Foolish Smiles

I love April Fools Day.  I scheme up lighthearted ways to pull a few silly pranks before everyone has had their coffee.  I usually have success until about 9 a.m. and then everyone is the wiser.  Since the window of "foolin' opportunity" is a short one, I have another idea for shedding a bit of "foolery" all day long...smile. 

The spirit of April Fools Day is laughter, joke playing and spontaneous "gotcha!"  Yet, why not keep this spirit going?  Who said we have to wait for a joke to laugh?  Where is it deemed "inappropriate" to smile even if there is no real reason to do so?  The most authentic foolishness is unprovoked and without a specific date assigned.  To smile at a stranger, brings an immediate "welcome" from you to them.  Infant studies have shown that we thrive in our development when noting a smile on the faces of our caretakers.  And, is there anything more precious and inspiring than to see a baby give you the ultimate gift of their toothless grin?

Bring out the fool in you today, perhaps not through savoring an elaborate prank or fooling anyone with a casual fib, but rather by foolishly sharing smiles everywhere you go.  Remember that song "Smile" sung by many, but I remember Nat King Cole's lilting voice...

That's the time you must keep on trying
Smile, what's the use of crying?
You'll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just smile

Happy Foolishly Just Smiling Day!