I like to smile. But when I do, the skin around my eyes crinkles into what people like to call Crow’s Feet. Those are the wrinkles radiating from the corners of your eyes.

At some point, after years of smiling, Crow’s Feet don’t even leave your face when you’re not smiling. They become a permanent part of your persona.

Smiling isn’t the only reason people develop Crow’s Feet. There are other causes of Crow’s Feet as well.

For example, hard physical effort often makes us grimace, which has the same effects on our face as a smile.

I’ve grimaced my way through thousands of miles over the years. Those hard track workouts. Difficult climbs on the bike. Even when I put on goggles to swim, my Crow’s feet crinkle under the rubber cups keeping the water out. That can be a problem.

Now that my Crow’s Feet are forever etched in my face, it is possible to claim them as a sign of aging. I accept that. After all, I’ve been alive a full six decades on this earth. There has to be some signs of that existence here on earth.

Perhaps as an infant I first grimaced or smiled in a manner that would someday lead to Crow’s Feet. So one must claim the look as a source of pride. Those are hard-earned wrinkles, but also signs of much laughter, joy and love.

And besides, Crow’s Feet are kind of cute, don’t you think?

You can’t run away from Crow’s Feet. But then again, who would want to? They’re a sign we’re still alive and smiling, grimacing and going about our ways. Caw caw caw!