You’ve probably heard that even faking a smile elicits a positive response in your brain. It’s sort of an “outside in” approach! But today, we’re going to focus on the power of sharing a smile, with a stranger or a loved one.

We all know that magical feeling when a stranger warmly smiles at us. It seems so polite and warm. It’s a positive, human outreach.

Have you ever tried gently smiling during a tense discussion? Not the easiest thing to do (and not meant to be done in sarcastic way!) but give it a shot the next time you find yourself embroiled in an argument. That simple act is enough to diffuse some of the stormy, negative energy.

Smiling at strangers is a great way to break the ice, in a bigger, sociologcial way. Even if the person doesn’t respond, they feel a sense of safety and comfort and you feel the pride of sharing warmth with someone you don’t know. That’s how the world changes!

Get in the practice of smiling at people first thing in the morning. When you do this, you set a trend for the day - one of positivity and hope.

Smiling can take courage in today’s world, when everyone seems so hustle bustle. But take the time to make eye contact and smile with a cashier or an old friend or a co-worker or a family member.

Again - smiling seems like a simple act but guess what? It’s a simple act that has a tremendous, positive ripple effect. Today, try to smile a little more than yesterday. And tomorrow, a little more than today. You’ll find your spirits lifting along with others.

An Iraqui Girl Smiles a Universal Smile