"Takin' Time Out"

SMILES  Definition:  A form of one’s features into a pleased, kind, or amused expression, typically with the corners of the mouth turned up and the front teeth exposed.

 

Synonyms:  beam, grin, twinkle, dimple, glimmer, shimmer, flicker, wink

 

Having the privilege in my job I get to travel to various cities and am in the general public almost every day.  This past week I was out of town and began to really notice people’s faces as I had an encounter or passed by them.  Most reactions were truly amazing to me.  For the most part, people were so unengaged with a blank hollow look.  They were doing everything they could not to make eye contact and if they did very rarely do they have a Smile.  Several folks had headphones in their ears so their message to me was not only do I not want you to look at me but don’t dare speak to me either.  Have you noticed the same thing while in large crowds maybe at the airport, riding on the public transit system or walking down the busy streets?  It brought back a very vivid memory and made me Smile.  My three girlfriends and I had “Takin’ a Timeout” and went to the “Big Apple” for a few days.  We were bumping into one another as we were walking down the streets in Manhattan, one friend spoke up (who happen to live in a small community) “Oh, my I feel like I am in the washing machine on the agitation cycle, no one here is very happy or friendly!”  LOL…but sooo true!

 

One of my favorite encounters is to watch the reaction of people while on the elevator.  That awkward silence and feeling, you normally get this vibe of please don’t invade my space or don’t dare speak a word.   Have you been there?  That’s when I like to crack a joke or say let’s inhale only especially when it is very crowded.

 

I feel so blessed living in the South, we are more accustom to people being friendly, making eye contact and having a Smile.   Some may even ask how your day is or comment on the weather.  In my hometown I remember Grandpa or Dad giving folks that one finger waive while keeping their hand on the steering wheel driving down the road.  That was their form of “Hi” glad to see you as you passed by!  Dragging main we would honk at each other, a subtle expression of hey I noticed you…

 

While working with my coach we have determined “connections” are very important to me.  She used the analogy similar to the old sitcom, “Cheers”, where everyone knows your name.  I realize we may not be able to sit down at a bar or share a cup of savoring hot tea and carry on a conversation with everyone.  But I do know no matter what language you speak, how rushed you are or what you may be doing we can share one common gesture and that is a “Smile!”

 

While reading the Bible, there are many verses alluding to Smiles…just a couple examples are found in the book of Proverbs.

 “A glad heart makes a cheerful (Smiling) face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed.” Proverbs 15:13 or “A joyful (Smiling) heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”  Proverbs 17:22.  

I don’t know about you but this makes me want to work more on Smiling, being content and happy no matter the situation.

 

I decided to Google Smiling and there was an article that listed 10 reasons to SMILE I thought I would share with you.

Smiling makes you more attractive

Smiling changes your mood

Smiling is contagious

Smiling relieves stress

Smiling boots your immune system

Smiling lowers your blood pressure

Smiling releases endorphins, natural pain killers and serotonin

Smiling lifts the face and makes you look younger

Smiling make you seem successful

Smiling makes you stay positive

 

I remember when I first started in Customer Service, one of our trainers placed a mirror in front of us and every time we answered the phone you were to look in the mirror and Smile.  You know what we found?  It actually changed the tone in our voices.  Amazing you should try that some time it really does work!

 

What reactions are you finding or how do you present yourself to others?  Is this a feature you need to work on?  Hoping you will enjoy your week and “takin’ time out” with a Big Ole Smile!  Special blessing to you until next time…

Quotes:

“As long as you live keep smiling because it brightens everybody’s day.”  Vin Scully

“It takes a lot of energy to be negative.  You have to work at it.  But smiling is painless.  I’d rather spend my energy smiling.”  Eric Davis

“Everytime you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.”  Mother Teresa