How much better would your life be with a little more smiling? Sometimes the greatest gift you can give someone, is a friendly smile. It can become contagious. It can go viral.
Have we not all marveled at the massive success of a song, someone’s noble efforts or simple yet thought-provoking words gone viral? Well, how about making smiling go viral?
Have you ever walked along, deep in thought, perhaps even in a melancholy mood, to be meet by another person’s wide grinned smile? Can you remember how it made you feel? How did you respond? Did you smile back, or did you walk past trapped in your autopilot?
I’m met with a smiling face, I am jolted into friendly awareness followed by a reflective, wow-moment…. a reminder that I could use more of that. It’s never irritating or threatening. In fact, I usually appreciate the gesture and start smiling at others. Smiling is contagious.
I’m not suggesting that being self-contained at times is a bad thing. But looking inwardly often requires that we connect outwardly and notice our surroundings. It’s part of being mindful. So welcome life’s joyful interruptions and smile back. Or better still be the one to initiate the smile.
My story… Recently I ordered a chai latte at one of my favourite latte shops. While waiting for my drink to be made, I moved away from the counter to chat with a friend. After engaging in conversation for longer than anticipated, I moved back to the counter sure that my latte would be ready. However, to my frustration, my server hadn’t even started brewing it due to a communication glitch. I was annoyed, impatient and down right unfriendly as I inquired about my drink.
The woman barely noticed or should I say, took notice of my rude behaviour and proceeded to make my drink. As she was completing it, she looked up at me with a wide grin and asked, “Would you like extra foam on it?” Her smile was totally neutralizing. I could no longer be angry. AND by the way, how did she know I loved extra foam? I smiled back responding “Absolutely”, humbled, but more importantly, shifted by the experience. I left feeling lighter and happier and spent the rest of my afternoon, smiling at others. Go figure. So simple yet so powerful!
My request of you… Spend one entire day smiling at everyone you pass. Notice what happens and how it makes you feel. Chances are you’ll feel a whole lot happier. Plus I guarantee that you will create a ripple as others pay it forward. Your smile will go viral. Share here your experiences around smiling.
Happy browsing! Happy smiling!
Welcome in a new season by smiling!
Vivian
“A smile costs nothing but gives much. It enriches those who receive without making poorer those who give. It takes but a moment, but the memory of it sometimes lasts forever. None is so rich or mighty that he cannot get along without it and none is so poor that he cannot be made rich by it. Yet a smile cannot be bought, begged, borrowed, or stolen, for it is something that is of no value to anyone until it is given away. Some people are too tired to give you a smile. Give them one of yours, as none needs a smile so much as he who has no more to give.”
~Author Unknown
About Vivian
Visionary storyteller, Vivian Hitchman, authors inspirational, imaginative, and empowering works, with a focus on helping people understand life’s meanderings.
Through her writings, she encourages kids to be resilient and steadfast against negative input, helping them to find the positives in their experiences.
Applying her years of experience and expertise as a life coach, Vivian challenges readers to move beyond their limiting beliefs, negative self-talk, and destructive patterns of behaviour, helping them gain greater resiliency and fulfillment in their lives.
