Smile Power

There is power in a smile. The simple act of moving the corners of the mouth upward has the ability to touch the hard hearted and lighten heavy burdens.

Smiling is both evocative and affirming. A smile evokes a response from the one smiled at and affirms their place in the universe. A smile usually prompts a smile in return. There are exceptions, of course. Some people are so suspicious and wounded emotionally that not even God smiling at them could evoke a positive response. You must be prepared for the, " What the heck are you smiling about?" look, because you are going to get it. But usually smiles beget smiles.

I was entering the bank one morning as a woman with a foul scowl on her face was leaving. I held the door open for her and gave her a big smile. She looked at me, hesitated for a moment, and gave me a beautiful smile in return. I felt good and I'm sure she did too.

One of the criteria my mother uses to judge people is whether they smile at her or not. "You know that Bob is such a fine lad. He always has a nice smile for me when he sees me." Bob could have been a hit man for the mob but if he smiled when he saw my mother he was, "such a fine lad."

Before I give a speech I make a point of scanning the room for friendly faces and friendly faces are smiling faces. In every audience there are many who smile easily, many who smile reluctantly and some who haven't smiled in one thousand years. I focus my attention on the smiling faces because they energize and affirm me. Such is the power of a smile.

Even in conflict situations a smile can work to your advantage. When you find yourself on the receiving end of someone's wrath or sarcastic humor look at them, smile gently and then look away. It drives them crazy. It helps if you can add a look of bewilderment as well. There is nothing more disconcerting than someone standing in front of you smiling while you are running off at the mouth in anger.

Begin each day with the intention of greeting people with a smile, even those who look miserable and unhappy. Watch the impact your smile has on them. It won't be long before you too become committed to the captivating, disarming power of a smile.

There is power and beauty in a smile. nnn