When You're Smiling, When You're Smiling

My Computer Science professor - the legendary Professor Gries - just made my morning. He opened the class talking about laughter, about smiling, and how "Nothing is really all that important." He then played two different version of "When You're Smiling" which clearly lifted everyone's moods.

I started to realize my performance mentality about life. It all started with my dance teacher always saying, "Take every criticism as your own, regardless of if it was directed at you." I've learned that is an extremely effective way to improve yourself. I do my best to implement it every day. Although criticism isn't as straight forward as in ballet class anymore, there is always a way to improve by learning from others. It is applicable to NROTC training as well - you learn what kind of leader to be by observing others. Her other piece of advice was that when performing, there is always someone watching you. Never assume that all eyes are elsewhere when you are not the center of attention. No matter if it is one or one hundred people, there is always someone watching you - so always perform your best.

I have mentally settled into seeing my Navy career as a bit of a performance. We change into our 'costumes' (uniforms) and we 'perform' (execute our duties/responsibilities). Somehow, this makes everything easier. It makes everything a little scary. In fact, it makes it a little fun.

So don't forget to smile. Life is supposed to be a grand adventure. Perform.

Link from CS: http://hopedance.org/home/laughter-happiness/1881-dalai-lama