I have found that a smile can attract a lot of positive energy in the moment…and beyond.
I’m curious to see if that is universal. Are you willing to add one very, very small item to your 2013 Resolutions/Goals? 🙂 Just for one month?
I challenge you to acknowledge each and every person you encounter this month…with a sincere, radiant SMILE! You can include telephone conversations, too. Simply smile as you say, “Hello!”
See what results from your smile. It could be:
- Smiles from the other person
- Conversations you might not have had otherwise
- General feelings of wellbeing
- Really, anything fun, playful or positive
- Maybe even surprise!
Although they may be more difficult to identify, there can also be indirect effects. Think of the Law of Attraction. Try using your smile as a secret magnet for attracting all kinds of positive circumstances into your and others’ lives.
Let me know what results from YOUR smiles. Come back and leave a comment to this post. Or write about it on your blog, if you have one, and share your link in a comment.
Let’s experiment. I’m in! Are you?
____________________________
Wear a smile and have friends; wear a scowl and have wrinkles. What do we live for if not to make the world less difficult for each other? Â Â Â Â Â
– George Eliot
Hehe, let’s all choose friends over wrinkles!
And let’s all try to make the world less difficult for each other!
Healthy A-Z 
Count me in. I’m going to track my results in a diary, expecting the unexplainable – magic!!! I’m putting it in my calendar to present my “discoveries” 1 month from now. This is going to be so much fun!!! I’m bursting with anticipation!!! Thank you Cyndi for this inspiration.
Yay! I’m looking forward to your discoveries!
I am in 🙂
Wonderful! Enjoy the possibilities!
A lot of studies have been done on this subject. I used to do it with my classes. The results will be very positive and enjoyable!
Great! I’m looking forward to it!
The Ripple Effect of a Smile
Author: Danielle Cearbaugh
Did you know that a smile is contagious? It costs nothing to give, but reaps great rewards for both the receiver and the giver.
A Smile Spreads Good Cheer
Mother Teresa of Calcutta once said, “Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.”
It’s amazing that your simple smile can brighten someone’s day in a moment’s notice. Too often we underestimate the power of a smile. Although it may be considered the smallest act of caring and it takes little or no effort on our part, it has the power to turn a life around—in fact more than one. Like the ripple effect of a pebble tossed into a pond, your smile will spread far beyond the first person who receives it. You never know how many people will benefit because you smiled first.
A Smile Benefits The Giver
Not only will you enhance someone’s day but you, too, will benefit. When you make a conscience effort to smile throughout your day people will remember you in a positive way.
Just the other day I was over at my parent’s house having coffee with them. When my dad handed me my coffee, he said, “This cup is yours because each time you come over you are always smiling.” The cup that he gave me had a big yellow smiley face on it!
What took me by surprise was that even though I wasn’t aware that I was “always” smiling, my dad seemed to notice. My point is that even if people don’t always verbally acknowledge your smile, they will associate you with what stands out most in their minds.
Have you ever noticed someone who is always smiling? Take a moment and think about how they made you feel. Did that person make a positive or negative first impression? When you were at your last party, was there one person that comes to mind whose smile made him or her stand out?
People are always watching you, paying attention to how you react to any given situation. That’s why making sure you have a smile on your face throughout the day can make such a difference in your life and the lives of those around you.
Les Giblin—renowned lecturer and author of the well-known book Skill with People, said, “If you’re not using your smile, you’re like a man with a million dollars in the bank and no checkbook.”
Simple Ways to Be Intentional about Smiling
When someone smiles at you, smile back. I always wonder why people don’t smile at me when I smile at them. The more you smile, the easier it gets.
Smile when you answer your phone. People can hear the difference in your voice, and it can produce positive results.
Smiling makes others feel welcome, special, and appreciated. So when you are with your friends, family, and coworkers be aware of your demeanor.
Think positively about yourself and others. Through that mind-set, smiling will come more naturally.
Smiling even reduces stress. Did you know that stress could actually appear on your face?
Be the first one to smile when you walk into a room.
A Few Facts to Remember
55 % of all communication is nonverbal, and a large majority is in facial expressions, according to A. Barbour, author of Louder Than Words.
72% of people think of those who smile frequently as being more confident and successful.
86% of people say that they are more likely to strike up conversations with strangers if they are smiling.
Knowing that people will remember you, like you more, and be more comfortable with you in conversation, I challenge you to become intentional using your smile to positively impact the people around you. Make it your goal to become the person who is known for your smile.
The smile you pass on today will have the ripple effect that will spread beyond your family, your friends, and your community. It will improve the outlook of others, and it will help you win the affection and friendship of others.
About the Author: Danielle Cearbaugh is the daughter of Todd Smith founder of Little Things Matter.
Thanks! That’s great information.
I’m in! It’s a great challenge for the New Year. Your posts are always very inspiring.
Thanks Cyndi!
So glad to hear that! I’m looking forward to sharing results. See you on 1/11.
Love it! Great way to start the new year. I’m in!
Wonderful! I’m so glad!
Hallo,
I’ve nominate you for an award : ) http://summer4soul.wordpress.com/2013/01/03/a-happy-new-year-to-you/
Congratulations! and enjoy your day.
Sweet greetings, Summer
Wow, Summer! Thanks so much!
You’re very welcome! Enjoy the award, enjoy nthe day and so much more : )
Sweet greetings, Summer
Hi Cyndi, I have nominated you for the Blog of the Year 2012 Award. Here is the link: http://inspire1life.com/2013/01/04/blog-of-the-year-2012/
Congratulations 🙂
How nice! Thank you so much!
I’m in too 🙂
Woohoo! Smile on!! 🙂
What a lovely idea Cyndi!! I actually enjoy doing exactly what you’ve suggested. I will choose to do it more consciously and share my experiences. Blessings of gratitude and love …
Wonderful! I’ll be looking forward to hearing of your experience.
I absolutely love this challenge..:)
Yay! So glad!
🙂
I am in !
Wonderful! Can’t wait to hear your experience.
I’m taking the challenge! this is fantastic!
Great! I look forward to hearing about your experiences.
Thanks for letting me camp out in your blog for a little while today. I had a great time and tried to leave my campsite as good as when I arrived. I’ll be back in a couple of weeks!
Camp out any time! 🙂