The World on Her Shoulders

I am happier these days. I have become less cynical, more open with strangers, and generally more happy. I try my best not to let others get under my skin. I am more apt to give people the benefit of the doubt. I find myself assuming less that a person wants something for nothing. I do not know if anyone can see these changes in me on the outside, but I definitely feel them inside.

I am not always so carefree. I am a serious person; always have been. I tend to carry the world on my shoulders, my heart on my sleeve. I am emotional (not always such the negative cliché it is made out to be) and passionate. Sometimes I'm selfish. Sometimes...batty (a little nod to my dad there <3 ). But for the most part, I am learning to be happy and lighthearted.

Sometimes I have to fake it. I'm in customer service and though the majority of our customers are friendly and personable, we still get the crazies and the complainers. I have learned it is crucial at this point to fake the smile and pretend anything they throw at you is no skin off your...nose. BUT, and this is a big but :), forcing myself to be kind to those who are not kind to me (or even  making it a point to be in jovial spirit because who wants to be grumpy all the time) has made me a happier person.

I am not so easily bothered by a person's negative words or actions. I try to give them the benefit of the doubt. Maybe they are/were having a bad day. Maybe they are dealing with a very sick relative. Maybe they hate their job. Generally, people are not rude for no reason. There are those that are just unhappy for whatever reason(s) and want everyone else to be miserable, too. It is important to learn, though, that most people are not set out to ruin your day or your life.

It's nice to be friendly, even to strangers. Smiling at someone as you walk by might brighten their day. Giving them a compliment could be just the uplift they needed. You may never know what a person is going through and why they appear so glum. If someone seems out of sorts, just flash a smile. Who would be off-put by a smile?