With shopping bags pulling at my arms and my back arching from the heaviness, I quickly entered the next store, determined to get my shopping completed. This was one busy week—a week which held sleepless nights, mounds of homework, and of course, lots of coffee. Entering the store, I could feel my energy depleting and body aching, and my exhaustion for sure was echoing from my presence; so I thought, at least.

Reaching for my wallet, determined to alleviate this heaviness and replenish some sleep upon return home, the cashier, in the most vibrant tone said,

“You always have a smile on your face, and I love that.”

I looked up at the employee and noticed an evolving smile—quickly understanding how my smile had become permanent, and the illuminating perception I gave off had finally become constant.

Growing up, I was taught the fragment of illumination; to give off an aura, treating others in a way that would brighten my entire day if roles were reversed. As years would pass, my resolutions would continuously become the simple statement of “to be happy,” thereafter understanding the rewarding feeling of making others happy, and understanding what it did to my mood as well.

I grabbed the shopping bag, picking apart her statement again, constantly thinking of the words “You always have a smile on your face.” Kindness is contagious, and I then knew, from our friendly, matching smiles, that I never would stop giving it out.

I recently received a card, much like the words I received from the cashier, years prior at the mall. My nineteenth birthday party; the day that turned the smile on my face into something much more. The trembling of my cheeks and redness that appeared upon them let me know that I’ve truly been living the correct way. I grabbed one of my birthday cards, reading the context with a vibrant smile as it wrote,

“You don’t know how nice you are. Seeing you smile makes me want to smile too.”

I thought back to the cashier when I was so young, yet already truly understood the meaning of kindness. I thought of all the encounters I’ve had, newfound friendships, and unraveling opportunities that have stemmed from kindness.

I thank my drive for happiness, and inability to settle for less from myself than giving others gestures to brighten up their day. I often find myself laughing at my simple mistakes, and smiling due to the gratefulness I feel; making sure I stay kind to my own self as well.

With this mindset, I stood at my birthday dinner reminiscing and took a further step of understanding. I looked back at my younger self; so happy he understood that kindness is reflective—and most importantly, that he always kept his constant smile.