Why you need to smile right now

Right here right now, things must be okay because you are sitting down reading this blog. I don’t mean that you should automatically be happy when reading this blog…(well…..eheh), what I mean is – in this very moment there isn’t a major crisis going on.

It’s possible that you are sad or overwhelmed but the fact is that you can cope – even if it is moment by moment. When all those moments of coping get added together you will see that actually what you are doing IS coping! We underestimate our abilities and our resilience.

We can tell ourselves that we won’t cope and that life is awful but often, we find that we do cope and that each small moment is somehow bearable. This is living, this is life.

Smile because some one some where cares about you.

Smile because right now, your body is working for you – your lungs are giving you oxygen, your organs are doing their jobs and your brain is allowing you to engage with your surroundings.. and read this blog.

Smile because it is a new day. Whatever has gone before has taught you something and you are STILL here. Give yourself a pat on the back right now…or go give yourself a kiss in the mirror if you feel up to it.

Smile because, actually, you are quite marvellous. Yes – take a few minutes to think of things you have done in your life that have made you feel proud of yourself. There must be at least one thing you can think of.

Smile because even though life can be tough, you still have compassion in your heart and hope for the future. Even if at times you feel all hope is gone…it must be in there somewhere –  a little ember is burning brightly.

Smile because you have more choice in life than you realise. Look at your options and opportunities, think about the choices you do have in life and where you can have control over what you do. Choose to live in line with your priorities, not the priorities others try to shove on to you.

It’s okay – life supports you and it is unfolding as it is meant to. It may be a gray dreary day wherever you are but there are still reasons to smile. Sometimes we just have to focus that bit harder to find them.

Mandy X

Author: Mandy Kloppers

Mandy is a qualified therapist who treats depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma, and many other types of mental health issues. She provides online therapy around the world for those needing support and also provides relationship counselling.