A smile can go a Long Way to Heal and Change your mood

I grew up in New York City where I was told "don't make eye contact". You busily ran down the street either with your eyes kind of blanked out or looking down (definitely served the dual purpose of making sure you avoided stepping in something gross). I reserved my smiles for my friends and family and places I went where I did know the people (The laundromat, the local store, the block I grew up on on the Upper East Side, etc.).

Now I live in upstate NY and everyone makes eye contact and smiles at each other. I never realized how contagious a smile could be. It can change my mood if I am out and busily running errands and the woman in front of me smiles and hold the door and asks how I am. It took a little getting used to but I quickly got into the swing and know now that running errands can change my mood for the better. One smile (if in a bad mood) is all I need and I pass it on and I feel pretty confident the people I passed it on to will continue the progression. Most of the time I am in a good mood and start the progression. It's a nice way to look at being out and about town instead of concentrating on my lists and being in a hurry. How long does it take to pass on a smile? Less than a few seconds!

I had always heard that it took many more muscles to frown than to smile. I did some research on this and it seems the numbers have been told different through time (how many muscles each takes). But the truth of it is -- it DOES you MUCH better to smile -- so the next time you are frowning TRY and turn it into a smile and see what happens. I have gone through some trying days (as everyone has) and I can truthfully say if I stop and make myself think of something funny or happy and smile -- I start to feel the pain of my mood relieved and I felt healed. It's such an easy thing to do - the only thing you've got to do is remember and to stop and think long enough to execute a smile and a good memory, joke or picture - how long does that take?

I became aware of the new movie put out by some of the same people featured in the movie The Secret. It's name -- Pass it On -- what it's about -- passing a smile as well and good energy and knowledge on. A smile is a good way to start. Writing this blog entry changed my kinda blah mood I woke up in and made me smile. Now out to pick up my daughter and take her out for a walk so we can spread some of that joy! With the dimples she's got she always has people returning her smile! My beautiful kids Alex & Christina are pictured above.