What I Miss The Most

This time of isolation has been much longer than I had hoped.  I know people are still getting sick, some are dying, but I'm really ready to get back to a normal life style.  One that includes going to church, going to restaurants, traveling and shopping!

I've continued going to the grocery store and that is the one place where I realize what I miss the most:

Smiles!

It's that moment when you make eye contact with someone as you're both reaching for hazelnut creamer or a carton of ice cream.  You smile as you share the moment with a stranger.  But masks are hiding smiles.  Masks cover our mouths and noses while we try to stay six feet away from everyone.  Many people won't even make eye contact.

I Googled "a smile is contagious" and got over 47 million results.  According to many studies, smiling is considered contagious and is very rewarding. When a person smiles, neuropeptides, neurotransmitters, dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin are released. These chemicals help lower one’s stress, relax the body, lower heart rate and blood pressure, and serve as a mood lifter. A person smiling is also seen as “attractive, reliable, relaxed, and sincere.”

So here are a few smiles for today!