The Magic Of A Smile

Growing up in a cement forest where most people brisk walked and always in a hurry, not many people smiled. Strangers on the street were not expected to have any meaningful eye contact. Everyone was rushing, trying to get to their destination. If you smiled at a stranger, you would most likely be thought of as crazy.

It was an entirely different experience when I went to college. In the Midwest, people there (mostly students) did not seem to be in a hurry. When someone walked pass me, he or she would smile and acknowledge my existence. It was a gesture of silently saying, “How are you doing? Have a good day.”

The power of one simple smile does wonders. When someone smiles at you, you most likely will put your guard down. You are probably less likely to be angry with someone, even if they did something wrong. Seeing someone’s smile puts you at ease.

A smile may indicate you are welcome, you belong here. A smile may be a sign of approval. A smile may be an ice-breaker in a dire situation.

I am talking about a sincere and genuine smile. A forced or fake smile does the opposite. It makes you feel out of place. It makes you want to avoid interacting with that person. You probably will not want to pay attention to anything that person is about to say. A fake smile may imply there is something to hide, either the emotions, the actual circumstance or the project at hand.

Be your authentic self and smile. Think about things that will make you smile, make your heart melt, and feel lighthearted. Heighten your awareness when you are smiling. What are you thinking? Channel the positive attitude.

Smile with your heart. A genuine smile comes from positive emotions. Positive emotions, in turn, comes from what we are thinking. I believe we can find something positive in all circumstances.

Smile from your entire being. Smile on your face will be sensed even when the facemask is on. It is natural to smile when you are thinking about someone nice, an act of kindness or if you are coming from a place of gratitude.

Smile with your entire face, especially when you are wearing a facemask. Others will experience your smile and will see it through your eyes.

The effect of smiling is contagious. Smiling calms down fear and decreases worry. Smiling may also boost your confidence. The effect of smiling is in those who smile and those who receive the smile.

The challenge is to smile even when you do not want to. In situations of fear, find something you can be thankful for.  When you are angry, focus on something you can be happy about. There is always something positive, even in a dire situation.

I invite you to smile always. Smile big. Smile sincerely. Notice how a smile can influence your emotions and your physical being. Pay attention to see how others react with your big smile.