Pizza Made Me Smile—Joy and Love Did the Rest

I didn’t plan to smile this wide today. I just wanted a slice of pizza. But here I am—grinning like a kid who found treasure in a crusty triangle of joy. And honestly? I think you’d be smiling too if you were here.

First, let’s talk about the shirt. Bright yellow, loud and proud, with “You rule!” stamped across my chest like a declaration of love to the world. I wear it because I mean it. You—yes, you—rule. And when people pass by and read it, something shifts. Eyebrows lift. Shoulders relax. Smiles sneak out. It’s like the shirt gives permission to feel good. To be seen. To be celebrated.

Then there’s the pizza. Oh, the pizza. A glorious slice with four kinds of olives—green, black, kalamata, and those tiny wrinkled ones that taste like sunshine and salt. Each bite is a little chaotic, a little perfect. The crust is crisp, the cheese is molten, and the sauce tastes like someone’s nonna whispered secrets into it. I’m not just eating—I’m savoring a moment that feels handcrafted for happiness.

And the pizzeria? It’s the kind of place that hugs you with its atmosphere. The red-and-white checkered tablecloths, the warm stone walls, the smell of oregano and laughter in the air. There’s a couple sharing a bottle of wine. A kid spinning in circles near the doorway. A waiter who calls everyone “amico.” It’s not just a restaurant—it’s a celebration of being alive.

What makes me smile most, though, is knowing this moment isn’t just mine. It’s yours too. If you’ve ever felt joy from something simple—a good meal, a kind word, a sunny shirt—then you’re already here with me. We’re sharing this slice of life together.

So next time you need a reason to smile, remember: joy doesn’t need a grand entrance. Sometimes it walks in wearing yellow, holding pizza, and saying “You rule!” like it means it.

And I do mean it.