Yes, you may need to "work" at awakening. By Grace, for some, awakening happens in a moment of remembering you are far more than the story you have been living. And then peace and Joy can arise from within rather than being something elusive that one continues seeking and seeking and seeking. But quickly such remembrance can become clouded over with the familiar sensations, thoughts, and feelings of the story, most especially those experienced repeatedly since childhood. And so, the "work" becomes finding reminders, remaining present to what you have remembered, and engaging in practices such as resetting the nervous system with slow, deep breaths and yes, smiling more often. And is that not the kind of work one could en-Joy?

You are so very loved.