"Positivity"

Smile.
(No, really.)
Smile.
Did it hurt?
Did it make you sad?
Angry?
Did it take very long to do?
Did it take much thought?

Smile again.
(Bonus points for raised eyebrows.)
Show some teeth.
Did someone see you do it?
Did they smile too?
Maybe?
Did you brighten their day?
Did you brighten yours?

Laugh.
(Out loud.)
Really guffaw.
Now how do you feel?



As I get ready to start a new school year, many teachers and students are depressed about returning. I'm trying to get through the endless meetings and paperwork and stuff that comes with returning to school. I'm trying to stay positive. I let my students know I'm trying to stay positive. They're smiling at me when I forget to smile. We're reminding each other to stay positive. It's funny how smiles are contagious. (Yawns are too, but lets not try spreading those around at the start of the school year.)

*Edited to add final stanza. This was in the original version, but I had taken it out. It didn't feel finished without it, so I put it back. 
(Originally Posted August 16, 2016)

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