Backstory
My mother used to urge me to smile more often. Seems I was a rather sullen pre-teen whose expression was too often a scowl. Turns out that I needed glasses. Once I could see well, there was so much beauty and joy around me, it was impossible not to smile.
I later passed the smile advice on to my daughter. She was a very serious teenager whose frequent frown made her look downbeat. She took the advice and her demeanor changed dramatically.
When she started climbing her career ladder, she discovered the power of a smile in business dealings. The division she headed was comprised mostly of people older and (she seemed to suggest) wiser than she. I advised that positive responses come more often when bad news or corrections are delivered with a smile. She’s been enjoying smiling success for years.
Who Makes You Smile
Is there a person in your life who can always make you smile? Someone who seems to be able to brighten the darkest day . . . find hope in the most confusing situation?
What a gift it is when we have someone like that. It could be a spouse . . . a sister or brother . . . a friend or even a co-worker. I hope you get to be in their company often.
I wonder if the person who makes you smile knows that she or he has that talent. Do you think they set out to brighten people’s days? or do they just do it naturally, just by being themselves.
What would it take to become one of those people?
The first thing, I suppose, is the smile. The smile has to come naturally and be real. There’s nothing worse than a smile that beams one moment and extinguishes or becomes a frown in the next. So the smile has to be sincere.
And the desire to be kind and help has to be innate. That doesn’t sound so hard. Why not give it a try?
Do two things.
- That person who makes you smile – let them know. It will mean a lot for them to get that feedback
- Follow their lead and become a person who makes others smile
Hey – you just made the world a better place!
P.S.
So we’ve been smile advocates in my family for a long time. You?
[Show #628]
Annette, you are one of those very special people. The minute you enter a room your beautiful smile lights up the entire area and fills it with the joy and happiness of your inner beauty. This in turn puts a smile on the face of every person with whom you come in contact. This effect is not limited to the In person world it also translates every Sunday morning when you speak your wonderful words of wisdom to us. You are, indeed, one if a kind and you always put a smile on everyone’s face, especially me. 😊❤️😊❤️
My dear friend, your kind words touched my heart.
The world needed jolts of joy, hope, love and kindness. I seemed to have a few and folks started to listen. The stories have been on the airwaves for 14 years now with some 700 of them in the library. I get excited as our reach extends to Facebook, YouTube, GRAND magazine, guest blogs, additional radio stations and streaming services.
So glad to be able to send one to you personally, Ken, each Sunday morning. Thanks so much for writing out your thoughts on my paper.
Thanks so much Annette. You have an amazing ability to always say just the right thing at the right time for someone. And you are so right about smiling on the phone.
I just glanced at the bottom of my screen and it registers: 86 Sunny. Fitting
Such a talent to put a smile in your voice. You do! It’s always a pleasure to talk to you.
This is such wonderful, important advice. Even beyond the impact you described, smiling can actually change the way your voice sounds on the phone. And I have actually gotten myself out of a blue mood by looking in the mirror and making myself smile, even when I don’t feel like it. Those smile muscles are wired to a positive feeling.
You’re right, Elizabeth. It’s scientifically good for you. Also elderly ladies who smile are prettier than those who don’t. Keep that for future reference!
Good morning Annette. You always make me smile! Thanks for a good message. Hugs
Good to hear from you, Pat. Keep well.
Love those hugs, Cathy.
Great advice!!!! Thanks for sharing. 😀 have a blessed day!!!!!