Joie de Vivre
16
communities in a positive way. Smile!!! How often does a simple smile raise the positivity level of your day?
We have been so used to not even acknowledging those we cross paths with on a daily basis that we have become callous to the plight of our extended family(our community is an extension of our family that we rely on to help us through this life).
Coming from varied backgrounds and of all shapes, sizes and ages we should all make the small effort to smile! It is an everlasting joy to offer the enlightenment of a smile. Smiles are free yet they are priceless. We relish in the positive energy of a smile.
Case in point, my daughter and I walk to school most mornings. Since our first day there was a woman we would pass on our way with a scowl on her face.
I continued to smile and say good morning everyday from that point on. My daughter asked me why I would keep doing this when she would behave in such a way and just keep ignoring us. I told her that we don’t know what she is dealing with in her personal life but that maybe a smile and a hello will help her in some way.
About a week and a half ago this woman smiled and said good morning to us before we could say a word! It made my daughter smile and we both looked at each other, and simply kept walking (after we returned smiles and hellos). It may not always be easy but the benefit may resonate for a lifetime! Spread the positive with smiles! Start small! Everything starts small and then it grows!
It will enhance your soul and the souls of those you encounter! Smile
Fun Facts
Did you know....
-When you smile, your brain assumes you're happy
-"Smile Therapy" is said to signal healing hormones such as ecstatic endorphins and immune boosting killer T-cells
-Hugs will release Endorphins and serotonin into the blood stream which cause pleasure and negate pain and sadness, lowers blood pressure, decrease the chances of getting heart problems, helps fight excess weight and prolongs life. Hugs will also release Oxytocin, which stimulates and sharpens the senses and increases the functionality of your body Doctors actually recommend getting 15 hugs a day for a healthy life!
Joie de Vivre idea...
Museums have a collection of beautiful things for you to enjoy, and you can do so with family and friends. Most museums have special programs for children and are often free. The Metropolitan Museum of Art currently has beautiful pieces like this showing:
http://www.metmuseum.org/