Came across two people yesterday who refused. Made me think about how little it takes to do it, but how much it means when you do, to someone else, and for yourself.
I did some research. From the free dictionary online: a definition of the word smile.
1. A facial expression characterized by an upward curving of the corners of the mouth and indicating pleasure, amusement, or derision.
2. A pleasant or favorable disposition or aspect.
I’ll have a #2 from the menu, please.
Number one is too easy… move a couple of muscles in your mouth in an upward curve and there you have it. Number 2 is more difficult, because you actually have to think about something pleasant, see something you like, have a good disposition, or look upon something as favorable. Or maybe you do it because you notice the invisible sign hanging around the other person’s neck which says: make me feel important.
I have my own thoughts on the meaning of a good smile, but first I decided to dig a little deeper, and get other people’s perspective. If you want to become more, other people matter, so do their opinions. And I found a good one, from another blogger on WordPress. Looks like an oldie but a goodie, cause a smile never goes out of style.
The blogger is Apri, a boy who now lives in Indoensia. Most of his blog is not in English. But lucky for us, this page was translated into something we can all understand. Here is a list of Apri’s Top Ten Reasons to Smile: http://apri10.wordpress.com/2011/05/01/the-meaning-of-smile-d/
Apri’s thoughts and others I took a look at share a common theme, and without a doubt, I have to agree. A smile takes but a moment, but the memory of it can last forever. One study found that people who smile actually live longer. I figure if you smile enough, other people want you to live longer too, because you are giving back something which costs nothing to give, but enriches the life of someone else. A British scientist found that a single smile generates the same level of brain stimulation as that of 2,000 chocolate candy bars. Ain’t that sweet?
A smile is powerful expression. It is a reflection of my big three, gratitude, appreciation and love.
Even if the smile is in a text, or from one of those emoticons. While I was wrapping up this blog downstairs in my office, I got a text from my wife, who is upstairs, still in bed. This is our routine in the morning. I get up early, take my phone with me and at some point, when she wakes up, instead of shouting downstairs, she sends me a text, (emoticon), with a picture of a coffee cup. Easy to understand. For us men, the simpler the better. I just sent her a response back: 🙂
Time for some service, with a smile.
Until next time, thanks for taking the time. And have a nice day! 🙂
Mark
A cheerful way to start the day…thanks!
Thanks Marilyn. Have a great Sunday!