Smile Awhile

SMILE AWHILE

A smile is a facial expression formed by flexing the muscles near and throughout the mouth. It is a universal expression indicating pleasure, sociability, happiness and amusement. Research indicates smiling has been understood and used by all human societies always and everywhere. Human babies are born with the ability to smile. What person has not found joy in a baby’s smile? Smiling is often related to laughing. Everyone has heard the quote, “laughter is the best medicine”. Smiling is documented to boost your mood and immune system all the time reliving stress. It takes more muscles to frown than to smile. Some have said a smile can change the world. Smile more and more often.

A Person Who Smiled

Mother Teresa of Calcutta was known to be a person of great charity and love. Mother served the poorest of the poor and dying in the slums of Calcutta, India. Mother had many reasons not to smile: lack of money, multitudes of people seeking help, dealing with corrupt government officials, etc. However, she was known for her charity and peace. Mother’s life work was serving God caring for the needy and dying with a smile on her face and joy in her heart. 

The following quotes about smiling are accredited to Mother:

“Peace begins with a smile.”

 “Let us always meet each other with smile, for the smile is the beginning of love.

 “Smile at each other. Smile at your wife, smile at your husband, smile at your children, smile at each other- it doesn't matter who it is- and that will help to grow up in greater love for each other.”

“Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, and kindness in your smile.”

“The person who gives with a smile is the best giver because God loves a cheerful giver.”

“Let us make one point, that we meet each other with a smile, when it is difficult to smile. Smile at each other, make time for each other in your family.”

 “Keep the corners of your mouth turned up. Speak in a low, persuasive tone. Listen; be teachable. Laugh at good stories and learn to tell them...For as long as you are green, you can grow.”