Smile and the World Smiles with You!

June 13, 2016

We all know the power and magic of a smile. We have all basked in the warmth that radiates from someone’s grin when directed at us.

 

A smile…that silent hello as you pass by a stranger leaves you feeling touched by love. A smile signals acceptance, encouragement and gratitude. A smile can calm anxieties and fears. A smile lets someone know that you care. A smile opens the door to your heart.

 

A smile tells people they’re valued and that you see them…really see them. Smiles are morale boosters and confidence builders.

 

Think of the times when you walk down the street and smile at a stranger and…they don’t return the grin. You feel momentarily bereft, pained. I know I do.  

 

I’ll let you in my secret. When I‘m teaching or lecturing. I am always anxious and nervous, seriously so. What if they don’t like me? What if I forget what I am talking about? What if I forget my name? What if…? What if…? I used to make myself insane before every…single…event.

 

Then I discovered something, purely by accident. I was lecturing and said something that made the crowd smile and laugh. Wow! The energy in the room was electric. I couldn’t wait to do it again. And so I discovered that, for me, the way to feel warmed and welcomed by the crowd is to make them laugh…and quickly so that we can all relax and open our hearts to each other.

 

If you want to get all Bill Nye on the subject, research shows that smiling increases people’s perception of attractiveness and likeability. Smiling creates greater trust and increased “connection.” When you smile at someone, you can help them relax. Smiling even relieves stress.

 

Smiling…even when you don’t feel like it; can lift your mood and make you a happier camper.

 

We live in interesting times. Let’s celebrate smiles! How will you lift the spirit of your little world? Will you challenge yourself to smile more? Will you use smiles to ease a tension-filled moment? Tell me all about your joyful endeavors today and let’s get this idea trending with #SmileNow added to all your posts!

 

And remember…

 

“Do not let the world change your smile…Let your smile, change the world!” (author unknown)