Photo Courtesy Of JinOn Kong
“Make one person happy each day and in forty years you will have made 14,600 human beings happy for a little time, at least.”
-Charles Willey
Today, I took a “mental health day” (yes I am notorious for doing so quite often) and had lunch with my grandpa, who is visiting from Missouri. During lunch we were discussing the differences (languages,customs etc.) between the various cultures of the world.
After lunch, I asked my grandpa if he was brave enough to ask for the bill (in Chinese of course) and although I applaud him for his effort his pronunciation was a bit off, producing a puzzling look from our waitress.
After correcting him, we both gave our waitress a smile, and off she went.
It has been a joy too see my grandpa interact with the Chinese culture despite him not knowing a lick of Chinese. More often than not his encounters with random Chinese individuals have resulted in two smiles. One from the western world, and one from the eastern world.
The past few days, I have thought a great deal about the language barrier and how it hinders our ability to connect on a more global level, although I am very pleased with the increasing desire too learn more than one language. Attending an international school, I know many who speak two, three, or even four-different languages fluently, which I find rather impressive.
As we learn new languages not only do we learn to communicate more efficiently from a global perspective, but we also discover that, there are more similarities than differences in regards to humanity as a whole.
The Chinese speak Chinese. American’s speak English. The French speak French. Each and every nation has it’s own individual language in which it uses to communicate. Yet over the years humanity has developed a universal language in which every living person is capable of using.
Some of us communicate with this language, and others do not.But each and every one of us has the ability. This language, is recognized by every culture, every race, and has no boundaries, as the more traditional oral languages often do. The more we incorporate this language into our life the closer humanity becomes.
This language communicates the radiance of love, and omits joy into the air. The universal language, communicates in the form of a smile.
Moving to Shanghai, not knowing a word of Chinese, I found very difficult and intimidating. Speaking Chinese felt awkward too me. I would butcher every word that came out of my mouth. But the more I tried, the easier it became. My Chinese skills are still nowhere near fluent but they are slowly improving.
One way I tried to improve my Chinese skills was by talking to cab drivers. I would smile, and utter the words in which I needed too practice. Because of my smile, the message of “I want to learn” was sent to the cab drivers without the use of a single word, and thus the majority of them were often very encouraging and friendly.
One of my favorite things to do when I’m feeling down is take my electric scooter out for a spin, during which I encounter many local Chinese. I make a conscious effort smile at as many people I can. I make a game out of it.
This may come off as lame, and stupid, but I can honestly say, as the game gets going, my mood slowly improves. I’ve done this just after a WWE smack down occurred in my home, and was surprised, when my mood returned to a more calm state.
Not only does speaking the universal language aid you in your own quest for happiness, it also lifts the spirits of those in need. I cannot tell you how many times, I have been in a rut and some one’s smile completely changed my day. The more you smile the greater chance you have of changing some one’s day.
How often do you smile? Do you live your life with a smile-less face? It is no coincidence the more you smile, the more your life resonates with peace, love and happiness. Hold a smile for 60 seconds. See how you feel. Make a game out of smiling at as many people as you can. Watch as your days increasingly become better.
The most important thing though is for you to start speaking the universal language today. 
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{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
wonderful blog man, i’m at work right now with not much time to give a detailed response (as i should!) but i just wanted to put in a word or two and say… you are (in my opinion) right on the money here. smiling (as well as frowning!) is universal. emotions, in general, are universal. it’s wonderful that no matter who you meet, you can at least express the core thing that makes ALL of us human, no matter who you are, where you are, or what language you speak. this world is truly incredible, no?
Travis, thanks for the kind words. I agree with you whole heartily. Although, one of my regular readers did point out, that smiling in Russia is believe or not, often seen as offensive. Therefore I tend to side with you when you say emotion is universal. Yes, this world is truly incredible,
-Bud
Good shit man. I enjoyed this one the best
Wow, cool blog!
There’s actually no reason not to smile at other people. It doesn’t even cost a dime. And even if it did, it would still be worth it.
Keep on blogging.
I am really relaxed when enter your Website
Thank so much