Turn that frown upside down

Whilst traveling around Thailand over the last few weeks, one thing I've noticed is how everyone here greets each other with a smile - both friends and strangers. It got me thinking about how in cities we conscientiously try to avoid each other. We might be feeling great inside, but we still carry on not stopping to greet or acknowledge one another without so much as a nod, let alone a smile. As a result, I've often found myself feeling so isolated in the busiest of places such as London and New York. I could walk around for hours without interacting with anyone. How strange it is to feel so alone surrounded by so many people.

Here, I have felt continuously surrounded by such friendly, warm and welcoming people.  What makes them so friendly? Yes the sunshine and beautiful surroundings help. Perhaps it's because I'm a tourist (although locals greet each warmly as well)? I can't help but feel though that it's more than that.  When they smile, they smile with their eyes (unlike I did when forced to smile as a teenager!). So much so that you cant help but to feel that it comes from a genuine and authentic place. In turn you can't help but to smile back.  

A lovely woman I met here called 'Mook'

It's as contagious as a yawn and as uplifting as a compliment. From the local markets and busy streets, to the beaches and the jungle, everywhere I go I could not have felt more acknowledged and welcome. It makes you feel so connected to one another. Even with a language barrier, a smile says so much.

Mother and baby at the local market

Thinking about how I feel when someone smiles at me on the streets back home, although uplifted and slightly surprised at first, sadly too often my mind turns to questioning their intentions. What a shame. There are many loving and friendly people in the world who all could benefit from the healing and wonderful feeling that comes from a sharing and receiving a smile. With so much to be grateful for and so much to smile about, why not?

Before embarking on this trip, I got all my vaccinations for everything one could catch while traveling abroad. Turns out, I did end up catching something while i've been away, which I will happily be bringing back home - a new found reason to smile… something I hope people won't mind catching, and hopefully passing on! :)

Love & Light.x