Here’s something that doesn’t cost you any money, doesn’t take up any of your time, doesn’t need to be planned ahead in your Daily Plan Book.
The best part is what it does for you. It helps improve your awareness. It gives your busy mind a happy break from the stress of your day. And, at the end of your day it gives you a pleasant memory, (which is good exercise for your brain.)
So, what is this marvelous, magical, mysterious event that doesn’t even use your muscles or your speech either? It’s a simple smile.
At the grocery store: smile at that old gent who is riding on one of those “electric chairs” as he’s up and down the aisles shopping. At the bank: smile at the teller who is counting out some $20 bills for your check. That acknowledges that she’s doing an OK job for you.
At the mall: smile at the half a dozen people you pass. Probably each one will glance your way without smiling. But you are the kind-hearted person who smiles at them, though they don’t deserve any attention from a stranger.
Walking out to the mailbox across the street smile at the young boy on his bike who’s no doubt on his way home from school. That acknowledges that even at his young age he’s noticed by a grown-up person such as you. He might even smile back.
What different kinds of smiles come to mind? When the kids in fifth grade were asked this question their answers ranged from “pleasant” and “friendly” to “uppity,” to “silly,” and “amused.” Take a look in the mirror and see what kind of smile you’d give to a stranger on the bus or in a store.
Kind of fun to think about it; see what bright ideas you come up with. See if you can smile at somebody today. + + +
by Elaine Hardt ©2017
