To pout or to frown was our usual reaction as children, when we felt down or upset. We carry this behavior into our adult selves. Adults sometimes choose to remain pouting or keep on frowning even when things are looking up. Most adults have forgotten the power of a smile. Smiling reduces stress. It elevates your mood. It also gives your confidence and makes you feel more attractive.
There is a popular saying that “beauty is in the eye of the beholder”. This makes us think that we have no control over how beautiful, or not beautiful, we look to others. Of course, the quote is not referring to physical beauty but the beauty within us and our capacity to see the beauty within others.
All of us wish to be beautiful in the eyes of others. However, we often forget to love ourself enough so that we feel beautiful about ourself. If we can’t appreciate ourself, then no one else will see that we are beautiful too. So take the time to appreciate yourself. Look in the mirror and smile at yourself each morning. See how you are transformed for the better by the power of a smile, your smile, as each day passes.
People may not see us as physically beautiful but doesn’t mean we can’t be beautiful in their eyes. The only way they can know that we have beauty inside us is by expressing that beauty. Smiling is the quickest way to do so.
Launch Challenge
Try out this challenge. Next time you want to appreciate someone, look at them and offer a genuine smile before expressing yourself with words. Let the power of your smile serve as a prelude of good things to come. You can also try smiling at yourself in the mirror first thing in the morning.
Feeling upset? It’s ok to feel bad for some time but once you’ve gone thru the hurdles, appreciate yourself and smile. Let your loved ones know that you’re alright again by smiling. This also let’s the Universe know that you are looking forward to better things to come.
Updated. First published on Pinoy Smart Living on 2019.02.17.
Feature Image: Original Photo by Lesly Juarez on Unsplash.