent
When the pandemic worsened across the United States there is one thing I have noticed that we are often missing… our smiles. Wearing face masks, huge financial burdens, increased stress at work, Job losses, etc. These challenges are all responsible for our missing smiles. Each one of these things I have listed as well as many I did not list, has made it far more difficult to feel like smiling at all.
Where have the smiles gone? Smiles are often still there but it is now harder than ever to tell. No one can see our smiling faces anymore because they are now covered up completely by our protective masks. While some of us may still smile that smile is no longer visible to anyone who interacts with us daily. While we often cannot see each other smile right now we can still choose to smile. We can still bring smiles to other's faces just by our encouragement and interactions with them.
Does no longer seeing a smile affect our interactions with others?
Absolutely. Smiles make a huge difference in how we perceive the friendliness of those we interact with. Every interaction with someone else is slightly different now that we are wearing a mask.
There is a kindness to wearing a mask as you seek to protect others from germs that you could be spreading. However, the lack of smiles in many aspects of our lives alters the entire situation entirely. Often the kindness meant to be shown to others is not perceived in our interactions because the smile is no longer visible. Let me explain.
How is the lack of smiling faces affecting our joy?
We try our best to get up every day and go about our everyday lives just the same as we did before. It's not that simple however and let's be honest it is getting tougher by the day. Wearing masks might be important but they can affect our joy. Masks are not the only thing affecting our joy during this pandemic though. The lack of socialization, constant fear, loneliness, stress, and isolation are making it a challenge to find joy. The joy that a smile or a greeting once provided is now absent in most of our lives every day.
For example, someone who is now working from home may see no one all day and interact with no one. Before the pandemic, they at least went into an office and had some human contact. They may live alone, work alone, and spend all of their time in isolation. This is not healthy for any of us to have no contact with others and after extended amounts of time spent this way it can be harmful.
One very important thing we need to remember is to reach out to those who may need some companionship right now. Even if this interaction might just be dropping off some groceries for someone who is immune-compromised or simply making a phone call.
How has customer service been affected?
Customer service is entirely different everywhere you go due to the lack of smiling faces. The customer is now greeted by a mask-wearing worker that is often dealing with not only the requirement of wearing a mask daily but also additional stress in their personal life and on the job. They might be dealing with the fear of getting sick, spreading illness to their loved ones, layoffs, commission or tips might be lower in general, fear of losing their home, etc. Is it any wonder our smiles are missing? Even without our masks covering our faces would we even be able to muster one right now.
How can we be the change and bring smiles back?
I recognize the struggles we are all dealing with and the stress that each of us is under. It is never easy to discover the joy in the difficult times and I fear that many are becoming too overwhelmed to even smile.
What we need to do is remember that this will pass. It will not be quick and easy but we are strong enough to make it through this today. No matter what you are dealing with right now just know that you are not alone. Joy can be found in all circumstances sometimes we just have to look a little harder.
We can bring the smiles back to our faces and those we interact with every day. This is so important in discovering joy in our lives and also in spreading joy to others.
My challenge to you today
Smile even when you are wearing a mask while interacting with others. A smile can be heard in your voice and sensed in your interactions with others. Studies have been done to prove this and people can sense the smile even when they cannot see it. So ALWAYS keep smiling and don't let anyone or anything steal your smile.
Fill your spare time with things that bring you joy. This might mean you turn off the news, disconnect from social media, get outside more, or find a new hobby. Whatever it takes to shift your focus to more positive and encouraging things and away from the negative impact of everything around us. Don't live in denial but choose not to live in constant fear either. Smiles will come more easily when you surround yourself with things that inspire joy.
Finally, remember to keep smiling every day
Wear that mask to protect yourself and others but also wear a smile. Everyone can tell the difference when you don't. If you are having a hard time finding a reason to smile reach out to a friend or loved one you know will help to lift your spirits. Seek Joy and spread joy because it is needed right now more than ever before.
Be the difference that everyone needs to see today. Kindness, compassion, and generosity are so important in making a difference in our local communities and in our world. Don't get caught up in the negativity and allow your smile to be replaced by fear. Choose hope for a brighter future even when you don't see it and faith that we will see better days ahead. Choose to smile behind your mask every day and choose to find and spread joy.