Smile

 

 

If you’re having one of those days when you’re feeling a little low, here’s my antidote for you – SMILE!

You’re going to turn around and ask me, ‘What for? I’m feeling low, my partner’s getting on my nerves, my child has been acting up all day, my dog’s been gnawing at the furniture, my boss just called to cancel my leave and the kitchen sink is blocked – and you’re telling me to smile!’

Hmmm….I do understand that it’s difficult, but experts list out several reasons why smiling can make us feel better and even be healthier. I’m just going to dwell on one – and that is smiling can make you feel happier. Apparently smiling can trick your body in to changing your mood.

I’m no scientist but I’ve found that to be true. So when I’m feeling low I sometimes go to the mirror and make funny faces at myself and then I give myself a great big smile – and immediately I feel better about myself, about the situation that’s getting me down and about life in general.

I guess this is what Thich Nhat Hanh, the Vietnamese Buddhist monk and peace activist meant when he said:

Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile,
but sometimes your smile
can be the source of your joy.

Have you smiled today?