“Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.” ― Mother Teresa
Last night, I was looking through some pictures from our recent visit to California. It was a trip to see our 10-month old grandson, Nico. I noticed that in every picture he had a big, slobbery smile. And, as I looked at the pictures, I couldn’t help but smile too!
I recalled that I smiled the entire time I was in California and Nico’s smile had a lot to do with that! And, the pictures make the smiles return.
You see, smiles are contagious. No matter how you are feeling at the time, seeing someone smile (especially babies) will make you smile as well.
When we are feeling happy we smile, that’s true. But smiles work both ways. When we see someone smiling, we smile, and even if just for a moment we feel happy.
[pullquote]A glad heart lights up the face, but an anguished heart breaks the spirit. —–Proverbs 15:13[/pullquote]
Smiles are very powerful. Research indicates that people who smile a lot live longer and look better. Portman Healthcare’s research says that in addition to living longer, smiles help reduce pain, strengthens our immune system, reduces stress, and makes us more successful.
Some friends will say that they have nothing to smile about. Their problems are too big and complicated to crack a smile. They live with a dull sense of despair. But, you can help.
Your smile can be the spark that helps turn thing around. Your smile can help cut through the despair.
Years ago, while working in my first job, I asked a successful, older fellow worker why he was so successful with women. He wasn’t that good looking, he was bald and overweight, but he was always smiling and surrounded by pretty women.
He said, “Smile at the pretty girls and it will make you feel good. Smile at the not so pretty girls and that will make them feel good. So, smile at all the girls.”
Today, years later, I can extend his thoughts to include everyone. “Smile at everyone you meet and it will make you happy. They will smile back because smiling is contagious and it will make you happy. So, smile at everyone!”
[pullquote]“The expression one wears on one’s face is far more important than the clothes one wears on one’s back.” – Dale Carnegie[/pullquote]
Want to live longer, have a better marriage, be more successful, reduce pain and stress, and strengthen your immune system? Then, start with a smile.
Say Cheese!
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