Human emotions fascinate me — the lips displaying feelings, wrinkled brows, glittering eyes, contented faces. Humans have a tendency to be happy when something good happens. But we seldom feel someone else’s joy.

I capture the emotions of people on my camera, going for the faces of vendors, or shops that trigger my curiosity. I saw a shop shimmering with lights: old, new, vintage, modern, hand-made, factory assembled, and more. But what caught my attention was the owners, three people, all over 65, smiling and welcoming all.

The passion in them was that of teenagers, always on their feet and eager to help. One of them approached me as I was staring at the beautiful lights. I started a conversation with him. It felt like home all of a sudden; it wasn’t just a shop, they made it feel like home.

I didn’t need any lights, but bought one anyway for the sake of the smiles on their faces. They happily packed three lamps for me and asked me to stop by even if I don’t buy anything.

That day I realised that we can nurture a form of this within us. Hug someone even if you are a non-hugger, smile at someone even if you are feeling murky, buy something from someone even if you don’t need it. It might make their day. Try and be the happiness you search for in others, and the light will guide you.

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