Sometimes

we are

aware

that

life is

bittersweet.

Even

when we smile,

there can be

a river of

sadness

flowing

through us.

Our smile

is not

a band-aid.

It is

an authentic

feeling.

Putting on

a happy face

isn’t

being

false

or phony

or denying the

sadness

we feel.

Neuroscientists

tell us

that a smile

can change

our body chemistry.

When I

get into bed

I fluff

my pillows

just right,

straighten my spine.

Then I smile.

Sometimes I

have to dig a bit

to find

something

in the day

that I am grateful for.

Smiling

as I close

my eyes,

I think I rest

better

and sleep

renews me

for the next day.