A Universal Language

Everyone is different. Every person reacts to situations differently with every action being taken created from personal thoughts or your own perceived thoughts on how society may want you to act. Everything you do varies and stems from personal desires. The one thing though that is shared by all, a universal language quite frankly, is a smile. No matter what language you speak, no matter how you act, a simple smile can express what words and actions may never be able to do.

As I traveled out of the US and into French speaking Canada, I couldn’t help but become frustrated with my inability to communicate. I had to point at things I wanted to eat while being served in restaurants, use hand motions to get more water, and all at the same time still try to be friendly without saying anything. I was looked upon as an outsider, someone who just didn’t seem to belong. For the first time in a long time, I felt like I had no significance. As I sat listening to French, I started thinking to myself.. Can I please just have some pizza or something that tastes good. I’m looking at words that have absolutely no meaning to me (seriously even in McDonalds I didn’t know what they were serving — I ordered a MacPoulet?) Regardless, as I thought more and more about the barrier between our languages, one thing we held in common was that smiling was a language we both understood.

Smiling is associated with happiness wherever you may go, so use it to your advantage. If others know you’re friendly by smiling, they are going to be more likely to approach you and strike up a conversation. Being around a lifeless, smile-less individual drags you down in every aspect. In regards to my last blog post, your name is everything. So when your name is associated with smiling and happiness, those people will want to spend more time with you and just be around such an uplifting individual. Know that every time you smile, you have the chance and opportunity to create happiness and make someones day. Smiling and happiness go hand in hand, so if you happen to take anything from this post, please try and take this – make it your goal to be fluent in the universal language. Smile often and be quick to laugh, happiness is created by you.

“There is no such things as strangers, just friends we’ve yet to meet.”

Brant A. Wickersham