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I Actually Do. No Really… Like Medically.

Most people say they have a good side when it comes to photos. Me? I actually do. No really. Like… medically.

Because of my brain injury, I can’t control the left side of my face. Which makes smiling for pictures… interesting. Sometimes when people hear I was paralyzed they’ll say something like, “Well your face isn’t paralyzed!” or “Your smile looks normal!”

And I always say, “Well… it is — if it’s real.”

The Struggle with Posed Pictures

See, if I try to pose for a picture, it’s embarrassingly awkward. When I force a smile, the right side cooperates and the left side just kind of… lags behind. I end up looking like a stroke victim whose smile got lost halfway across my face.

So over the years I developed a strategy. Whenever there’s a photo opportunity, I simply turn my right side to the camera — my “good side.” If you look at hundreds of photos of me, you’ll see it every time. Same angle. Same turn. Same side.

Honestly, I’m not even sure what the left side of my face looks like anymore. But something fascinating happens when the smile is real.

When the Smile is Real

When I see my sister Julie — my hero. When I remember Dahlia’s squeaky southern voice. When I hear Eric in my memory shouting the magical words, “ICE CREAM!” Some voices never really leave you.

I smile. Not a practiced smile. Not a “say cheese” smile. A real one.

And when that happens, the left side of my face suddenly remembers its job. It rises up in a sharp little corner that perfectly matches the right. For a moment my smile looks completely normal. Balanced. Natural. Un-paralyzed.

Because that’s what real joy does. It doesn’t have to be forced. It doesn’t have to be posed. And the funny thing is — when the smile is fake, everyone can tell. When I try to manufacture happiness for a camera, it’s obvious. Transparent. Awkward. Really… they know.

The Story of “Lefty”

But the opposite is true too. Let’s say I’m sitting in church and my brother says something that cracks me up. I can do everything in my earthly power to resist laughing because, you know… holy house and all.

But no dice. Apparently Lefty did not grow up in church. That perfect little corner just creeps up all by itself and suddenly my face is broadcasting the inappropriate moment whether I like it or not.

It’s a Lefty Smile. And honestly? It’s by far the best smile I have. Because it’s real. It’s true. It’s from the heart.

Your Lefty Smile

And I think the same thing is true for you. I believe everybody’s best smile is the one you’re trying to resist. Your Lefty Smile.

Because when something comes from your heart, you can’t hide it.

• Real joy leaks out.
• Real love shows up.
• Real gratitude shines through.

You can try to hold it back. But eventually… Lefty shows up.

You see, friends, it’s not just about your smile. When something truly lives in your heart, it refuses to stay hidden. It’s real. It’s genuine. It’s true. And trust me… they know.

Let the Real You Show

So go ahead. Let yourself smile your Lefty Smile. And not just on your face. Let it show up in the way you love people. The way you forgive. The way you encourage. The way you ooze generosity.

Because when something is truly in your heart…

1. You don’t have to prove it.
2. You don’t have to pose it.
3. You don’t have to force it.

It will show up all on its own. So stop trying to pose your life. Just let the real you show. Because that… is your good side. And when it’s real… they’ll know.

Turns out the best side of your life… is the side your heart controls.

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Thanks so much for taking a moment to read this. If it made you smile, think, or reminded you of someone special, I’d love to hear about it. Feel free to leave a comment below or share this with a friend who might need a reminder to let their Lefty Smile show.