I was driving in the neighborhood during my personal rush hour. One chore finished, I remained in “Serious / Get Things Done Mode.”

Turning the corner of the Nursing home, I noticed one of their residents in a wheelchair on the corner. He was waving to each passerby. He had a big smile on his face.

I smiled back and waved.

It cheered me up for a moment.

It only takes a moment to cheer up. In “serious mode”, we sometimes want to keep the momentum and stay serious. But a smile breaks this momentum – to cheer us up.

Smiling is a Mitzvah. You cheer others and yourself up.

It says “Ivdu Et Hash-m BeSimha” – Serve Hash-m with Happiness.

Use small moments of Joy to impart upon your day. Cheer yourself up with positive thoughts and prayers.

You can control your happiness.

Making a small effort to smile is the first step. Thinking of your blessings is another.

Holding on to both thoughts is the third.

Smile and be happy and the world will smile with you.

Or at least your world will smile with you.