Smiling more often

Even though I hadn't commit to a New Year's resolution, I was still planning on doing something different this year.

Smiling more.

There are studies that say smiling more often actually makes you happier. You start to feel better and this simple action sends out feel-good endorphins throughout the body.

As I started this new lifestyle experiment, I looked around myself and my everyday encounters. The people that I seemed more attracted to (personality wise) all shared one thing in common. Their genuine smile.

I think about my favorite coworkers and why I look forward to working with them so much. My neighbors to the right of me always get more of my attention than the ones to the left. Some of the friends I hang out with more (unintentionally) I noticed are the ones that always have a good spirit and smiling. And last but not least, Anthony. Every time I introduce him to someone it's all eyes on him. Besides his perfect straight white teeth *jealous* people always admire him and his powerful smile. "Aww, your boyfriend is so nice. I like his smile," they'll say. Or, " Wow, you two match. Oh and is he always happy like that?" And most of the time it's, " I Love Anthony! He's always so positive and has a smile on his face! Do you guys even fight??"

He can't deny that his smile was a big contributing factor to the job he now has today. All he  did and had to do was show those pearly whites and laugh few times during his interview. Okay, okay. Maybe not ALL he had to do, but I like to think it was most of what he did anyway.

It finally stuck to me. Everybody loves a happy person. Everyone likes to be surrounded with good people and positive vibes. So, what was wrong with me and why wasn't I getting the same reaction like Anthony?

Turns out I just wasn't smiling enough. Actually, looking back, I hardly smiled. I don't know what it was, but for some reason I got stuck with the "serious" face as soon as I hit my adult life. I guess when I entered the real world I thought smiling equaled vulnerability.

So here I am. A happy camper, a Mr. Rogers, and some colorful Teletubbies all mixed into one.

I would actually make an attempt to smile to every single body I came across all last month. Whether is was a dog walker, mail man, coffee barista, or a grumpy old man, I kept it up. And you know what? I felt and WAS happier. Even if the person wasn't responsive or showed any interest in smiling back, I still felt good knowing that I left behind my glowing aura of sunshine.

My problems didn't seems  nearly as bad, my boss was more forgiving with me, strangers smiled back, people replied with hellos, I made a couple new friends, and life seemed a little more interesting.

I was more approachable. Coworkers that I haven't spoken to since I started my job 4 months ago all of a sudden warmed, eased and walked up to me.That was a pretty big accomplishment and had helped open more doors in the workplace.

A smile has the power to make people feel good, not only towards others, but with themselves as well. So, smile more often.