Goals and Smiles

Please inspect this photo.

Yes, that is a human. Yes, he is balancing on a 3000-foot stone wall with no rope. His name is Alex Honnold. In a recently released documentary, National Geographic featured his historic climb of El Capitan in Yosemite national park. He climbs the massive wall in just 3 hours and 56 minutes.

Earlier this week, I went to the theater to watch this achievement in the movie "Free Solo." It was captivating and exciting.

I don't recommend climbing without a rope to anyone.

In the movie one of the climbers says, "You face your fear because your goal demands it. That is the warrior spirit." I wonder how life would be without fear. Alex Honnold obviously knows how to handle fear. When I think of people with no fear, I think of the 15 men I sustain as prophets, sears, and revelators - The First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Those men don't fear the world or the adversary. They have complete faith in Jesus Christ and that faith gives them power to do whatever God asks of them. Such faith is empowering and freeing.

The irrational fear we experience can be debilitating, especially when it blocks us from our goals.

After watching the film, I drove back to Provo with my roommate. We were talking about self-improvement goals. We discussed the value and effect of smiling. Douglas Horton said, "Smile, it's free therapy." A simple smile can make a person's day. 

When you see someone and they immediately give you a big smile, it's hard not to smile back. It is one of the reasons dogs have been loved by humans for so long. No matter how the dog feels, they seem to always be excited to see us. You'll be amazed by how much more approachable you'll feel. 

Smiles are powerful. 

Jake W.