My name is Jada Jessica Elethia Wallace; sometimes I am referred to as laughy, smiley, or giggles.
I want to share with you why I smile
1. A smile is easier than mustering up an essay to express myself.
2. I am an anxious mess. People scare me, a psychological thriller effect: heavy beating in my chest, gentle shaking of my hands, and a constantly racing mind.
3. A saying I heard a lot growing up is “better she’s laughing than crying”. Now, I laugh until I cry tears of joy, my stomach cramps, and my cheeks hold their place in stiffness.
We live in the most extreme oxymoron; blessed with grief and joy simultaneously. I feel broken adulting in a desensitized, polarized world. Nourishment, balance, and fulfillment feel impossible.
Taking on responsibilities while witnessing homelessness scattered across the TTC, watching war-torn countries begging for someone to save them and mental illness showcased as entertainment across algorithms feels like a task on the to-do list from hell. Worst yet, violence plagues my skin folk and their trauma is imprinted on the back of my eyelids.
Despite this, I believe that God has blessed me with ease in laughter. I hope my smile is like a fairy’s magical dust turning frowns upside down.
This new chapter of my life means leaning into that identity with the utmost joy.
Practice your smile in the mirror, laugh with others as much as possible, build community with a giggle. It provides a sense of ease, making this very heavy life feel just a little lighter.