I Smile Therefore I Am…


Maybe it’s a sweet text message or a snippet in your newsfeed…maybe it’s a nugget of insight from a blogging friend but may I ask a question of you?

Do you smile when you read?  Do other emotions show on your face – maybe a grimace or a frown from time to time? 

I lean toward smiling, generally, but I figure I must also show occasional disdain when I read something irksome. 

So many of us are in closed-loop conversations and interactions as we move about with our phones in hand every day.  We can be “present” physically, but our brains and hearts are often utterly detached as we connect with content flowing in from our device-of-choice.  That’s nothing new, but lately I’ve been monitoring my own affect and emotions, wondering what I’m showing the world while I’m engrossed in my own bubble, thanks to technology.  Do I look open and semi-present or do I appear completely detached from the space I occupy…with real-life humans nearby?

I don’t have an answer.  It’s just one of those “Victoria Ponders” moments; one that reminds me that it’s okay to leave my phone in the car or in my pocket.  It needn’t ALWAYS be “in hand” because occasionally, there might be a dear person – right in front of me – eager for acknowledgement, recognition, a good morning nod. 

I had a meaningful interaction recently that jolted me forward.  That whoosh from the universe reminding me that we’re all connected, interdependent and the simplest human courtesies of small talk can be bring delight.  I share more in my Heart of the Matter post this morning if you have time, please hop over and read.  I don’t know his name and I’ll probably never see him again, but I enjoyed ‘passing the time’ recently with a gentleman who was kind and curious.  It was the best part of my day! Here’s hoping your day is filled with joy, wherever you find it.

Big smiles,

-Vicki 😉

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com



32 responses to “I Smile Therefore I Am…”

  1. Oh, I do miss eye-contact… I live in a rural community so I still get a lot of eye contact and chit-chat when I’m out and about, but there is definitely a thick wall around us, when we’re on our phones… Thank you for reminding us to be aware of “what we’re showing to the world when we’re engrossed in our own bubble,” because we all do this. I find that babies are the best way to break those walls down when out in public: they’re hard to ignore and impossible to resist 🙂💕

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Oh — yes – about eye contact…AND babies, Patti! Hard to resist…I find myself making faces and gazing longingly at the sweet little ones…but you’re right — the grown-ups can use some smiles and positive regard, too! 💕😉💕

      Liked by 1 person

  2. Wait, let me get this straight, this little square thing I got from Apple doesn’t have to be in my hand, inches from my face, 16-17 hours a day? Really? I’m shocked, I never knew that. And one more thing, you’re saying that if I put it down, other real live people will interact with me too. Oh, you gotta be kidding! Nah, that can’t be true, you’re pulling a scam on me now, that can’t be right! Nice try! Ha, ha!!!🤣🤣🤣😝😝😝😜😆

    Liked by 2 people

    1. I know, right? I should’ve titled this “Self-talk from Vicki to Vicki” LOL! 😂

      Liked by 1 person

  3. Going in and out of the convenience stores, with everyone rushing about, it is always nice to both give and receive not just having the door being held open for you, but an eye-contact wish for the other person to “have a good day.” I try to wish that every time the situation arises, and like it when other folks wish that for me. Smiles every time!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. I’m so sorry, Bruce! Your comment got stuck in a spam folder and just popped up. I love your thought — eye contact and sharing “have a good day” may be small kindnesses, but they matter! 😉 Thank you for that!

      Liked by 1 person

  4. My mum said, when was young, that she could always tell how I felt as I can’t hide my emotions … so yes, I’ve had some strange looks grinning like a Cheshire cat on the bus or train. Mind you, I once had to stop reading a book on the bus as I had tears streaming down my face and people kept asking if I was OK. Decided I should read sad bits in private.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Oh… I love what you just shared. I’m getting an image of you reading and being moved to tears as a little girl. So sweet. Seems we have something else in common, dear Brenda. 🥰❤️🥰

      Like

      1. It must have been tough for my parents as they could tell immediately if I didn’t like a gift 😬 fortunately I think I was easy to please

        Liked by 1 person

        1. LOL! No “poker face” for you! 😉❤️😉

          Liked by 1 person

  5. I often laugh, smile or make unbelievable shocked sounds while looking at my phone. I do need to put it down when I’m in a conversation with real, live human beings though.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. LOL! I hear you — it’s hard to silence the ‘audibles’…they’re just there! My family likes to call it my constant ‘color commentary’. 😉😂😉

      Liked by 1 person

      1. That’s a good name for it!

        Liked by 1 person

  6. I think we’ve established that my phone is never out however I have been known to gasp at a price tag on occasion- like $3 plus dollars for a head of cauliflower so small you could actually call it a single piece… I bought it anyway because I’m making curry 😉

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Yes…I admire that about you, Deb. 😘
      Whoa…that’s pricey cauliflower! I hope the curry is yummy. Sounds delish!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thanks Vicki- just call me a smartphone rebel!

        Liked by 1 person

  7. I have a begrudging appreciation of my cell phone. It can be helpful but I misplace it around the house often enough to realize we’re acquaintances not BFFs.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Oh…begrudging is a good word. I’m forever dropping mine and knock on wood it’s taken a lickin’ and keeps on tickin’…thank goodness. 😉

      Liked by 1 person

  8. That’s a great question. I don’t know how I look when I read. Although I registered that I was smiling as I read this! Thanks for the great food for thought!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. LOL — and woohoo! Smiles for the win! 🙂❤️🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  9. My Nan always said I had a face for radio, Victoria, so I always read with a book in front of my face. 😂😂. I think I allow the occasional smile to sneak out. Unless it is necessary, I leave my home at home when I go out now. It makes you realise how much mobile phones can disconnect you from the outside world. Have a good weekend.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Your Nan sounds like she was a funny one…but I don’t believe her for a second! Actually, you’re pretty funny, too — you with a book in front of your face. 😉 Silly! But…I admire you for leaving your phone at home. What a terrific reminder of what a distraction it is – just don’t take it along. Happy weekend to you, too Davy! 😊😊😊

      Liked by 1 person

  10. Apparently, when I was in fourth grade, I had what my daughters would call RBF (resting bitch face). My teacher said I was so grumpy-looking all the time that she was going to put a picture of Oscar the Grouch on my desk because I didn’t smile. I had no idea what she meant- I thought I was smiling all the time! I guess it only showed on the inside 😂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. LOL! The hubster’s been accused of the same…a natural “Oscar” face…as in the Grouch. I’m sure you just looked like a deep thinker, right? Mulling over mysteries of the universe. 😜😎😜

      Liked by 1 person

  11. Something I may not have thought about, however my expression change depending on what I am reading!

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    1. Love that! Thanks for sharing, Mary! 😘

      Liked by 1 person

  12. Just the best kind of conversation to have. This made me smile and gave me warm fuzzies.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Aww! Thank you, Bernie! Nice to meet you — thank you for sharing. 😉🙂😉

      Like

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