This morning, for the first time since I started working one hour away from home, I did not sleep or read (a paperback) -- well, mostly sleep -- on the train. As a result, I got to watch the people's faces around me.

I like watching my surroundings, especially people. And especially beautiful people from the other half of the species. Although, I won't go there, lest someone pokes me with an umbrella. (Then again, about the only good thing from an LDR: umbrella or no umbrella, that someone can only do so virtually.)

One thing I immediately noticed during the ride was how very few people, if any, smiled or at least looked happy. I touched on this a while back. Then, it was leaving from work. Sadly, it applies also to leaving for work. I can't help but wonder, does anyone feel happy about their jobs anymore? Or perhaps my observation took place at the wrong time. Perhaps had I left at, say, 9:30 instead of 8, more people would've smiled. But my boss, that is.

BTW, once, a professional author on The Three Investigators forum I used to frequent, shared this tip with me: avoid using any form of to be as the main predicate if you can. Hence, "...does anyone feel happy about their jobs," or "...does anyone's job excite them," instead of "...is anyone happy about their jobs." This construction gives the sentence more weight. Well, can't argue with a professional, can we?

Incidentally, just to remind everyone: never use "anyone" with "they" or "their" in formal writings.

Right. I'll spare you "does anyone's job excite them anymore" for now -- it'll spawn off another long discussion on its own. I'll focus on the smile part instead.

I have no doubt that some could draw positive energy from within themselves. Such people are lucky. Those who are not so fortunate I believe would sometimes have only others to rely on for rosiness. I know I do. Though not so much, the general mood of people around me does affect my own.

That's why I feel it's important that we display more positive attitude outwardly. If not for our own benefit, then for others'. Smiling is a start. Some of us just don't -- can't -- smile much and I believe I belong in this department. Nonetheless, whenever I remember to, I try to show a positive face. Even when acting busy (while actually typing this unimportant -- general perception -- stuff,) I try not to look so dreary, so as not to discourage others.

Workplace should be fun. After all, we spend one third -- many times more -- of our day here. When our working environment lacks cheerfulness, we tend to take this home -- or wherever it is we go after work -- to our family and friends, potentially ruining their moods in turn.

With that in mind, our journey to this workplace plays a no-less significant part. When we keep seeing gloomy faces on trains and buses, how could we be expected to be rosy at work?

For many people, interaction with others starts early -- a kiss on your spouse's cheek, a chat with your parents over breakfast, even a good-morning exchange with your personal chauffeur. For me personally, this takes place only after I've left home, on my journey work-ward. Doesn't matter where and when. What's important is to begin spreading what little joy we could afford as soon as we can.

So, People, start smiling early, don't waste time. Who knows, your natural morning smile on train could one day help save someone who's been contemplating something bad. Smile like you mean it. If not for you, then for others. If I see you on MRT, I promise I'll smile at you.

And when I do, please smile back, otherwise I'll just embarrass myself.

Current music: Iwan Fals - Buku Ini Aku Pinjam
Current mood: happy