 |
| This is the smile. Not too creepy right? |
I say they used to stop me. That seldom happens anymore. Why you ask? Well because I've trained myself to smile all the time.
Okay, before you have me committed I want to assure you that I'm not talking about a Heath Ledger as the Joker smile, or a full blown toothy grin. I'm talking about just turning up the corners of my mouth ever so slightly so that I don't look so menacing.
I started this because I was tired of people on the street stopping me (that can be a little creepy all by itself) and I was tired of my kids asking me "What's wrong mommy?" But after a while, something magical began to happen. When I engaged the muscles in my cheeks to turn "my frown upside down" (blech) I began to FEEL like smiling. I could feel my mood shift. Sometimes it was dramatic and sometimes more subtle but it never failed to make me feel better.
Yesterday as I was rushing to meet the bus and busy contemplating the murder of my boss who was the reason I was rushing to meet the bus (I really do love her...most of the time), when I suddenly realized that I was sporting the face with which I was born. I turned up the corners of my mouth and poof! My mood began to shift and by the time the bus came I had decided that murder was probably not the best solution and that I really do love my job.
Amazeballs people! For reals.
So since some of us might be a little grumpy because we aren't drinking alcohol or aren't eating sugar or getting laid enough or aren't in the Bahamas, give this a try. It won't get you drunk or laid or suntan, but it might just change your mood today.
Namaste
Often in work meetings someone will say "Do you have a problem with that?" no I'm just thinking!! Clearly I frown when I'm deep thought.
ReplyDeleteFeel it, lived it, love it...great post!.
ReplyDeleteSuch a good reminder! Doing comes before feeling. Yes. I know but I forget that over and over. Great post!
ReplyDeleteSo great! And yes I do the same thing when I'm feeling glum now.. I force myself to physically smile and it does really make a difference. I never got to comment on your last post but day 17 here of the Whole30 and going great guns. I have to be honest and say that while I don't feel crap I also don't feel amazingly glorious.. I feel just good.. a very good good, so I dont think I'm going to get the unbelievable high that some people seem to get (maybe because where I started from wasn't that bad?,or maybe it's still to come?) but I am really appreciating the consistent good feeling with no sugar guilts or sluggish mornings. actually now that I type that maybe I am feeling better than just 'good'.. anyway.. one thing is for sure I am definately going to be making some changes to our family's ongoing diet.. way more protein and veges and less pasta and bread.. so look out D family Mrs D is on the healthy warpath! xxxx
ReplyDeleteYou are so beautiful! I can't wait to give you a big fat hug. :)
ReplyDeletep.s. I HATE it when people tell me "Smile!" when I'm not. So that would have driven me bat shit crazy. Um, hello stranger? Don't worry about how I'm feeling. :) :) :) lol
Awwww...thanks Amy. (blushing)
DeleteSherry
Firstly, Sherry is that you on the photo?!
ReplyDeleteYep...that's me my friend...
DeleteSherry
I get people telling me to "smile, buttercup!" (well, not buttercup, but I threw that in for dramatic purposes). I just tell them it's my game face (it is - it's always at work I am told this). Used to drive me batty too, but that's just me. I don't feel the need to enlighten people and direct them to how they "should" feel and look. None of my business. I guess people care? Who knows...lol.
ReplyDeleteFunny, I have recently been doing the "smile for no reason" thing, and it does help in some ways. i do it on my bike doing to work, so perhaps motorists think I may have gone mad. That's fine. At least they don't have to tell me to "smile, buttercup"
Lovely pic :)
Paul
Thanks Paul! You guys are so good for the ego.
DeleteCrikey! Just recently my colleagues and I spoke about how we create images of the people we speak with over the phone and how these images NEVER correspond with how these people look in real life. But the image that I had of you, is almost spot on with your photo! I only imagined you with a tad longer hair. I am not saying this to flatter you, but of course hope that I do, but you do look stunning. You radiate strength and your eyes tell that you have close to laughter. Your appearance truly match your inner personality. And I will say this for better or for worse... you look slimmer than I had imagined *grin*
ReplyDeleteVery nice to see you, Sherry dearest!
I too have a mouth that naturally turns down and when I was younger I many times got the question why I was grumpy or sometimes angry even. Those questions always came as a surprise, because I was not at all grumpy or angry. But after such question - oh yea I was grumpy.
Then I got my first Summer job as a waitress and my manager told me to Smile! I felt so fake! But that job had me getting over my shyness and smiling to strangers for no reason at all. It sure was beneficial, because I got a response from people that I had never gotten before.
To this day, when I look at myself in the mirror I automatically pull upp the corners of my mouth so that it goes from grumpy to smiley (almost a little Mona Lisa like hahaa). I agree with you entirely, smiling changes our mindset - thank you for the reminder. And for your wonderful post!
Have a GREAT weekend, lots of love to you gorgeous!
Remember my wonderful friend that I've seen pics of you and you are beautiful.
DeleteThank you for the lovely compliments. You've made my day.
Here's the funny thing...you are exactly as I pictured as well...except I thought your hair was longer too!
Sherry
Everything about this post made me smile... mostly because I was laughing. Good stuff, good reminders. Thank you
ReplyDeleteNo creepy at all! "Beautiful" is the word i'd use!
ReplyDeleteNote to self...post more selfies - bloggers are really good for the ego!
DeleteHow fantastically lucky and blessed this man can be to have such a beautiful woman, who after 30 years, is STILL in love with me and I with her....we are indeed the very best couple and family that we know or have ever met...I love you baby!!!
ReplyDelete