Remember, people are like you. They want to smile and stuff and be happy. But someone’s got to make them do it. And it may as well be you. (Credit: Josh Kohane)

I know a girl who I have never seen upset; I saw her almost every day for four years of high school, and she was always smiling, energetic, and laughing a contagious laugh. She wasn’t popular and plastering on a fake smile, but honestly joyful and happy with life.

One day I asked her how she was so happy all the time. Don’t you ever have a bad day? She just smiled then replied, “All the time. But other people are so unhappy, I figured I might as well smile.”

That changed the way I thought; it changed the way I looked at life. Later, I found out her dad had passed away while in high school; and I didn’t even know. If she could be so kind, so joyful, while going through so much pain, then how much more can I smile when I’m just upset?

Today, everyone at work was in an awful mood. People were complaining, crying, yelling, and arguing. Irritated as I was, I put on a smile and did the job I was sick of. Alex commented on how “chipper” I seemed. I responded that everyone else was angry; I might as well be smile, and bring a little light to the room. He just shook his head, and then smiled. It was worth it.