"This I Believe" Becky - La Union, New Mexico 'A'

“Laughter is the best form of medicine.” Becky of La Union, New Mexico would most surely agree with this statement. She believes that if you smile, you will become happy, or at least, happier, and if you don’t smile, well then, you obviously are not happy. It is safe to say that every human body who has even walked planet Earth enjoys or would like to be happy. Sadness is not a fun thing; no one likes to be sad; people would rather to not be sad. Yet, there are so many sad people in the world. This is because people give up and lose interest in their own life and find no motivation to be happy. However, if you asked anyone who is depressed or in an extreme state of sadness if they would rather be happy, most likely they would choose the happy. And what do people do when the are happy? They smile. A sincere smile manipulates “feel-good chemicals” initiated by the brain, which leads you to become and stay happy for a period of time. Becky’s idea of smiling everywhere and anywhere at anytime is a very strategic one to staying happy. She incorporates smiling into her daily routines, and although it may seem a bit creepy at first, it does produce a more positive outlook on life. If you at first force yourself to smile, you will inevitably develop the habit of smiling, just as those who do not smile, develop a habit of scowling, almost, when they are merely in a relaxed state. Just trade in a relaxed scowl for a sincere smile and those around you will no longer perceive you as constantly mad or irritated. Smiling is contagious. If those around you notice you smiling, chances are, they will be put into a better mood and smile. It is an ongoing chain. Your one simple smile can directly or indirectly brighten up a person’s melancholy day. What if that person was suicidal? And they chose that particular day to end their life, yet your simple smile gave them hope and chose life. The possibility of positive outcomes are endless. The possibility of negative outcomes are non-existent.