As simple as it seems, our smile reflects much more than we may have realised, making it one of the most precious things in our life. If we are not careful, we may become materially richer but not necessarily wealthier because despite all that we have, if we lose our smile we have lost a lot.

When care is pressing us down and we find the going tough, we often move into a dark space of fear, anger, and negativity. Life is strange with its twists and turns and often things change most unexpectedly. Even as we cope with our situation, if we lose our ability to smile at the way life unfolds with its ups and downs, we have lost our faith.

It is so easy to start comparing ourselves to others and often feel that we have not done enough. Despite having much we sometimes feel inadequate. When we are unable to smile at the success of others and feel gratitude for what is in place in our life, we have lost our inner security.

Life will not turn out the way we want. A good surfer knows that the ocean will throw up all kinds of waves, and to expect calm waters all the time is foolish. The surfer enjoys surfing through all of that. When we are unable to smile through our journey of ups and downs, we have lost acceptance.

A loose light bulb will not illuminate despite electricity flowing because it is no longer connected. When we don’t feel the expanse of love and joy every day and don’t find that smile spontaneously, often without reason, we have lost our inner connection.

When we take stock of our lives, not only must we evaluate our successes, relationships, the difference we have made, and our prosperity, but also how much we smile. On reflection, we will realise a simple yet deeply significant truth – if we lose our smile, we have lost a lot.

(Today is the 700th reflection. Much gratitude for all your support)