The other day i was riding a bus in Hong Kong from the apartment complex where i’m staying to a nearby mall. At the mall i was going to catch the subway to meet a friend for lunch. While bumping along on the bus i had my music in my ears and was listening to something folky and catchy. It was a tune that made my mind soar and warmed my heart. I wrapped my arms around my backpack that was resting in my lap and i stared out the window to the world of people and cars buzzing past me. I remember thinking about different people i’ve met in my life, i thought about what i’ve learned as a traveler, and i thought about girls that i like to talk to. As i thought about people i pictured the different people i might meet as i walk from the bus to the subway. I knew i needed to stop at the 7-11 for some M&M’s. I wondered if i would talk to the cashier or if i would just keep these tunes in my ears. Staring out that window i remembered Mother Teresa’s words, “Peace begins with a smile.” I wondered if i smile enough. I thought about how Mother Teresa’s words must be true because when i smile at people they usually smile back and that makes us all feel peaceful inside.

The bus came to a stop in front of the mall and as i stumbled my way out among the bustling crowd i took off my headphones and stuffed them into my backpack. I walked to the 7-11 and smiled at people all along the way. When i bought my M&M’s i asked the cashier if she was having a good day. She giggled and turned a nice shade of red. I think the cashier and i made our peace by way of our smiles.

And now it’s your turn. Turn down the volume. See beyond the distractions and differences. Smile.

peace.