And I hope, if nothing else, you smile.

I know its silly to wish for better mornings, filled with promise and possibility.

I know even attempting to change the expression on your face seems like a monumental task.

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Twenty20 / @jlk2004

Because smiling is contagious.

And if you smile at a stranger, that stranger will more than likely smile at you.

If you shift your perspective, doors will open for you to step through.

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Dont let it go.

Because what youre feeling right now is not what you will feel forever.

The pain your chest will slowly dissolve over time.

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Twenty20 / @jlk2004

But you must first take a step; you must first let yourself smile again.

Smile.Even when you dont believe the grin on your face.

Smile.Until it doesnt feel like a chore.

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Until the expression comes with ease.

Smile.Because better days will come.

Because you wont always feel as weak as you do now.

Because you are strong, have been strong, and will become stronger each and every day.

Smile.Because as tired as you are right now, youwillmake it through.

Smile.Because that is the best choice, the only choice you have when you hit rock bottom.

And because with that turn of your lips, you will change your fate.

You will start again.

You will feel lightness instead of heaviness.

And you will survive.

Marisa Donnelly is a poet and author of the book,Somewhere on a Highway, availablehere.