Smiling without boundaries

I like to smile. It is something that has always been natural to me even as a small child. My teeth are fairly straight as an adult (and look even better when I remember to use my retainer).

As a kid I did not have this blessing. My teeth always showed when I smiled and it was almost impossible to hide the fact that they were crooked from the kids around me. My smile was the subject of many jokes and the trigger for an extreme amount of bullying. I remember the day when I decided to use my hand to cover my smile. Eventually I was placing my hand over my mouth whenever I laughed, grinned or had the inclination to feel happy. As an Anti-bullying advocate I go to schools, events and forums to spread the message of kindness. I write children's books about the topic and I work very hard to research and educate myself on current issues related to various forms of bullying. I try and teach children and adults the value in being kind and the true effect that a smile can have on others.

I admit that I allowed my joy to be stolen from those who tormented me as a kid-but I am determined to encourage others to continue to smile even though others may not embrace the beauty that this gesture can bring. What makes you smile? Have you been bullied because of a charateristic that you cannot avoid? I'd love to hear from you. If you are interested in some of the programs that www.taramichener.com and Professionals Against Bullying sponsor please let me know. It takes many people to keep the smile on one face.