“Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, and sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.” Thich Nhat Hanh
I know it’s Monday, and I also know that Smiling makes us happy.
You don’t have to wait for something positive to happen (e.g., Hump Day, Friday, Weekend) to smile. You can start shaping your week, and your zone of happiness by smiling. Smile. Smile BIG. Integrate your eyes, your cheeks, and maybe even your ears. Give it a try on your way to work, and DEFINITELY if you don’t feel like working at all today.
During the mid-19th century, French neurologist Guillaume Duchenne discovered that a smile that raises your cheekbones and squinches your eyes is associated with increased positive feelings that releases endorphins and invites more happiness to you.
This isn’t the time for fake smiles. You have to really get into it. Commit.
This is the power of a smile.
Be mindful of your resting “B” face. Life is not nearly as bad as it might seem in this moment. And, even if it is, the turn-around starts NOW! The turn-around in your life may begin with the simple act of a genuine smile. Give yourself permission to let one slip out of the corners of your mouth, and up toward your beautiful, bright, shining eyes.
Concentrate on smiling today. Let your SOL shine through. Practice shaping your mouth & eyes into a genuine smile. Believe in your own ability to be happy, and you can become your own source of joy. Go ahead! You deserve it! You deserve to be happy, so SMILE!