I am a creator, of smiles. I have birthed thousands of smiles which otherwise might have gone unborn. It makes me feel almost Godlike to be this source of creation.
Here is the context for this seemingly inflated statement. I am riding my bicycle about 3-4 hours most days of the year. While doing so, I usually smile at everybody that passes me going the other way. That would be anywhere from 100 people to hundreds of runners, bikers and walkers.
Almost none of these people has a smile on their face before I smile at them. Almost all seem surprised I smiled at them. But here is the good part. About 30% smile back despite the fact that they had no intention of smiling at that moment. And so I say without fear of rebuttal that I caused them to smile. But for my action of smiling at them, no smile would come into the world at that time. It is a delicious feeling to bring people to a smile.
Although the majority of folks do not smile in response, there is another category of folks I want to talk about. They are the nodders. They do not smile but they do nod in response to my smile. They may account for another 20% of the folks I smile at.
To be frank, I am quite pleased with my record. Many of you know that I refer to biking as miles and miles of smiles. Such a mix of people too. Dog walkers, bike racers and recreational riders, runners and many pedestrians just strolling the pathway. Special treat, the sometimes smile and laugh of children.
I also have a bell and/or air horn on my bikes. The bell is used to indicate I am going to pass people in front of me going in the same direction, that I intend to pass them on their left. It often brings smiles to those going in my direction. The horn, used sparingly often gets people to leap out of my way in fright, but just as often people smile at how loud the horn sounds. (There are many folks who are wearing earbuds or headsets and listening to something who cannot seem to hear me yelling a warning or the ring of the bell). I am very sparing of the horn when there are animals around, pets and wildlife. But children also get a break from the sudden use of my air horn which I try only to use at distance from the human obstacles. On the other hand, children at a distance (playing in the park or walking to school) get a quick toot of the horn as I find they inevitably smile at the sound.
There are many users of the trails who have a stern look on their faces as they approach, each lost in their own thoughts and struggles. Many are determined not to make eye contact, as if they believe that acknowledging another person would disrupt their focus. So sometimes I have to shout a hello to them to break their will not to acknowledge me, hoping to elicit a smile or at least a nod in response. My friend Chris says maybe they look like that because they are in pain and discomfort from their exercise, pushing through the fatigue of their workout. It’s interesting how a simple greeting can transform the atmosphere, turning a solitary endeavor into a small moment of connection.
Me, I am having fun most of the time when I bike or hike or walk. Even if I am not enjoying myself, I try to smile to others. Just seems like the right thing to do!
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