Precious Gems from the Vault of Anne

I once gave a speech in my public speaking class on this very topic, but recent occurrences have inspired me to write a post about itl.  Feel free to take out your handy-dandy notebook and jot down a few lines, because I have now stepped into advice mode.

Tip of the day: Smile

Little known facts about smiling:

• A smile makes you look infinitely more attractive. Think about it.  Who would you rather talk to?

  ?  Or...      ?

• There are hundreds of languages in the world and a smile speaks all of them.
• If you're smiling people will wonder what you've been up to.
• Research shows that people who smile more often tend to be happier, healthier, and more successful
• Studies show that smiling has a positive influence in overcoming depression.
• People are more likely to notice, approach, and feel more comfortable around a smiling person.

The fact of the matter is, walking around campus I see too many beaten down, haggard, exhausted, blue, frustrated, and worn out faces.  Perhaps in a lot of cases, people's faces are an accurate reflection of how they are feeling. It's easy to feel down and out as a busy college student or hard working member of society.  But, there are so many reasons to smile, and when you start thinking of these reasons, and start smiling, then sooner or later you start focusing on those positive things rather than all of your worries.  The obstacles never go away.  Sorry, that's life.  But, perspective has a significant impact on the quality of life you live.  Happiness is a choice.  When you're happy in spite of your challenges, and approach the rough patches with a smile, it's easier.  Trust me.


However, I've noticed that a person's expression isn't always an accurate display of what's going on inside. A person may look like they had too many burritos for breakfast or like their dog was just run over by a car, when in fact, they really are having a great day.  People don't think so much on whether or not they are smiling, but perhaps they should.  Exhibit A: 


Last Friday, I was walking home from class, at a rather fast pace.  I was feeling great, the wind was in my hair, it was finally the weekend, and I was going straight home to change and head to the beach.  Unbeknownst to me, a car full of Good Samaritans was driving past me as I walked and was not able to penetrate my thoughts and understand that I was overjoyed.  Before I knew it, the car pulled over onto the grass next to me and two girls shouted out the window, "HEY! Are you okay???"  Looking around and seeing no person crying in despair or children in peril, I realized they were talking to me.  "Oh, me?" I say quizzically, "I'm great!"  Not quite satisfied with my response and hesitant to drive away, one of the girls says, "You looked really upset! Are you alright?  Is everything okay?".  Reassuring them, I say, "Yes, I'm doing well.  Thanks for your concern."  Deciding to take my word for it, the car finally proceeded towards its destination, but not before all of the girls in the car had said things like, "Your shoes are really cute!" and "Have a great day!".  Lesson learned.  Regular, every day Anne face appears to everyone else as hopelessly distraught face.  Yikes.

The point is, smile.  It's a sure fire, easy, way to instantly improve your self-image and make yourself more appealing. It's also the quickest and most cost efficient gift you can give someone.  With 2 seconds and 47 muscles, you can greatly improve another person's day, or at least a part of their day, and make them smile too.  "Smiling is contagious, so why not start an epidemic?"