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How to Make People Smile

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Do You Smile Enough?

I notice every time I go out people don't smile as often as they used to. Everyone is rushing around, to and fro. And what's up with the men who plow us ladies over to get in the door? What happened to common courtesy, respect, and a little gentlemanly decency?

Anyway, we can all smile frequently throughout each day. So why don't we? I guess it's because numerous worries have so many of us weighted down, bowing beneath the burdens of life: bills, relationship problems, cancer... stress of all kinds.

Look at These Guys and Gals

They're Apparently Finding Something Worth Smiling About!

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What's Keeping You from Smiling?

You don't have to live through a smile-free day just because things aren't going your way. Even though the weight of the world is on your shoulders, you can find a sense of peace and joy in even the smallest of things life has to offer. A bird singing the praises of a new day as you leave the house to go to work. What, you didn't hear him? All those chirps just faded into the distance as your mind raced with busy thoughts of what lay ahead in your day? You didn't notice the child riding their bike, squealing with glee because they just pedaled to the end of the street without training wheels? What about the quiet neighborhood kid who doesn't seem to have a grasp of who they are, bending over to pick up the newspaper at the edge of the street, so they can deliver it to the little lady who can't fetch it herself?

You missed all those things as you got in your car and drove block after block. You were blind to the little treasures of kindness, joy, happiness, and smiles the world has to offer us each and every day!

There are countless ways to make people smile and to find your own smile again.

But first, let's focus on turning your frown upside down!
  • Open your eyes, heart, and ears to what's going on around you. Take a few minutes, seconds even, to pay attention to the child you see riding their bike without training wheels for the first time. Allow yourself to tap into that innocence and joy. Let yourself feel their excitement.
  • Slow down long enough to really take notice of the rough and tough neighborhood kid who picked up that newspaper for the elderly lady who couldn't. It shows strong character. That's a smile-worthy moment!
  • Keep your eyes open to anyone walking along looking sad. When they glance your way, greet them with a big ole smile! Maybe they'll return the favor, and you'll feel good to have had a part in brightening someone's day.
  • Do something different that you normally wouldn't: splash in the water, play a sport, sing karaoke, or just some crazy (but safe) thing. Lighten up. Life is so short.
  • Look at the destruction happening around us: fire, floods, earthquakes... Is your home safe? Are you alive? That's worth being thankful for, and smiling about.
  • Watch for opportunities to help someone. Maybe it's a person in the store who drops something and for whatever reason (age, injury, disability...), they can't pick it up. Take a minute to help them out. Almost every time you'll see gratitude sparkle in their eyes. It'll make you smile--and them, too!

What? Still Need MORE Reasons to Smile?

Try these things:

*See a funny movie.
*Buy crayons and a coloring book and release your inner creativity!
*Make up new words--a favorite of mine is wonkerdoodle. I made it up one day and now I call people this word when I'm trying to make them smile!
*Ride a bicycle.
*____________ (fill in the blank) What makes you smile?

Articles to Make You Smile

The 'R' Word
What happens when people don't smile...
Fortune Cookies and Patience?
The universe screams patience.
Writing, Storms, and Rainbows
Inspiration that will help you smile through the bad times...
Door to Your Dreams...
Shares an encouraging quote. Inspiring message that will make you smile and dream...

Ways to Make Other People Smile

I remember as a kid always trying to make other kids smile. I'm still that way. I have extra empathy and insight, a gift some don't possess. I pick up on the slightest of burdens someone is carrying--even if I don't know them. So, how exactly do we make people smile?

Most of the time, these tips work!

Frequently the tips I've listed above that will make you smile, will make others around you smile at the same time. But here are a few ideas specifically for making someone smile.

*Smile first. It's amazing how often that smile gets returned.
*Compliment them on their outfit, a recent success, or anything positive to enhance their self-esteem.
*Give them a big ole hug!
*Make a silly face!
*Call them a wonkerdoodle! (See above "Try these things.")
*Bake cookies, a casserole, or even buy a dish or dessert to give to a neighbor, someone who's sick, or just feeling down.
*Tell them love them
*Do something special to show that you care.
*Sing karaoke! It'll make everyone smile and laugh--hopefully not at you!
*Dress up as a clown and visit a hospital.
*Deliver thoughtful gifts to patients.
*Clean out the garage (I know that will make someone smile!
*Be nice. Like the old saying: a little kindness goes a long way!

I wish you lots of smiles and happiness, and a fresh sense of peace, joy, and the ability to make others smile!

Here's a Reason to Smile: Take a Trip!

Have you been feeling uninspired, depressed, detached from life? Be adventurous and travel somewhere new! Or maybe you want to go back to a familiar place. Plan a trip. You deserve a little vacation. And don't forget to see how many people you can get to smile all along the way!

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Amazon Stuff That'll Make You Smile

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Share your opinions. Make me smile!

  • Jun 18, 2010 @ 11:59 pm | delete
    I love to smile and even more to bring a smile to someone else's face, so I really enjoyed your lens! :D Lensrolled to Smiles and Smileys, Get Happy, and Joy Breaks.
  • guardianstar77 Apr 4, 2010 @ 3:16 pm | delete
    Delightful lens, Michelle! Full of great ideas of ways to make people smile, and little reminders of why WE should be happy. Loved it. I am lensrolling it to my What's In a Smile Besides Teeth lens and using it in the Discovery Tool for that lens. Great job! 5*
  • MicheleT Apr 4, 2010 @ 6:16 pm | delete
    Wow. Thank you! I'm very honored that you love my lens so much - and that you linked to it as well. Much appreciated!!! :-D
  • happiness_setpoint Feb 13, 2009 @ 7:06 pm | delete
    Nice lens! You've definitely got some smile-worthy tips and information in this lens. I'd love it if you'd drop by my lens and say hello when you have the chance.
  • MicheleT Apr 4, 2010 @ 6:14 pm | delete
    Thank you so much! I'm honored that you enjoyed my lens! :-)
  • MicheleT Sep 24, 2008 @ 11:06 am | delete
    I'm so glad you stumbled here too, Tillie! What a beautiful poem you've shared from your dad's wisdom! Thanks so much for stopping by and taking the time to share a little sunshine!!!

    *smiles*
    Michele
  • Tillie Sep 24, 2008 @ 3:13 am | delete
    Hello Michelle ... I googled "happy" and found you. What a happy chance!

    I always go by this little poem my father gave me:

    It was only a sunny smile
    And little did it cost in giving,
    But it shattered the morning light
    And made the day worth living.

    It works every time!

    I'm so glad I stumbled upon this blog!
  • Serenity_Prayer_Gifts Sep 14, 2008 @ 10:36 am | delete
    Joyful lens! Thanks for inspiring smiles! :-)
  • Aug 25, 2008 @ 9:31 pm | delete
    being happy is the main concern today sometimes lots of things could trigger to make us frown or even feel bad:) reminding this thoughts of idea to smile at all times could really put as at ease and brighten our day with positive thoughts

    i rated this 5 stars!

    if you have time to know more about fine jewelry or men jewelry you can visit my lens as well!

    thanks
  • MicheleT Jul 4, 2008 @ 6:21 pm | delete
    Hi, Amanda!

    Thanks so much for your comment. I'm thrilled that my lens has helped you realize you have more to smile about, and that even when you don't feel like smiling you can look for reasons to. That's awesome! :-)

    *smiles*
    Michele
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MicheleT

I'm a freelance writer and blogger. I love to smile and to find creative ways to make others smile.

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