A simple gesture can change your world. Some people may look at a smile as a little gesture, but the impact it can create can be far bigger than we imagine. There are times that the very simple thing can carry so much power. A few days ago, I walked into a supermarket to buy a few things. Then I saw a little kid of about 3 years or so with her father. I smiled at the kid, she smiled back and came and hugged me. It was so divine. Then the father came close and we exchanged pleasantries. I had never met them before, but that was how I became friends with the man, and we even exchanged contacts. A smile brought us together. A smile might look like a small expression, but it can make a very big difference in our world.
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I have also come to realise that a smile can change your attitude. It is true that there are moments when life may not go as you had intended or planned. You may have experienced some challenging moments, or disappointment, or tough times that may even make you to question tomorrow. But what you should know is that your situations and your circumstances should not determine your attitude. Sometimes, when you choose to smile, you are reminding yourself that the situation you are facing currently is not the end of the story for you. This is not saying that the smile will remove the problem, neither will it solve the problem automatically, rather it will help you to face the problem with more hope and more optimism to solve it.
A smile does not only affect you but it can also brighten someone else's day. The people you meet each day may be facing some very challenging and tough times, and may even be running out of hope. But a true smile from you and some pieces of encouraging words can restore their hope, and also make them to realise that they are part of a people who genuinely and sincerely care for them. Your smile can send a very strong message to them that your presence matters a lot, and that they are not alone. Sometimes, what people need might not be money, they may not even need influence, nor some extraordinary abilities, to make a difference in their lives, but something as little as a smile can create the difference. A true smile can be an expression of genuine kindness.
A good smile can build a strong relationship. You will agree with me that humans are generally drawn to friendliness, warmth, and sincerity. When you smile often, you will make yourself appear approachable, and you will create an atmosphere around yourself that will make people to feel comfortable with you. Whether it is at home, in your place of work, among strangers, or even around your neighbourhood, a true smile can open doors to meaningful conversation that can lead to a lasting relationship. A true smile might not be able to resolve every disagreement, but it can communicate goodwill and kindness, which makes it easier for people to relate well and for peaceful coexistence.
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A true smile can also be a sign of hidden strength. Smiling during tough and difficult times does not mean that you are pretending that everything is fine. It does not mean that you are denying the pain, but it means that you have decided not to allow the pain to overshadow your hope. You can acknowledge your challenge, recognise your struggles, seek for help and assistance, feel weak, but all these should not take away your hope that things will get better. Smiling in the midst of your struggle is a strong reminder to you that you can overcome your challenge. It also reminds you of your determination to keep moving forward irrespective of what is happening at it moment.
It is worthy to note that smiling is not what you do occasionally when you feel like, but it is what should be a lifestyle for you. Smiling should be part of your daily life. You do not have to wait until everything is perfect before you allow yourself to smile. You should appreciate the little things around you, appreciate family and friends, greet people warmly, celebrate your little wins, be grateful for the gift of life. Remember that life is valuable, so you have to make every moment to count.
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