In the Sunshine of Your Smile

The dictionary says that a smile is a facial expression in which the eyes brighten and the corners of the mouth curve slightly upward and which expresses especially amusement, pleasure, or approval. It is to “look joyous,” or “to have an appearance to excite joy; to contract the features of the face in such a manner as to express pleasure, moderate joy, or love and kindness.”

Zig Ziglar, the premier motivational guru tells us.........
"Generally speaking, the first thing we notice when we meet a person is the smile (or absence of one) on their face. A favorite compliment is, “You certainly have a beautiful smile.” Factually, there are very few things that influence for the good and give more encouragement than a sincere smile. Henry Miller said, “There is power in a smile. It is one of the best relaxation exercises I know of.” Joseph Addison said, “What sunshine is to flowers, smiles are to humanity. They are but trifles, to be sure, but, scattered along life’s pathway, the good they do is inconceivable.” Several years ago a study revealed something that most people have known for a long time. After weeks of testing the appearance, personality and attitudes of subjects and their influence on others, the professors at Yale University discovered that a smile is the single most powerful force of influence that people have. That’s good news, because all of us can generate enough energy for a smile. A smile has been identified as the “little curve that sets a lot of things straight,” and we’re often told that if we see someone who does not have a smile, we should give them one of ours. However, we must do more than smile if we’re going to be successful in having a long-term impact on other people. If we’re really going to influence people after we’ve gotten favorable attention with a pleasant smile, we must communicate with sincerity and honesty. Now, obviously, a university study should not be required to know that, because the saying is still true that you communicate what you are. In summation, a warm, friendly smile is a very fine thing. Think about it."

Nat King Cole, and later, his daughter, had a hit musical piece, Smile. Many other artists have shared this same message regarding the importance of your smile.

Your smile makes you feel happier and healthier and even infects those around you with a dose of HAPPY!. Smiling is the outward expression of happiness, but even if you're not feeling particularly gleeful, smiling anyway decreases stress and improves mood. It's like tricking your brain into feeling good! A beautiful smile can impact the level of self-esteem you have as well as confidence. ... In fact, studies show that those who have a more beautiful smile tend to be perceived as more confident and successful by their peers.

So, JUST SMILE!