1 Smile CAN Change the World

Have you ever had a really bad day, the kind that made you want to cry? You can deny it, but the truth is, we all have them. Days that truly suck! But with the tiniest of gestures, something that literally costs nothing, you can change, not only your day, but everyone you come in contact with. Yes, as trite and naive as it may sound, I do believe that a smile can change a persons whole day and through a domino like effect it can change the world we live in, one zone at time. Have you ever been on the receiving end of strangers smile, or kind word. It elevates your spirit. Those random interactions and moments have broad reaching effects that you may never realize.The best part is, that as much as being recipient is transforming, being the giver of joy and happiness, can be transcendent.

When certain things happen to you, they bring moments of clarity. Life is full of these moments.  I believe that if you smile long enough, no matter what situation you are in, it will change your direction What was once south becomes north, and down becomes up. It won't fix or cure all that plagues the world, but it will lend a new perspective and the ability and power to wield a new courage and positive outlook.

What have you ever accomplished with a sour puss face and a bad attitude? Usually all you earn with that frown and grumpy look is more frustration and trouble. I read once an urban myth about a man who wrote in his suicide note that if one person smiled at him on his way to the bridge, he wouldn’t jump. He was purportedly found dead later that day, proving that such an effortless, insignificant gesture can make a huge difference in someone’s life. True or false, this fable has meaning. A smile costs you nothing, and yet pays much greater dividends than any bet you could make in Vegas. We are taught as children no to talk to strangers, but that doesn't mean you cant smile.

My 20 year old son and I were having dinner together this week and he said something, so simple and yet so profound, I realized all at once how wise he had become and how proud I was to have had some impact on his view of the world. We were discussing how some people seem to believe that the most effective way to accomplishing their goals is through bullying and intimidation. As we discussed several examples of this , Brandon paused and simply said, ..."I think its important to remember that you get much more from people with kindness than with anger. Sometimes you just smile and say thank you, or please, or I'm sorry, and it makes all the difference"....

 I found the following in an article about the smile and thought I would share.

A genuine smile is an index of your happiness. So, put in a little more joy in your smile. Reach out to others and give a little more of yourself when you smile next time.  There are two kinds of smiles, the "Duchenne smile" and the "Pan American" smile.

• The Duchenne smile (named after its discoverer Guillaume Duchenne) is genuine. The corners of the mouth turn up and the skin around the corners of your eyes crinkles (the crow's feet). The facial muscles involved in the Duchenne are difficult to control voluntarily. Therefore, it's difficult to fake a Duchenne smile unless you smile from within
• The Pan American smile (named after the flight attendants in television ads for the now-defunct airline), is inauthentic.It is a perfunctory smile and is nothing but a courtesy smile as in the case of a flight attendant responding to a patron. It's an expression of courtesy and politeness rather than inner joy.

 What smile do you wear most often? Can you feel it in your cheeks and your eyes? 

 Smile though your heart is aching
Smile even though it's breaking
When there are clouds in the sky, you'll get by
If you smile through your fear and sorrow
Smile and maybe tomorrow
You'll see the sun come shining through for you

Light up your face with gladness
Hide every trace of sadness
Although a tear may be ever so near
That's the time you must keep on trying
Smile, what's the use of crying?
You'll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just smile

That's the time you must keep on trying
Smile, what's the use of crying?
You'll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just smile

Nat King Cole