Smile! Uploaded on August 10, 2007 by ♥ Lin Pernille Photography
Smiling is such a simple thing. Just move your lips, raise your cheeks and squint your eyes. When you smile there’s a good chance that your smile will be returned. Of all the things that are risk-free, a smile is the one for me.
Everyone likes a smile, but so many of us, (me included) don’t share them enough. Even when I fake it, it usually ends up becoming a real smile, then low and behold; soon enough a giggle or chuckle results. When I remember to smile the world seems friendlier and I notice the smiles on the faces around me.
Smiles spread joy and improve moods. Isn’t it hard to stay upset and angry when someone smiles at us? How many of us have felt our frustration or sadness melt away when sighting the wide-eyed smile of a baby?
A smile instantly improves your looks. It reflects your inner joy and helps those around feel more comfortable. Smiles are contagious and spread quickly. Make a game of it and see how many people you can get to smile back at you in one day or one hour. Enjoy your smile. If you don’t feel comfortable, practice in front of a mirror. Sound silly? It works. I’ve practiced smiling at myself in bathroom mirrors when I felt everyone around me was unhappy. Just seeing my own smile while thinking about all those sourpusses made me laugh.
Remember no one can force you to smile – but no one can force you not to either! (Let it be your own sign of rebellion, whenever you’re in a roomful of grumpy people, smile at them all. It can be your secret weapon.) Above all, enjoy your smile and those of others.
I like that smile challenge. It’s almost like being a Happiness Missionary in a sad world…