Page 229 - Reflections_over_Akamas

To smile...

... is a conscious choice to welcome life. All of it. It’s not as impulsive as
laughter and, admittedly, not as overpowering as sadness. Yet, it’s a safe
space where peace and understanding are the currency of choice. And
while laughter is a self-centered outburst, a smile shines through as self-
reflective yet engaging. It signifies presence, contentment, confidence,

friendliness. It’s encouraging! In current times, when depression is considered
an epidemic and sobriety a sign of wisdom, a smile dismisses gloominess,
it illuminates creativity and reassures us that nothing and no one has

power over us unless we choose to give it to them.

Well, I’ve survived, but I’m a long way from being saved. Nowadays,
when I recall that day, I smile at the irony of being trapped by the
same bush that seconds earlier had saved my life. For a split second, I

must have felt awe and gratitude for my body’s unimaginable power to
produce its own much-needed opioids. On the other hand, everything
was becoming so urgent that I was not sure which would run out first:
my mobile phone’s battery, my blood, the daylight or my senses.

I needed to relocate my right shoulder. Adrenaline achieved its painful
wonders. I pushed hard and I pushed even harder until an excruciating
crack announced my freedom. I managed to make myself visible to the
rescue team. Gravity had its way, but I was the one who greeted the

helicopter crew with a smile.

When we smile, it’s almost as if we’re telling ourselves that it’s safe to

think, to imagine, to grow. It’s an invitation to focus not on what’s going
wrong but on what can go right, in the moment. As an alchemical power,
smiling transforms bitterness into kindness, anger into understanding,
fear into love. It’s as if I may not be able to control what life brings me,

but I certainly have the power to choose the way in which I respond to
situations and circumstances. I don’t believe in imposing policies, but I do
believe in nurturing philosophies; and this can be achieved through the
power of a single smile.

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