I'm a smiler. So much so that multiple people have given me the nickname, Smiley, throughout my life. Even when I'm in a cruddy mood, I can't help but smile when I talk with people. And I'm okay with that.
But I've noticed lately that when walking by myself in the city, I've been sporting what I like to call "City B*tch Face." I don't think it's on purpose. It could be to subconsciously keep the crazies away. Or maybe it's because it's been so sunny and hot lately that I can't help but squint and show my disgust with the weather through my facial expressions.
A few days ago, I was walking from my parking garage into work in the morning and I passed a road worker. I was in a particularly good mood, so I smiled at him as I passed. And to himself, I heard him say quietly, "Que linda." I know enough Spanish to understand that it means "how pretty," which made me feel even happier!
So today, as I walked into work, I was thinking that maybe I should try to retire "City B*tch Face" and make a conscious effort to smile more often.
Today's Assignment: Smile MoreIt might not be as easy as it sounds, especially if you're in a cranky mood. And walking into work for the day is the time when I'm not typically concerned with smiling. But I gave it a shot. I smiled as I got my coffee. I smiled as I passed strangers. And then when I went out to grab lunch, I made sure I was still smiling.
It feels a little funny, smiling for no real reason. But I know that seeing other happy people makes me happy, so maybe I could bring a little sunshine to someone else's day.
Then, as I walked back to work after picking up lunch, I made eye contact with an older gentleman who said, "beautiful!" as we passed each other! Let me say, this is NOT a common occurrence for me! I'm the nerdy gal with the thick glasses. Sure, I get compliments, but it's usually on my shoes or purse. The two days I decide to smile a little more, my decision gets positively reinforced!
So the assignment is easy. I'm just asking that you try smiling a little bit more this week. Maybe as you're grocery shopping, or waiting in line at the post office, or wandering the halls at work. See if you feel any different. I'm sure other people will take notice!
10 comments:
Awesome!!! I love your smile story and am going to smile for the next 3 days!! Thanks for the inspiration! You Rock! :)
A smile makes everyone beautiful. I have had people ask me what I am smiling about and I tell them "just HAPPY, enjoying life!"
Well this assignment is right up my alley as I spend my days doing things to make people smile! I tend to smile alot thanks to my smiley work, but this week I will make sure that I smile even more. :)
Smiling is the best thing anyone can do in order to brighten there day. If we don't smile we tend to feel depressed. Bit by bit until we are wheel chair bound to our negative emotions.
If we smile just a little more, we little a bit longer and enjoy life for the beauty that it is.
The Chinese say smiling can increase your life span by 10 years. Open those incisors a bit more and show people what your made out.
Your site makes me smile! I'm so happy to have found it!! These days especially - we need more people like you! You are really doing something FABULOUS and WONDERFUL here!
Thanks so much for sharing...
:D Lynda
You have a beautiful smile!
This is a great reminder that smiling at someone and making eye contact may be the best part of their day.
Thank you.
I have a similar problem to the "City B*tch Face" (although I guess mine would be "City D*ck Face") when I'm thinking or not engaging with anyone else other than myself. I have a 2" scar above my right eye which causes me to look angry when my facial expression is blank. Just the other day I had a guy say to me, "Hey, don't look so serious" while I was simply writing an email on my laptop.
Your assignment today is a great reminder that although I may not be interacting with those around me, my face always is. I appreciate your perspective and the living proof that smiling is contagious. (I've been smiling the whole time I've been typing this.)
Thanks.
this is the second blog that I read for today which encourages me to smile and I think this is a nice assignment. Let me try it for a week...nope that is too short...I'll do it in a month!
Crucially important advice, Melissa. I love your blog. Every time I read it, I feel blessed. Today, I couldn’t have read much of anything more that would be more needed. I’ve a critical medical issue right now, just discovered, & in the dr’s ofc today, a woman took the time to reach out—a stranger, another patient who’d recently gone thru her own issues. Her smile, her kind words … all literal Godsends. We don’t often think of how much we affect others simply w/our presence. Show a positive face—a smile—& change the world … again, literally.
Thx, Melissa. I’m smiling. You’ve changed my world today.
Thanks everyone!!! I'm so glad you're playing along! I had some trouble forcing my smile this morning because I was SO TIRED. So I might have looked like I was wincing, but I still tried!
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