Do You Smile Enough?
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!
Never even thought that this picture would make it to Explore - Highest position...
If you don't have a smile, I'll give you one of mine ;D
In the process of putting this mosaic together, I have concluded that ...
19th National Photo Contest was held by Photo Division of Ministry of Informatio...
It took a couple shots to catch a smile!! Sooo happy I got this one for Mom!
God gave you style and gave you grace
This morning at the outdoor market I met this lovely old lady selling small bags...
A smile is a whisper of a laugh.
She is warm, friendly and with a big smile to greet me as her guest s.
What's Keeping You from Smiling?
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?
*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
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!
Amazon Stuff That'll Make You Smile
The Power of Self-Coaching: The Five Essential Steps to Creating the Life You Want
Amazon Price: $10.85 (as of 07/06/2009) 
List Price: $15.95
Used Price: $6.41
WAKE UP YOUNG PEOPLE HANDBOOK: Young People's Guide To Self Improvement
Amazon Price: $17.95 (as of 07/06/2009)
List Price: $17.95
Used Price: $20.66
PSP(sm): A Self-Improvement Process for Software Engineers (SEI Series in Software Engineering)
Amazon Price: $47.99 (as of 07/06/2009)
List Price: $59.99
Used Price: $38.21
Great Stuff on eBay
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand by
Share your opinions. Make me smile!
happiness_setpoint wrote...
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.
Posted February 13, 2009
MicheleT wrote...
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
Posted September 24, 2008
Tillie wrote
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!
Posted September 24, 2008
Serenity_Prayer_Gifts wrote...
Joyful lens! Thanks for inspiring smiles! :-)
Posted September 14, 2008
steimannbernard wrote...
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
Posted August 25, 2008
MicheleT wrote...
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
Posted July 04, 2008
Amanda_Blue wrote...
Lovely lens. And you are right, people don't smile as often as they used to, including me, so I will take your good advice and find reasons to smile more often!
Posted July 03, 2008
MicheleT wrote...
Hi Matthew,
Thanks for stopping by! I have to admit.... I had to put my glasses on and read your name again. I thought Matthew PERRY had visited my Squidoo Lens! hehehe Now THAT'S a laugh. :-)
I appreciate your comment just as much, though. :-)
Smiling does lighten the burden. Sometimes it brings people to tears. I can't tell you the times I've flashed a smile at someone who looked so down and ended up deep in conversation with them. It usually ends in a hug and a pat on the back, with an encouraging whisper in their ear: you can make it. A smile, a hug, and a little thoughtfulness--just a few minutes out of our day!--goes such a long, long way. I wish more people would realize that--like the guys who plow us gals over to get in the door! :-)
*smiles*
Michele
Posted July 02, 2008
Matthew_Ferry wrote...
Hi Michele..=) Such an interesting lens. Yup, we really need this especially in the midst of problems..smiling is such a great help to lighten up every burden..make happiness as your buddy and you'll live a worry-free life..and causes you to be thankful always...congratulations great lens.. =)
Posted July 02, 2008
MicheleT wrote...
Thank you! I'm glad you liked it. The title just popped into my head last night and I went from there. Yes, there is so much negativity. Even in the bad times, we can smile our way through it if we just will. ;-)
...a breath of fresh air
I'm honored you think so!
*smiles*
Michele
Posted June 19, 2008
