We all know this but so often are wrapped up in our own concerns and forget to make use of this God given feature that boosts our morale.
To remind yourself of the impact a smile has, try staring straight in the mirror; betting is you will see the lines on your face & sometimes our appearance can be something of a shock! We can receive this ‘shock factor’ occasionally when we catch site of our expression in a shop window. Now look back at the mirror & smile. Watch how your whole face lifts drawing attention towards your smile which instantly becomes your best feature dimming everything else.
‘Smile, you’re on candid camera, say cheeeeese.’
We do prefer to see our friends & family smiling when given a choice. There are many beautiful serious photographs which are intended to provoke specific emotions but ultimately the smile is easiest to interpret and the most comfortable to view.
My sister made a comment regarding her walk to work where she cuts through the graveyard and on her way passes an elderly man. Everyday he takes the time to smile & say good morning which has a really positive affect upon her entire day. That few seconds of acknowledgement makes her feel like a person and not just another cog in the wheel of life. Bearing this in mind, if we take a few seconds to smile at others we too could have a positive affect on people.
Of course, there is the ‘fake smile’ used by shop assistants & others who try to sell us their products or services, also used by swindlers and let’s not forget the smug and sarcastic smile. Even some of these are better than a blank stare!!
The greatest smile expands into laughter. Laughter is known to be the best medicine & is contagious, but once again it may depend on our mood. If we are in a happy mood things seem funny yet the same things fall as stones to the ground when we feel low. Whatever is going on in your life, if you choose to be miserable you will simply drive people away and have very little to smile about. On the other hand, if you try to rise above your problems, to some extent a smile creates a better emotional framework in which to review your situation. Monty Python took positive initiative to the extreme in the infamous film, ‘The Life of Brian,’ summarizing life & death in the song, ‘Always Look on the Bright Side of Life.’... Whereas the film is highly controversial & often deemed offensive, this song does contain some real truths worth bearing in mind & from the comments below the video has helped many people to cheer up. Here is the link for those who wish to re-visit the song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxQgXgS5G3c (highlight, right click & follow)
GIFT OF A SMILE
A smile can make things better
Make burdens appear a little lighter
Put the warmth back in a person’s eyes
And create a spark in the darkness
A smile is not an answer
But an enabler for solution
Visualize a landscape without smiles
Miles & miles of sorrowful faces
Heaviness ensuing, capturing the moment
The lightness of a smile is a precious gift
Given freely to every person in every nation
Real smiles for real people
As easy as 123... SMILE!
Jaz McKenzie
Your poetry & articles welcomed. Please send to itsbraap@live.co.uk
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