December 14, 2020

250. That’s how many times an average kindergartener laughs in a day.

7. That’s how many times an average adult laughs in a day.

Take a moment and just think …

…just think of how often you laugh in a day?

…just think of how often you smile in a day?

…just think of how often you influence someone else to laugh or smile in a day?

These are important questions to ask because the real answers matter.

I’ll never forget being told by my elementary Principal: “That smile isn’t going to take you everywhere in life, Alyssa.” Those words still ring in my head, and here’s why:

He was right to a point – I wasn’t embracing my potential as a student. Yet, this is what I know to be true: Our smiles matter. They have positive power. They are one of the most captivating gifts any of us can share.

When we smile we put other people at ease.

It’s amazing at how much more comfortable and secure we are when we smile at one another and how much discomfort and insecurity we cause one another when we go around with sour looks on our faces.

When I chose to step away from my corporate life and launch my own business, I recall having this sense of loss connected to it…when I started peeling it back, one of the main aspects I was missing was having a lot of people with whom to share my smile! (I know this one may make you say, “What?”—yet it’s real. Smiling throughout your day lifts who you are from the inside out.)

Laughing and smiling have the power to change your attitude. That’s right! Your face sends signals to your brain that you are happy. Your brain literally responds to the nerves and muscles in your face to determine your emotional state.

When you’re stuck on a frustrating or distressing thought, forcing yourself to smile counteracts the negative emotional state. When we relax and smile, it makes us (and those around us) feel better.

Intentionally Own It!  Each day, ask yourself: “How often did I smile or laugh today?” “What can I do that will foster more happiness in my every-day life?” “When I do, how will this improve my overall sense of well-being?” “How will this intentional choice of attitude impact those around me?”

Let your smile change the world, but don’t let the world change your smile!