Starting a Ripple of Smiles in a World of Pain

There are so many different opinions on how one "should" or "shouldn't" act when they are struggling. Some endorse the "fake it 'til you make it" approach, while others assert that we should "show our real emotions" and "avoid masking", etc. I think there's validity to all approaches... and I, personally, find it helpful, not just for me, but for others around me, to smile, not to mask the pain, but in spite of it. There's so much power in a smile, though maybe only when it's truly from the heart....
Anyway, here's my stream of consciousness on the topic. I hope it helps 🙏🏻❤️