Hear, hear!

It has been said, and it will be said ad infinitum, that the study of law is tedious. It requires time, hard work, perseverance, patience, and dedication. These will be recurring statements, and these are actually true. But even when these brew countless doubts and fears, law students will always show up. They discipline themselves that way. They are meant to operate under those circumstances. They need to be prepared for the future they are working so hard to reach. Because of these, law school seems to give more reasons to cry than to laugh, or even just smile for that matter. Things are just a little heavier in law school. Recitations are nerve-wracking, reading is not just for fun, and the discussions are serious.

Yes, the study of law might be tedious, but it is not a reason to live our lives in all gloom and misery. It is seeing life in a positive note, it is seeing your choices leading you to good things, and it is believing that everything happening in your life is actually the universe conspiring to give you what you terribly want and deserve. And isn’t it a nice thought? Doesn’t it make you smile? That no matter how small we may be in this vast universe, the universe still paid us much attention to align us to our destinies. Romantic, isn’t it? But as I’ve said, it is just a matter of perspective, it is finding good reasons to persevere and fight until the battle is done and won.

This World Smile Day, may we all find a reason to smile. Despite all the hardships, we can always choose to find the silver lining; and may we ponder upon it especially today. It does not even need to be deep and full of meaning, it can be for an epic recitation, a funny classroom scenario, a memorable online class experience, or a funny class conversation with a professor. It could also be for friendships you’ve developed, people you’ve met, and people who taught you many lessons. It could also be believing in destiny and wondering how the universe could pave your way to becoming a lawyer; At times it could be just the thought of becoming a lawyer someday- and a great one at that! No matter the reason, may we all find things and experiences to smile about and persons to smile to. And may we never run out of reasons to smile while we fight for our future. It’s not bad to be kind to yourself. It’s not bad to find joys despite the challenges. It’s not bad to not take yourself seriously even just for a moment.

Most of the time, a good thing starts with a smile. A nice conversation, a healthy relationship, a good friendship, a memorable experience, and good story of victory.

Breathe. Relax. Smile! Give a smile. Receive a smile.

So even when it’s hard, smile! Even when there are failures, smile! After crying, try smiling again! And for every good thing in your life, smile. Be good to yourself.

Spread kindness and gentleness. We are all connected one way or another. Spread positivity, warmth, and love. Do small acts of kindness, and it will go a long way. Good karma, as they say. Start with a smile.