Smile

SMILE!

While writing this blog, I was in the Charlotte airport. Actually, it was in the Ladies Room...  that I experienced the most fun, happy, helpful facilities assistant! EVER!! Everyone was greeted, “Hey pretty lady! Come on in!” She was wonderful! She told a little girl, “Hi, Pretty Girl! Did you know this is the Pretty Girl Bathroom!” Her goodbye to everyone was “ You have a happy day, honey!! God bless!!”

Her smile seemed so “unusual” in such a blasé, for the most part, environment! I mean, airports are like their own little planets, right? And most of us lose our personalities and walk around like robots!

This lady totally broke through the sterile “unresponsiveness” and smiled and laughed and sang, whatever the response from others! Her energy, zeal and kindness was totally refreshing and inspiring!!

How do we make smiling and interacting with people around us natural and easy for our families, and even for ourselves?

We can start by choosing, declaring and living out  some key assumptions! Why not assume that:

#1: EVERYONE NEEDS ENCOURAGEMENT

They do!! Whether today, or later… most everyone is positively affected by words of encouragement!

#2:  EVERYONE ENJOYS A HAPPY PERSON Even when they act like they don’t, show your joy anyway! Don’t worry about it! Just love people & SMILE!!!!

#3: SMILING IS WORTH THE RISK OF REJECTION

It is definitely much more fun to live free & happy, compared to living a  self-conscious, inhibited life! When people feel your kindness is fake, keep loving everyone anyway!

Assumption #4: EVERYONE WE MEET IS A POTENTIAL SPECIAL NEW FRIEND

Wow, when you smile, it’s an invitation for to people to be your friend. Look for new lifelong friendships! They are waiting just for you!

Assumption 5: EVERYONE WE MEET COULD RESULT IN A GREAT LEARNING EXPERIENCE!

Who knows, that person you make a point to acknowledge and say hello to,  may turn out to be an incredibly interesting person you can learn from!

Reality Check: Our families reflect our own level of excitement about any given day. I want to stay alert, engaged and responsive!! And I never want to miss opportunities to bless someone or get blessed!

Here’s the great news: WHEN WE DECIDE TO

KEEP A SMILE ON OUR FACE… we not only encourage others, WE ENCOURAGE OURSELVES!

Our kids can tell you that “smiling was emphasized in our home”. When people walked into our house, when we met new friends, or when people were talking to us…. it was important to smile/engage/respond and let them know they were welcome and what they were saying was important to us!

I vividly remember years ago in the middle of a busy, get-it-done day, glancing at myself as I whizzed by a mirror in our home… oh my! There was definitely not a smile on my face!! In fact, I think I scared myself!! Let’s just say, I screeched to a stop and ADJUSTED MY FACE!! Lol.

Awareness of our countenance is huge, especially when setting an example for our children.

Sometimes, we need to slow down, relax and make sure we are enjoying our family and blessings! AND BE AWARE OF WHAT OUR FACIAL EXPRESSIONS ARE COMMUNICATING!

SMILE! Whether we are having a tough day, dealing with tough people or being thankful a tough season has ended… our simple choice to smile will help us live life in patience, strength & gratitude.

Who knows? Maybe someday our kids will tell us, “I love the way you smile and stay happy, no matter what’s happening! Thanks, Dad! Thanks, Mom!”

Throughout the day, it’s great to take a moment to assess & regroup!

And don’t forget to look in the mirror every once in awhile…. and SMILE!❤️

Never Give Up!

DeAnza Duron