No Better Feeling

She looked up and saw me walk in. First surprise touched her eyes, then a smile. Joy in its simplest form.

There's no better feeling in the world than when someone is happy to see you. When a person sees you and their face lights up and they become visibly happier, it erases all sadness, all stress, all negative emotion going through your heart. You feel that same rush of adrenaline you feel when riding a roller coaster. You can't help but feel just as happy to see them.

Her smile spread to her lungs. "Steve!!!"

Hearing your name yelled with such excitement is a rush like no other. It's so out of the ordinary, so foreign, you almost don't know how to respond.

I turned and walked toward her, her contagious smile spreading to my own face. Turns out I'm happy to see her too.

Maybe it's not just yawns that are contagious. Maybe it's a person's mood, their state of mind that's contagious. Have you ever walked away from an interaction with someone not mirroring their anger or pleasant demeanour in that interaction? It's hard not to.

She took a step toward me and opened her arms wide invitingly, smile still beaming bright. It had been a while since I'd last seen her. We embraced. I almost forgot what it felt like to be cared about.

I think we take for granted the time we have with those we love. We become so accustomed to their presence in our lives. Sure, it makes the moment after a long absence so much more sweet, but I think we really need to learn how to truly appreciate our loved ones while they're still around. But even that isn't quite enough. We need to show that appreciation, whether it be through word or deed. Sometimes, it's the smallest of gestures that carries the most weight. It's the acts done with not much thought or preparation that show the most care.

Let's do it. Let's forget about the tough day we're having, forget that things aren't near as good as they could be. Let's show those we care about at least a glimmer of the real emotion behind our relationship with them. Not only does it make the biggest difference in them, it does wonders in your own heart. Let go of the world's cold, hard-hearted ways and show a little emotion. It's worth it.