Sometimes in today’s world its hard to be positive and happy.

If you live in the United States, the news is a constant feed of bipartisan politics, natural disasters, gun violence, the opioid crisis and a massive divided between the haves and have nots.

Around the world, we see economies struggling, increasing tensions in the Middle East, continuing climate destabilization, and people fighting for independence in Hong Kong and across the globe.

But for us to change our environment, we all need to make small changes in how we live and conduct ourselves.   These changes might focus on being more mindful, meditating, eating healthier, exercising more or all of the above.

Yesterday, Angie and I were trying to teach Elvis and Scout how to be more present and engaged, especially around adults and all the new people they are meeting now that we are living in Austin.

I was reminded of a very simple rule from the Dalai Lama:

If you want to be greeted with a smile, then smile when you meet someone.

It’s really amazing how this little behavior, can have such a big effect.  Imagine if everyone you encountered today, smiled and said “Hi, how are you?”

On this Monday morning, smile.

It can make a world of difference.