They say a smile makes people feel safe.
Like everything is okay.
Like joy lives permanently on my face.
And it’s true, a smile can be a gift.
It can soften a room,
Make someone else feel lighter,
Make strangers believe in a little more goodness.
But sometimes a smile is also a shield.
A habit.
A way of saying I’m fine
When life is anything but simple.
I smile in photos,
And people assume my world is perfect.
They don’t see the quiet battles,
The heavy thoughts,
The strength it takes just to keep showing up.
So yes, my smile is real.
But so is my depth.
So is my story.
So is everything you don’t see
Behind the curve of my lips.
LB
