Buoyancy

At aqua aerobics this morning, the instructor Sandy Sakwa reminds us, “Turn your smiles up.” She puts forefingers to her mouth and pushes the corners toward her cheeks. “It’s easy to do,” she says. “You’ll feel better. It will lift your spirits.” Everyone laughs and smiles. Music pulses from Sandy’s portable blaster; the sun shines; the water sparkles and laps at our torsos as we frog-jog across the pool floor, knees bent, arms flapping. Later in the deep end, we stretch out on the water’s surface and roll like otters. I feel lighter, happier. I want to remember Sandy’s words during the week and be buoyant on land.  :( Turn your smile up.