THOUGHTFUL THURSDAY
Power of a Smile
Researchers have found that smiling, evokes a feeling of happiness and has many positive effects on our overall wellbeing. On my morning walks I’ve encountered many people on the road especially these days. But to my surprise, a lot of them were, well, grump misers. I would smile and give them a nice “Good Morning” a few would respond but a lot would just grunt and keep going.
My parents always told me stories of how I was the happiest baby, always laughing and smiling and I still am. Truth be told, it just makes you feel good. Sure, life isn’t perfect and things go wrong for all of us, but it comes down to what are you going to do with that curve ball life just threw your way. Are you going to be miserable or are you going to make the best of it and find something to smile about. Personally I prefer to find that silver lining in the cloud.
With all these morning grump misers, I thought I can’t let them be this unhappy, because happiness and positive energy is contagious. So I upped my game. I started giving everyone a big smile with a resounding “Good Morning!” And if that didn’t work, the next time I’d add in a twinkling little wave along with my big smile and greeting. I was determined to share the happy!
Funny thing started to happen, even the grumpiest people would get happy when they saw me coming their way. The happiness and positive energy has been so contagious, that they are now, seeking me out for that “Good Morning” smile and it’s just really nice to know that your smile and positive energy has the power to brighten someone else’s day.
We have unusual circumstances these days where many of us are in environments where we have to wear masks a lot but you can still see a smile in a person’s eyes and you feel the positive energy radiating from them. So don’t use that as an excuse not to smile and share the happy. Imagine how different the world could be if more people would share a smile and positive energy.
Who did you share your smile with today?
“Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.” Thich Nhat Hanh
Thanks for stopping by, Share the Happy!
Flowing Waters Art 
I so agree. I’ve been walking daily for the past 2 years. When the Covid shut-down began, I began making a point of smiling and saying hello to everyone I passed. You’re right–some people were grumpy. But a lot more would suddenly return a big smile and a hello. Nowadays, I pass by a lot of the same people and as soon as they see me, they’ll give me big smile and a wave. Hopefully, I’ve made a tiny difference in this world.
LikeLiked by 1 person
No, I’d say you’ve made a BIG difference. Keep sharing the Happy!!! 😊
LikeLike
People have varying degrees of suffering….more than usual….given the covid rearrangement in our lives. I too smile and say hello on my walks and, while I have made some new friends in the neighborhood, some prefer to isolate and turn down the connection. I think it is a coping mechanism. So….whatever gets you through the night.
LikeLike
True, everyone deals with things differently. But I’ll never give up on trying to share the happiness especially with those who seem to need it most. It’s just stronger than me.
LikeLike
For sure…….they do need the love. Some have more difficulty letting it in.
LikeLiked by 1 person