cece1960

I've done this in the past and can attest to the fact that it can work, if you let it.

So...a challenge to my SR family:

Smile...when passing a stranger, in the grocery store, on the street, in a mall, it doesn't matter where you are. Trust me, you'll get a response and your day will brighten if even just a bit. Only on a few occassions did I have a parent hug their kids a little tighter as if I were a mad woman, but for the most part, the smile was returned. Chances are it will brighten not only your day, but someone elses as well.

So in the words of the late great singer (and therapist ) Nat King Cole:


Smile though your heart is aching
Smile even though it's breaking
When there are clouds in the sky, you'll get by
If you smile through your fear and sorrow
Smile and maybe tomorrow
You'll see the sun come shining through for you

Light up your face with gladness
Hide every trace of sadness
Although a tear may be ever so near
That's the time you must keep on trying
Smile, what's the use of crying?
You'll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just smile

I double dog dare ya!

Ann

I'm smiling here Cece, and will smile cheerfully at all my neighbours when I head out for my afternoon stroll along the water.

I know that I am affected by the mood of people around me, and I avoid negative people as much as I can. But one kind word, one smile or nod of understanding and I am walking on clouds the rest of the day.

Time to pay it forward.

Thanks for the inspiration, sure wish I read this before I went grocery shopping this morning. The grumpiest and most impatient people were all gathered and challenged me in every aisle. What fun it would have been to just smile at each of them and say "lovely day isn't it" and go smiling on my way...next time I promise to do that.

You already turned my mood around just sharing this here.

Nina Kay

I loved that Cece. Thank you. You made ME smile........

Seren

Serenity Bound

cece, I have to admit I felt more like spitting nails this morning...than smiling However, I then read your post and it reminded me of a placket that my dad gave me approx 33 yrs ago....It says

"A smiling face can bring sunshine into the darkness place"

I still have it on the counter in my kitchen.

newnormal4me

Omgosh...you made me cry, lol. I LOVE this post! And it helps that you featured a song from my mom's favorite artist of all time. This is a keeper and so true. THANK YOU!!!

Kindeyes

I'm up for the challenge and I'm smiling right at YOU Cece!

and as usual, I'll offer you a gentle hug as well
ke

qpapq

I like to actually say Good morning too, spooks some people sure, but the smiles you get off others makes up for it..

*Grin*

Ann

mooselips

GREAT POST!!!!!!




(sometimes when I drive through McD's, I give an extra $5.00 if I can afford it, and tell the gal to apply it to the next persons bill.)

greeteachday

Great idea, Cece Thanks! I wasn't feeling well today but passed the smile on in the waiting room and saw some glum faces settle into a smile.

Nina Kay

Cece, I did complete your challenge today !!! I would say, " where's my prize for taking your dare"? But the prize came right away from everyone that I smiled at & then I got an even bigger prize in that I was in a better mood all day !!! Thanks for the challenge !!!

Actually, truth be told, I have always been a big smiler to everyone, but I'd gotten so many down-the-nose looks lately while dealing with depression & other things, that I'd actually started to shy away from smiling at just everyone. But after reading your post that made me smile, it seemed to just revive my determination to smile anyway & I felt more positive & more like myself today. Thank you so much Cece for initiating this.