10 Reasons to Smile
I love working a couple days a week at a book store! Our bargain section is full of books that beg to be taken home and consumed. They also are inspiration for topics I want to share with you. Last night 1,033 Reasons to Smile caught my attention. Between the weather, the last remnants of the “flu” I’m still battling, and some other less than pleasant circumstances in my life right now, I decided buying it couldn’t hurt, might help.
Well, some of the entries are pretty lame. It didn’t take me long to figure out why it was only 2 years in print and already on the bargain table. Probably a nice gift to take along on a visit to a friend in the hospital but NOT a gripping, recommend it to everyone you know, type of book. But it did inspire me for today.
We all need to smile more. Not just to make it through the rest of this interminable winter but to exercise some facial muscles and relax those muscles that are creating frown lines, to make us feel better on a daily basis. Take a few minutes away from what seems to be grim reality to visit a much pleasanter place and think about what can make you smile. If we let it happen some of our smiles can actually turn into laughter. Laughter releases some really good stuff in our bodies , stuff that boasts immunity, lowers blood pressure and decreases stress/tension. Someone last week shared with me, and it is such a human condition, that she had a hard time not laughing when someone slipped on the ice……this is why American’s Funniest Home Videos was on TV for so many years !!!
Here is your homework. I’m going to share my list of 10 things that make me smile. I want you to do the same. When you finish reading this (or right NOW if you want) make your own list. You can do it. Your really can come up with 10. The funny thing is once you start and have written down two or three, more keep coming to mind. Try it. I would love for you to share your list in the comments section here. First one to share a list wins a free copy of the book 1,033 Reasons to Smile.
MY LIST OF TEN REASONS TO SMILE (even though it’s still winter)
Roller skating rinks
Finding your old Nancy Drew books in a box in the attic
Sno-cones
Smell of Coppertone suntan lotion
Baby’s laughter
Older couples holding hands
Riding in a convertible
Daffodils
Maple syrup buckets hanging from maple trees (ok, I admit, I’m REALLY ready for spring)
Smell of fresh laundry
Coloring books
Finding a $10 bill in your purse when you thought you only had $1’s.
(SEE – I couldn’t keep it at 10 !)
Think about it !