We all have something special we can share and it doesn’t cost a thing. Using it ourselves is a powerful mood-booster. The physical act of doing it actually sends a message to the brain that you are feeling great. What is it?

Smile.

Lift the corners of your mouth in the shape of a smile and something magical happens. You feel better — instantly!  You might even find yourself grudgingly chuckling, as you realize it’s been a while since you smiled for no particular reason.

One of the most incredible things about a smile is that it is contagious. You can catch one faster than you catch the common cold.

Try it today. Go out there in the world and see how many people you can infect with your viral smile.

Look for the person who is distracted by their own thoughts — you’ll recognize that tell-tale frown and impatient sigh.  Call out a friendly greeting, and smile at the person.

Guess what? It doesn’t matter if they think you’re a bit crazy.

We’ve gotten into a bad habit in the past years, of being so afraid of “strangers” that someone could live on the same block as you do and you’ll scurry past without acknowledging their presence.  Social media on the internet is breaking open this pattern of shutting people out of our lives. Now we chat with perfect strangers and we enjoy the connections!

So give it a try in the “real” world — at the gas station, the laundromat, the grocery store, the  hardware store– be the one to take the risk and SMILE.  Don’t be stingy with it, go ahead and…

SMILE!

And pass it on. You’ll feel better, and you will be part of the new happiness movement.

Tag — you’re it!

Your happiness guru,

Evelyn