“A smile is a curve that sets everything straight.”
– Phyllis Diller
Isn’t it just like God to make one of the most simple things one of the most powerful? Take the simplicity of a smile, it is easy to do, costs nothing and yet can transform a person’s inner life, make someone’s day, connect strangers and make them friends, and calm the upset spirit. Pretty strong stuff if you ask me. I agree with 19th Century English writer, William Hazlitt who said: “A gentle word, a kind look, a good-natured smile can work wonders and accomplish miracles.”
Let’s look at three ways that the power of a smile can change things for the Success-Minded Person:
First: When you smile you feel more positive and optimistic. Here is a little experiment for you to try: stand up straight and put a big smile on your face. Now, try to feel bad. Can’t do it can you? Smiling makes you feel better just by doing it. Now imagine how good you can feel if you go through the day with a smile on your face. It effect is how you look at life, treat other people and do your work. Smiling gives us a powerful sense of well being. Richard De Vos said “Few things in the world are more powerful than a positive push. A smile. A word of optimism and hope. A ‘you can do it’ when things are tough.”
Second: Smiling attracts people. People like people who smile. Who do you feel more inclined to talk to, someone who looks pleasant and happy or someone who looks down and discouraged? Author Max Eastman said “A smile is the universal welcome.” When we smile we tell people they are welcome to talk to us. It says we are positive and the kind of people who get things done. In business, a smile is worth more than your degree. It also makes others feel better and more positive. Remember, as Frank Howard Clark said: “Most smiles are started by another smile.”
Lastly: Smiling is good for your health. It is true. Many studies have been done that prove being in a positive attitude and happy tends to make you healthier and more fit. Negative and gloomy people are sick more often and recover at a slower rate. It is also good for your mental health. You cannot be depressed when you are smiling all the time. Douglas Horton said it best: “Smile, it’s free therapy.”
To suggest that you smile more is not a big request or something that is hard to do. In fact, you already have all you need to smile. It is free and takes little effort. You can even do it while you are busy at something else so there is not time requirement. So go on and smile. The world will be better for it. A Mother Teresa said: “Let us always meet each other with a smile, for a smile is the beginning of love.”
© 2011 John Patrick Hickey
