It starts with a smile

Your smile can make a difference. Share it to everyone.

Imagine a day not smiling. One would think that one must be having a very difficult day. Come to think of it, a day without smiling. I am sure there are moments in someone's day when you can think of some happy thoughts and things to look forward to, to make you smile. Our smile is a way we display joy. Like all the other emotions, we show it in our faces but showing our smile is so different from anger, disgust, fear, sadness, and surprise. Enjoyment is where we display our smile and it can be coupled with laughter. Smiling is powerful. It is a very profound facial expression. It communicates our internal feelings to the world and at the same time, it signals a very warm welcome to others.

Big smile!

Smiling boosts our moods. It helps our bodies release cortisol and endorphins. Knowing endorphins, it is a pleasure booster which aids in our overall well-being. It triggers a positive feeling in our mind and there are ways to activate endorphins in the body. One of them is by exercise in which movement and the increase of our heart rate stimulate the release of endorphins. Sex, meditation, getting a massage, and laughing are other ways to activate endorphins. Laughing in particular increases this chemical. When we laugh, happy, and in a state of enjoyment, we smile. Smile in itself changes one's day despite all the chaos you are dealing with.

We can create that power to be positive by smiling. There is a lot of power in that expression. Did you notice that when you smile at someone, they are more likely to smile as well? Truly smiling is infectious. Then the benefits of that simple smile will be passed on to other people. It is hard not to momentarily forget all the worries we carry inside. In addition, it has benefits to ourselves, too. Do you not feel recharged? Do you not feel revived? There is a sudden surge of sense of well-being. We start to change our attitude towards things, and we tend to be more optimistic versus negative. We can continue that momentum and carry it throughout the day. You can change your attitude and your frame of mind on how you will face the day.

A smile can also change countless lives. It is magic. Once, that smile is passed on to others. You make them feel accepted and appreciated. The simple expression can ease someone else's pain, anxiety, and worries. It is a wonderful way to share happiness. It is a gift that we can give to everyone. Take note, it is free. This gift transcends and can create a ripple effect. There is tremendous power in smiling as it becomes a gateway to human connection. It helps in calming someone. I remember when Mama was still alive, and we were going to clinics. I was so stressed with the appointment we had that day and I remember that smile she flashed on me after a procedure was completed. It reminded me that even with the most difficult day, you can survive it. I felt appreciated that day and I have so much respect for my mother that day. Although it saddened me to share that story, it refreshed my memory of her face and that beautiful smile.

“A simple smile. That’s the start of opening your heart and being compassionate to others." - Dalai Lama

It is an expression of happiness. When you are outside and you see someone share a smile with them. You may be in a rush or trying to get into your appointment, do not forget to smile. Most people are so focused on their cellphone that they do not even bother lifting their heads to see where they are walking. Some do not even try to be cheerful. It is a gift that we can pass along. It does not cost anything. When we smile, we convey a positive outlook on life. Smile is a universal symbol of happiness. Smiling is recommended even if we are struggling because it preps our mind to start thinking of happy thoughts and this is beneficial for people suffering from depression. It helps in strengthening a relationship. I will call it a perfect bond builder.

It all starts with a smile. I believe in its power to uplift someone's mood and its impact on someone and to the world.