Monday, August 3, 2015

Smile!

Sometimes it just takes a smile to set things right.

We had a late night, celebrating friendship day with our gang. I had switched off the alarm on Saturday night, so that I could get an extra hour of sleep on Sunday morning, and conveniently forgot to switch it back before going to sleep. No alarm equalled over sleeping and delaying all chores in turn. I also had an extra person in the house occupying the washroom and delaying the kids, having me scurrying after them. I had no time to eat breakfast because it was already late, and while I wondered how much more worse things could get, I remembered that the vehicle was very low on petrol. I deliberated between going to the bunk and filling petrol even if I got late to office or risk the vehicle getting dry somewhere in between. That was a no brainer, I would anyway be late if the vehicle stopped midway somewhere and then I would also risk dragging it to the nearest bunk. So, I stopped to get petrol, all the while I cursed myself for the late night party and everything that happened as a result of it. The long queue at the petrol bunk and constantly looking at my watch was getting me all worked up. My heart had started beating faster, my mind was constantly cursing myself and also cursed everyone whom I thought was responsible, my friends, the kids, the extra person at home, the people in the bunk, everyone!

And then suddenly it hit me….what was I achieving by getting all worked up? This would probably make me drive faster, I could maybe hit someone accidentally, I would curse few more who would drive recklessly, and get further worked up. I was getting into a vicious circle. This had to be stopped.

 So I decided to relax instead. I took a deep breath, and removed my watch and put it in my jacket. I didn’t want to be seeing the time every second and worrying that I will be late. I also began humming some of favourite songs as I rode. My speed slowed down to acceptable limits, and I was concentrating better on the road. Then at an intersection, the traffic was phenomenal. Vehicles stood bumper to bumper. I saw two people trying to unsuccessfully cross the road, while cars kept inching forward without pausing for a second. It reminded me of the times, I have tried to cross the road hoping the next vehicle will pause for a second and let me pass. Consciously, I slowed down and braked for a moment, to let them cross.


One of them just looked into my eyes for a fleeting second and gave me a lovely smile and a thumbs up. I think that just did the trick. Immediately my nerves were calmer, and there was a smile on my lips too. It wasn’t much, but I still managed to bring a smile to at least one person’s face, and that smile came right back to me. That is the power of a smile. It was such an important lesson. You never know who’s been having a difficult day, maybe one smile is all they need. 

So go ahead and smile. Make someone’s day!! 

13 comments:

  1. You do have some brilliant ideas - that bit about taking off your watch and putting it away - brilliant. There is something heartwarming about a smile from a stranger, isn't it? That you did it even when you had every reason to frown is just wonderful. I hope I can remember to do that too. Thanks for such a happy positive post this Monday morning.

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  2. A simple smile is seriously underrated. People need to look at each other and smile often.

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  3. What a wonderful lesson you share through this post, Titli. Not just about smiling but also about stepping back and taking control of one's nervous emotions running here and there.

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  4. True a smile can do things that nothing else can. :)

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  5. humming songs cools me down too :D isn't it great how easily we can control emotions once we know how to :D And of course, smiles from strangers always makes one smile :)

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  6. You did the right thing! Panicking and getting worked up does not help at all. Letting it go and accepting the situation is what really works. And on top of that, a smile and an acknowledgement from a stranger for your good deed is a bonus too! :)

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  7. I totally agree, a smile can simply make your day. You did some amazing things there! Hope your day was good.

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  8. Awwww! An unexpected smile does wonders, doesn't it? I remember once a friend and I were trying to cross a busy intersection in Patna. The vehicles kept coming one after the other non-stop. At times, we managed to take a few steps ahead, only to be pushed back by another vehicle. Finally, this gentleman (roughly our age) took pity on us. Or maybe he was simply trying to impress the "two damsels in distress"... who knows! He simply stopped his car right on the middle of the road and when we looked through the windscreen, waved us on to cross the road! Such chivalry... and that too in Patna! My friend and I gave him our biggest and most girly grins, and even waved goodbye to him after reaching the other side of the road. He looked mighty pleased with himself! :P Ahhhh! What a moment! In the middle of a busy, noisy, and most short tempered traffic jam! I tell you, Princess... these are the moments that make life worth living!

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  9. This is so true, sometimes a smile is all we need and the biggest thing we can give :)

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  10. Oh yes, we all go through those days, when everything seems to be going from bad to worse. It is so strange that the simplest of things have the power to set everything right, isn't it? Smile is truly the most underrated human expression. :)

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  11. Totally agree and what a wonderful reminder for all of us here! Such things happen to us all the time and it's up to us to get worked up or relax and take it easy! :) what a lovely and honestly written post

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  12. I'm glad you took this route instead of stressing yourself out and you got a wonderful bonus in return!!

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  13. Glad you turned your way around with just a simple act. Many wouldn't have done it or even thought of it. Keep smiling :)

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At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person..deep gratitude for those who have lighted the flame within me!! your comments will be appreciated..

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