Why smile? Because you can. I do not mean to be flippant. The better question might be, "Why would you want to smile?" -- especially if you are feeling sad, angry or frustrated. I will come to that. Read on.
This week saw the publication of Drs Ron and Mary Hulnick's latest book, "Loyalty To Your Soul." I listened to an inspiring interview with them on Hay House Radio. Among other topics, they spoke about the freedom and benefits to be gained from exercising personal accountability. Personal responsibility -- our ability to respond -- opens the "I can" conversation.
In his new book, "Workarounds That Work," Russell Bishop illustrates the freedom of choice we each have in situations that seem to block us. We have choices. We can.
Philosopher Rene Descartes famously said, "I think, therefore I am."
These days, I would say, "I am, therefore I can."
Celebrity Smilers
Actors Colin Firth, Dame Judi Dench, Julia Roberts, and Leigh Taylor Young have award winning smiles. Even when Dame Judi is playing a serious role, I can always detect a sparkle of humour in her eyes. A smile could break through at any moment.
If you are feeling down and dispirited, you may well have every viable reason for suffering a bad mood. Forcing a smile could be denial of what is so for you in that moment, and stressful. Have you ever "had" to smile to a number of people on a formal occasion, and found yourself suffering from an aching jaw as a result?
There is plenty to cause desperation and distress in our presently crazy and apparently confused world. You would have to be a robot not to be challenged by it from time to time. This is why we need counter measures -- not only to survive in the chaos, but also eventually to thrive, in spite of it.
If you are feeling out of sorts, it is better to take a moment to acknowledge that to yourself inwardly. Then take a deep breath. Let it go. Do not dwell in a heavy mood longer than is necessary. Sometimes, bad feelings are there to catch your attention. Awareness of them gives you choices. You can stay, or you can go. Let go, relax, be patient. Sooner or later, everything changes. Smile.
In my recent post, "Seven Rules For Getting Unstuck," I identified smiling as a key strategy for getting free of a particularly heavy frame of mind and emotions. It amazed me how something so simple and doable could make such a profound difference in my ability to function effectively again.
Here are seven reasons to consider why you might want to smile more:
Which memories make you smile? Whose smile most warms you? I would love to hear from you. Keep smiling!
Please feel free to leave a comment below or contact me at anne@annenaylor.com . For information on my future blogs, click "Become A Fan" at the top of the page.
Follow Anne Naylor on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Anne4Joy
Laura Harvey: Letting Go: How to Release the Past
Anne Naylor: Seven Rules for Getting Unstuck
Reasons to Smile - Health Benefits of Smiling
Another amazing article!
It's true, honest it is.
Thank you for this!
Happiness and joy to you!
Anne
This morning while out walking the dog, I passed a man and he smiled at me. He didn't look like the kind of person who would smile easily. I'd "sized him up" prior to the smile, and I was completely wrong! While he looked to be quite the grumpy type, he flashed a sweet smile at me and it made me light up! His smile was outside my expectations. But maybe smiling at strangers always lands that way. I wonder........ anyway, it was a sweet little moment that touched something in me today.
And then I came home and read your post on smiling and thought, yes! A smile is like a little kiss from God. Sublime!
Thank you so much for this post. I loved it!
Blessings,
Judith
Thank you so much for that most wonderful cameo from your morning. I begin to see how wondrous this 70th year of yours is unfolding...
I had not thought of a smile as being a little kiss from God. I love that!
Here's to many more Kisses coming your way.
With much love and appreciation to and for you,
Anne
So good to see you here again! Yes, I too add hugs when it comes to closing the distance. Thank you for your loving and lovely kind words
What joy to have been paid to giggle and have fun. Now that's what I call a wonderful vocation.
Big hugs right back to you,
Anne
I have an old photo. Its the most remarkable example of the subtleties of the human face. The photo is of a young, very pretty, anonymous peasant girl somewhere in the Middle East. If you take a finger and cover her eyes her expression could be quite bland and emotionless. Move your finger down and cover her mouth and her eyes are smiling from ear to ear; like she's thinking "...are you taking my picture?" Its really a cool picture!
Happiness to you!
Anne
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IyRgt527oL4
Thank you for your comment and the link - I love it! One of these days, I plan to come to New York to experience for myself some of that exciting and wonderful city of New York. A far cry from my quiet Mediterranean shores!
Wishing you a joyous week ahead!
Anne
What a great name you have! I agree it is sad to see someone who seems committed to being miserable.
My understanding is that what we think about, we tend to get more of. So if smiling becomes a focus, we probably have more of it. I smiled a lot when I was writing the article!
Happy blessings to you,
Anne
In the last few years I have tried smiling at people more in those passing situations where so often only a glance is offered, or it seems eyes are averted to avoid contact and at times, there may be good reasons to do so, but most often there are not.
What I have noticed is that people are not only willing (I generally receive a smile in return), but they seem pleased, and at times relieved to drop the patina of protection, false as it is, that avoidance allows... to make contact, to be seen, to be recognized as real.
The seven reasons are all important and beneficial. However, I would put increased emphasis on 4-7 in that they bolster the interpersonal connections so many are concerned about.
There may be value in texting emoticons, and
certainly there is benefit in a happy face on a written note.
But, a face-to-face smile is still priceless,
because a face-to-face connection is too.
After reading your article, I cannot get the "Bye Bye Birdie" song, "Put on a Happy Face" out or my head... truth be known, I don't want to. You are right, smiles are “simple and doable”, and I would add that they are also contagious.
Wonderful article and great advice, and oh yeah... :o)
Lawson Meadows
Thank you for your joyful words! Yes, nothing quite beats the face-to-face smile, and the connection it offers.
I agree with you - people seem to want to smile and sometimes need the invitation of a beckoning smile to do so.
As another person commented about smiling and peace, a contagious, smiling, peaceful world - wow, that would be very nice! I was thinking about that this morning.
Happiness and joy to you,
Anne
But then I realized that it's already covered by reasons no 1 to 7.
There should be a key combination to express that. Any suggestions out there for the toothless smile in the face of destiny?
:-)
What an important point you raise here! Yet, I have know some very wonderful toothless smiles. There remains joy always beyond the incisors, or lack of them.
Something about the smile that speaks of a state of mind that pays less regard to outer appearances.
I suppose that is freedom.
Always good to hear from you! Thank you.
Happiness and joy to you,
Anne
Your comment made me smile! What wonderful images you have described. Very heartwarming.
Thank you!
Warmest good wishes to you,
Anne
Thank you for such a great post!
Eli
Great to see you here and thanks for your addition to the discussion. Smiling is enlightened self-interest when it comes to moving forward. Love this!
Loving and joy to you,
Anne
It is inspiring to me. Thank you!
Joy to you,
Anne
Right now I feel like placing a smile over all those countries and people who are presently in conflict. May we find many ways to grow the peace.
Gratefully,
Anne
All you need to do is stretch the muscles of your face and prepare to feel wonderful.
Which memories make you smile? seeing the face of our godchild Maya
Whose smile most warms you? Deb
BTW Anne - you have a sweet smile :-))
Ed
Thank you!
I love this:
ll you need to do is stretch the muscles of your face and prepare to feel wonderful.
Yes!
Here's to growing a more smiling and peaceful world....
Big hugs to you,
Anne
I am sorry to hear you have not been feeling too well for more than a year. I hope that you will soon be feeling much much better.
With joy and love for your happiness and well-being,
Anne