With the sincerest of smiles,

Dearest Stranger,

Today did not start out well. I was upset when I went to bed last night and my anger followed me into the morning. That little voice that helps you make decisions was telling me that I was a bad person... ugly... unlovable... stupid...

I decided to stop for coffee on the way to work, and the most amazing thing happened: the woman at the window smiled at me. It was a brilliant, genuine smile. As a reflex, I smiled back... and I felt better. Not great... but better. The voice got quieter. My heart got lighter.

You never know how the tiniest of kind gestures can change someone's day.

This is me, sending a genuine smile to you.

I believe that you are a good person who is capable of good things. I believe that by being kind, you can make a difference in the world. I believe that if you do what you can with what you have, where you are, you will be a success.

Above all, I believe that you were born to be exactly who you re. Don't be afraid to let down your walls and be yourself. It's scary, but it's worth it.

Go read The Chronology of Water by Lidia Yuknavitch. Go listen to Why Should the Fire Die? by Nickel Creek. Go watch Rear Window. Surround yourself with the beauty of the world.

- And remember that you are part of what makes this world beautiful.

With the sincerest of smiles,
Anonymous