Where are the smiles?

Good evening everyone,

This has been a bit of a curiosity to me and I'm not sure if it’s like this everywhere.

I was walking to my car after work and I was thinking. How come everyone tends not to avoid eye contact these days? It seems like fewer and fewer are exchanging greetings and genuine smiles. These days people within my community often look past me and ignore my greetings and gestures without an acknowledgement. Normally I shrug it off, but I wonder what's going on within the local community. Are people becoming more closed off and self absorbed or… with recent hostility and aggression are people trusting each other less?

Having a new perspective, I want to connect with others. I want to get involved with my community, I want to build relationships and help lift my peers to better opportunities. Better opportunities than I've ever had before. I wish more people had a similar mindset rather than “I will do, what's good for me…” and leave people behind.

I believe how we present ourselves gives off good vibes. Not just in physical appearance but our spirit and attitude. If we're closed, it may give a negative vibe and some people may hold on and carry that vibe. They may begin to wonder “what's wrong with me?” and start to have so many doubts and questions gnawing at their self-esteem and self-worth. They may feel alone in a heartless world.

Image from the anime Noragami

We never know how bad it is to be in someone else's shoes. A simple act of kindness, maybe even a hug can lift someone's day and might keep them from losing their minds. Humans are social creatures, our lives are short and relationships are important. We would start to lose it if we didn't have anybody to listen to our troubles, offer comfort when we're hurt or even frustrated and no mentor to guide us in our journey.

I couldn't help but think about bullies or trolls. It's starting to become more prevalent and that's unfortunate. Some people may get excited or eagered about an idea and may want to share it. While others may want to crush it, stomp on it, tarnish it. What some people don't understand is they shouldn't have that rite. People should think about what good could come from it and help build it up from there. Be a guiding light. Positive constructive criticism vs trash talk. Words can hurt more than gestures or lack thereof.

I would like for there to be more smiles, reinforcing a positive community. One that feels safe and welcoming. There's already enough pain and not enough harmony. The only way we can get to the future is together.