“Don’t forget to smile. It’s good for the soul.”

Those were words my mom would say to me at the end of our phone calls. Simple words, but ones that have stayed with me.

We are living through a time when so much can feel heavy — socially, emotionally, and economically. There is anger, division, uncertainty, and more than enough reasons to lose sight of the simple things that can bring us back to ourselves.

This piece is a reminder of one of those things.

Smile.

Not because everything is perfect. Not because the difficult things don't matter. But because even in difficult moments, a smile can be a small act of hope, kindness, and resilience.

When life feels heavy, take a breath. Find something to smile about. And remember the words my mom always left me with:

“Don’t forget to smile. It’s good for the soul.”