Why You Should Focus On The Grin And Not The Skin
A reminder of what’s truly important in life.
I could have easily titled this “Why you should focus on the smiles and not the miles,” too. It’s the same premise.
This piece of realism was prompted by a fellow writer recently suggesting that we look in the mirror. Thanks, friend.
Now, don’t get me started with the “skin” part: I could whine all day about that design feature.
Why, just this morning, as I was brushing my teeth and looked up long enough to see if my face was still covered with a face, I was startled to see my eyelids growing eyelids. WTF? I didn’t sign up for this.
I don’t need additional eye coverings. The original ones have done an excellent job over the years. Please take the added ones back.
And while I’m at it, let’s not forget the extra skin below the jaw. I was getting a haircut today and scared myself looking in the looking glass.
Have I morphed into a Tom Turkey recently?
By the way, I probably shouldn’t put a lot of stock into worrying about what others might think about my extra, wrinkly, leathery skin. Because, from what I’ve noticed, this “skin” thing seems to affect most of us at this age.
As an aside, and only because it’s funny, I remember my second wife occasionally commenting that my face smelled like a face when my mug got close to her mug. I still think about that.
How should a face smell if it’s a face? Oh, well, such are the mysteries of life sometimes.
To wind this meandering down now.
I make it a point to smile often when out and about. Smiles are typically returned, which makes the trade that much better. And if that other face doesn’t smile back, I consider it their loss, not mine.
I’m still working on the best me even after 69 years of being me. I’ve discovered that because life is a journey, I still have time to get it right.
Because only when I get it right will I be the best me for others. Then, the grins, smiles and laughs outside will match the happenings inside. As that friend shared, an “I Love You” look in the mirror is critical.
That will then be as good as it gets in my book. How about yours?
My appreciation for all of you is never-ending. 🙏
This piece was originally published on Medium in April 2024.
Authentic, man! That's the you of you in the mirror!
In my opinion your best you is always your current you