The SMILE Challenge Results – Part 1

The responses I received to my smiles during the past month were actually not as I expected them to be…especially my own response, but I’ll save my personal reflections for Part 2. I had just assumed my smiles would result in many more smiles and perhaps a word or two. We would all feel better and the world would be a better place. No wonder I’ve been called a Pollyanna.

(Actually, I’m proud of being called a Pollyanna. It may be intended as a statement to bring someone back to “reality,” but I consider it a great compliment. Why wouldn’t I want to see the good in every person and situation?)

I had not anticipated the number of averted looks or even quizzical looks I received. It definitely wasn’t the majority, but it always caught me by surprise when it happened. And try smiling at a mom with her kids in a grocery store…just before dinner time. You’re definitely competing for her attention. And all of that is okay with me. Maybe the next time a stranger smiles at one of them, it will feel more natural…and they’ll smile back.

The most responsive ones were the youngest and oldest people I encountered. Do you think that is because they are the least hurried during their day? Or because they aren’t usually the ones staring intently at cell phones or iPads? I’m wondering.

The younger ones actually made me smile bigger, every time! They live in the moment and know how to play. They’re great at engaging you in their current game as soon as you smile in their direction. Ahhh, to be a kid again, and to remember how to play just for fun.

The faces of the older ones often lit up with a big smile in return. Many times, there was a look of delight or pleasant surprise on their faces. Sometimes they even greeted me or exchanged a few words. I wonder whether their open response comes from being raised during a different time when people interacted more in person. Or is because they generally have less attention paid to them in their later years and appreciate the extra kindness and attention? Hmmm. When was the last time you really looked at an older man or woman…and just smiled?

My favorite experience was with the garbage collectors. Whenever I caught their eye and gave them a smile and a wave, it was ALWAYS returned. From my smile, I hoped to convey how very much I appreciate the work they do. Can you imagine otherwise? Oh dear!

Let’s keep smiling…

(Photo credit: Less Stress by Oasis Advanced Wellness…with my addition of “MORE SMILES”)