Captivated Me

I was on the bus the other day, staring blankly out the window as I went through a mile-long to-do list in my head which included (but was not limited to) obtaining my metro TAP card, responding to an email from my best friend, calling my mom, calling the USC financial aid office, applying for a job…so on and so forth…when my eyes fixed transiently on a torn cardboard sign. The sign, written plainly in black permanent marker, read:

“EVEN A SMILE HELPS”

Above the sign stood an elderly gentleman, camped on the corner of two intersecting roads. He had dark brown eyes and a tired, neutral expression on his face – the kind of face that is wrinkled with hidden wisdom and that, I imagine, could produce a warm, grandfatherly smile if a happy or joyous occasion arose. But in the brief instant that this man was in my view, there was no such expression to be found.

It makes me sad to think about how often on any given day I pass by people, and maybe even look their way, without actually seeing them. Without looking intentionally into their eyes and offering a smile or a simple “hello”, the likes of which could alter the trajectory of their day.  (I know that whenever I am on the receiving end of such a greeting, especially on a cruddy day, I end up with a deep sense of gratitude to the smile-donor, for they have made me feel a little less alone in this great big world). How frequently I get caught up in my own head with my own issues, seduced by the delusion that my TAP card, my job application or what have you are of substantial consequence in the grand scheme of things. These are mere molehills, superfluous in contrast to the thrilling adventure of living in the moment, connecting with the world and the people around us. I’m challenging myself to take a short venture or two outside of my ruminant, planning, checklist-making head this week. And I want to challenge you to do the same. Notice the stranger passing you in the hallway. Ask the barista how he or she is doing today. Smile at someone, anyone, and mean it. Let’s never forget that even a smile helps.

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