We live in a beautiful world, a wonderful place full of endless opportunities. We also live in a world riddled with violence and senseless acts. The world we live in paints a picture of both the highs and lows of mankind, and I want to have a say in making those highs higher, and those lows lower.

I know that we've all heard the phrase somewhere along the lines of "you can change the world," and I firmly believe that. At the same time, I know that I personally can't make a grand contribution to society at this point in my life. In other words, if I want to change the world, I'm going to need some help. It's not going to be anything huge, but I think the smallest of things can make the biggest of differences. If nothing else, they can at least start. And what better way to start than with a smile?

I think it's the little things that make the biggest difference in life when you don't know how you yourself can make a big difference. You just have to work your way up into that huge change in the world, and if you really want to make a change, I think you have to start somewhere. I say that somewhere should be with a smile.

It's something I've been trying to do a lot more lately, and I honestly couldn't tell you when this change happened. All I know is that one day I was walking with my head half down, barely making eye contact if I didn't have to, and the next day I was holding my head higher, smiling a bit brighter and making small talk, and it made me feel good. In that sense, I think smiling might be beneficial to all parties involved, I that is an idea I can get behind.

I know we all smile a little when we pass by people, but I'm trying to make it a point to do that and more. I'm trying to make it a point to smile at people as I pass by, tell them hello or ask them how they're day has been going. Before, I would smile, but now I genuinelysmile. I genuinely say hello to people at work, or people at the grocery store, or my waitress at a restaurant. Smiling at someone can apply to anyone because you never really know what everyone is going through personally. Because of that, you really never do know how much a smile or greeting can positively affect someone.

You can change someone's entire day with a smile and a hello, and I've seen it happen. If we have that kind of power, that grand sort of power right within our very own body, and without having to do much of anything out of our way, then why shouldn't we use it? So, today I hope you smile at someone, and while you're at it, I hope you tell them hello or ask them how their day is going, or maybe even both.

We have the opportunity to change the world, and I think we can do it, starting with one smile at a time.