Why so Serious?

May 08, 2019

I was on the New York City subway, and I was sitting as usual.

Then these kids came in. They were super happy! They started climbing on the poles, poking and chasing each other, and laughing. Smiles did not disappear from their faces. There really wasn’t that much to smile about! After all, all they had was a pole and they were in the New York City Subway…

Across them, there were 3 adults with this blank, tired, expressionless faces. The contrast was so stark that it left an impression on me.

Kids have this playfulness, energy, and they laugh easily. Most adults are not like that. But I’m sure we used to be. What happened to us?! Can we get back to that sense of playfulness, and smile by default attitude?