What do puppies, kittens and babies dressed in Santa pajamas have in common? They are just three of the many things that make people smile. But for some, smiling doesn't come easily. Admittedly, on occasion I have been accused of not smiling or not smiling enough.Want proof? Just look at some of my pictures.
My guess is that many of us are not smiling when we take that first look into the mirror in the morning. Sometimes what is staring back may actually be very frightening. But it is that first smile that may be the one the sets the tone for the entire day so force if you can.. And the reason to force that smile? You're up, you're alive and it's a brand new day! Whatever happened yesterday is history and you have the opportunity to start all over again today.
Would you prefer to buy a cup of coffee at the local shop from someone who greets you with a smile and a cheery “hello” or from someone who .......has a 'get it yourself' attitude.
Now I know there are some physiological reasons why smiling is a good thing. It releases some kind of chemical in the body that is suppose to be good for you. I think it's called endorphins. Smiling is suppose to boost your immune system, keeping you healthier. If smiling keeps negative people away, that may be 'living healthier' right there.
I recently had my annual physical. The doctor asked me questions about my diet and exercise habits.
“Do you smile a lot?” she asked. My initial response was going to be a wiseguy one...”only if I know that this office visit is covered by my medicare benefits.” But I thought I'd play it straight. “What's a lot?” I asked.
People smile for all kinds of reasons. They smile when they know their children are safely home from school .They smile when they get an unexpected letter from an old friend. Some smile when the Red Sox have a three game sweep of the Yankees, but an 11-1 win isn't too bad either..
Sometimes people smile as they share funny stories of the day at the dinner table. Just being able to sit down at the dinner table once and awhile as a family may be reason enough to smile.
Successfully completing a difficult project at work can bring a smile, especially when the boss says "thank you" and you get the special parking spot for a week.....in the middle of a Maine winter.
Smiling can be contagious and your smile and laughter may cause someone else to smile. Smiling may not only change your mood, but it may change the mood of a grumpy co-worker or your 'ugly' boss.
Smiling is believed to relieve stress. Look at someone experiencing a stressful situation. All they need to do is turn that frown upside down into a smile ( now that's original!!). It may not solve all the problems, but at least its a move it in right direction.
Sometimes I have trouble deciding what to wear in the morning. Maybe the only shirt I have left in the closet is one that does not highlight my deep blue eyes or my graying hair. (I know...what hair!) But if I put on a smile, maybe no one will notice what I am wearing. Smiling can make you feel attractive and when you feel attractive you possess the 'attraction factor.' WOW!
There are times when it is really hard to smile. But here are a few steps you can take to make it a bit easier. Say “thank you” and watch the other person's reactions.Watch young children at play. Yes... pet a puppy, even if he may pee on your shoe. Spend time with positive people or consider sharing a funny story about yourself. Laughing at yourself can often bring on the widest smiles.
The reality is that you may not wake up every day with a smile on your face. Sometimes you just need to 'fake it' and before long you begin believe it.
And one more thing. If you are smiling, people might wonder what you've been up to! :)
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