I am a change warrior who works with organizations and individuals on ways to move forward. But if anyone asked me for the simplest way to drive change, I would tell them this –
Smile.
No, I am not promoting a local dentist. I am promoting the easiest tool we have for lighting this world UP.
Today, I walked into Officemax, feeling a little fussy. . .
I have a lot of work coming my way (good news) at one time (typical consulting issue) and needed to get out of there quickly.
I talked to Ben, the print shop employee, and then walked up to a cashier to pay for additional items. She didn’t see me right away, and was singing the gospel tune, “His Eye is on the Sparrow,” which happens to be one of my favorites.
She caught me watching her and ducked her head, saying “You know, some days you’ve just gotta sing.”
“Yes you do,” I replied. “And the good news is you have a beautiful voice,” I replied.
She look up at me and smiled. And that smile illuminated her face and broke my fussiness into a thousand little points of happiness.
On the way out of Officemax, I smiled at Ben in the print shop. I think I creeped him out a little, but it felt good anyway.
If you want to change the world, try smiling at it. . .
Smile at those who make smiling a challenge. Bare those pearly whites and feel your anger dissipate. Your fists unclench. Your gut relax.
When you look in the mirror, do the same.
I have a bad habit of looking for new wrinkles and stuff in my teeth. Today, I tried smiling, and I realized that the smiling face was the face given to me by a loving creator.
A smile is our natural state of being. And, you know what? It feels like home.
Let’s work together to change the world.
One smile at a time.
5 comments. Leave new
You are so completely right. I remember telling my children that what they see in their friend’s face was a reflection of their own. It truly is like looking in the mirror.
Have a wonderful day.
What a wonderful message for children, and one I’m going to keep in mind myself. Thank you!
I heard on a TedTalk that a smile brings you the same amount of endorphins as 2000 chocolate bars. Probably at least that much for those who receive the smile, too.
Wow, Adela, I had no idea! And no calories involved. That is a win/win. 🙂
What a great outlook to have and very inspirational. It does work I just don’t always remember.