My Happy List

Daily writing prompt

If you had the power to change one law, what would it be and why?

View all responses

Two laws immediately came to mind: the first would be any law that allows child marriages, and the other, any law that allows the euthanasia of perfectly healthy animals in shelters (usually due to overcrowding – I mean, find a better solution!). A third one, also serious, came to mind – the law banning divorce in the Philippines.

Nonetheless, I don’t want to discuss such heavy and polarizing topics here, so I tried to think of a silly law that should just be removed. I remember seeing something about people in Milan being required by law to smile all the time (thankfully, with exceptions such as when people are in hospitals or funerals).

I think this well-intentioned but impractical law is funny, and it really shouldn’t be a legal matter. Having said that, I’d like to point out that I’d probably be in big trouble there since I have an RBF. I have never been to Milan. I have always been more interested in the Tuscan region, Rome, and Venice, so I, thankfully, don’t really think I’m in danger of breaking this law.

Still, I can appreciate the idea that led to the creation of such an ordinance. Unfortunately, smiling is not a natural inclination for me, probably because I feel like I don’t have a nice smile. Also, I have simply never had a sunny disposition. I mean, my childhood nickname could have been Little Thundercloud.

I must have a very specific reason for smiling. I actually laugh a lot – big belly laughs, or screechy witch laughs (my signature sound of mirth) – but I don’t really go around with a smile on my face.

Notwithstanding all that, I’d actually like to alter my vibe. Maybe I won’t always be smiling per se, but I’d like to exude a more pleasant and happier aura most of the time. To achieve this, it helps to be aware of the things that make me happy. That’s why I thought it would be a good idea to make a Happy List. Just glancing at it should be enough to lift my spirits. It would definitely remind me to be thankful for the good and positive things in my life and in this world.

My list would include the following items and more. It would definitely continue to grow, but, off the top of my head, these are the things that cheer me up that I can begin with.

HAPPY LIST