The Power of a Smile

I expect that many of the folks practicing true spirituality (their own beliefs) will already be aware of this phenomenon, and will be enjoying the results on a daily basis.

In our existing world of ever increasing harshness it is getting harder to maintain a positive outlook during daily activities. Every direction you look, and everything you hear or read is filled with depressing events and news. From the moment we wake up each morning we are all bombarded with stories of devastating occurrences, both locally and global. So what small thing can we do to spread a little cheer?

If you compare the positive and negative results from a smile versus an angry word it becomes clear. As an example, say you have harsh words with the gas station clerk. Now this clerk will have a bad day, and probably act harshly and rudely to other customers. These customers will take these ill feelings off with them to wherever they are going. They may take their bad attitudes back to their family or place of work. Family members may get snapped at, or co-workers may get rudely brushed off. So now, all these people that were treated poorly carry bad thoughts to even more people that will get treated roughly. All this can keep expanding outwards for a long time. All these negative chain reactions were caused by your initial rudeness.

One smile is all it takes. This sets the ball rolling in a much better direction. You can use yourself as an example. Remember the last time a stranger gave you a nice smile and you smiled back? It made you feel much better knowing that there were amiable people out there. if you go to the grocery store, try having a few friendly words with the clerks as they are processing your items. Ask the workers how their day is going. Tell them that they look nice today. Compliment them on their looks, attitude or professionalism. Make them feel like a real person, not just an unappreciated employee. Now this person will have a much better day thanks to you, and more than likely will be more pleasant to all the folks that come along after you. These people will leave the store feeling a little better about the day and carry their positive feelings with them. The good cheer goes home with them and spreads out to their friends and family. Starting a positive chain reaction will do a lot of folks some good.

Now you understand how the whole thing works. It may not work with every one you come across, but every little bit helps. Try it a few times and see how that returned smile feels. One simple and honest smile that is returned to you will brighten your whole day, and then you will appreciate what the folks you are smiling at will experience. Just try this please, as you have nothing to lose, but you sure can accomplish a lot of good.

Enjoy your day, and thanks for reading.