It's The Little Things

[Guinhyvar]

It's such a simple thing, this act. It takes but a moment, seconds, and you can do it for free. You can do it big or small. It doesn't cost you a thing- not time, not money, not anything. But it can pay such high dividends, although you might not know it.

What is this miracle thing that I am speaking of?

A smile.

A smile is a total act of kindness. A smile is something that you can do, without extending yourself, to a dozen different people everyday. You might get some weird looks in return, because people don't expect random strangers to smile at them, but usually... you'll get a smile back. And that feels goooood.

You never know who it might affect. Mostly people will just continue on with their day, forget about you entirely, even if they smiled back. But there will be that one person who remembers, one person who has had a crappy day and remembers that someone was nice to them for no other reason than to be nice.

Small, simple, easy.

We get so wrapped up in our lives, our issues, our thoughts. We're taught to be aware of our surroundings and the people in it. We're supposed to be polite and courteous. And yet, the simple act of meeting someone's eyes and smiling at them for no reason other than just to do it is a rare one. Think about it- how often do you see people in your everyday life, and how often do two total strangers look at each and smile as they are passing by?

How often do you do it?

Slow down a little, and...

...just smile :) Spread it around a little. It's the easiest thing in the world to do, and it means a whole lot.

Peace!

[parrishsky]

Nov. 30, 2009 at 3:40 PM

Smile~ it makes people think you're up to no good.

[DestMasters]

Nov. 30, 2009 at 3:56 PM

Beautiful! :)

[MelanieLouise]

Nov. 30, 2009 at 3:57 PM

^^That's true!!

Yesterday at church, a mom was nursing one of her 4 month old twins, while *gasp!* sitting in the santuary. He was gulping so loudly that I heard him in the choir loft. I looked at her until she looked back and I gave her a big ole grin. She grabbed me after the service and said that she was so relieved to see me smiling... she had gotten a glare from an old woman right before. A smile totally made her day, and probably encouraged her to keep nursing in public. So wahoo for me! ;)

[sweetheart1985]

Nov. 30, 2009 at 4:09 PM

One of my favorite sayings:

"Never frown. Even when you're sad. You never know when someone is falling in love with your smile."

SO true.

I always make a point to smile at people. It really does make me feel good. ♥

[RunMomRun]

Nov. 30, 2009 at 4:16 PM

Actually, believe it or not, I smile at people all the time.  Yesterday, however, I went into (as we like to call it) the "scary MalWart" and I smiled at this guy and he leered at me.  I know!  he LEERED at me.  Freaked me out and I vowed never to go to that store again...thank goodness it's out of my hood and I don't have a reason to go there!

[JoyeAustin]

Nov. 30, 2009 at 4:32 PM

[cleanaturalady]

Nov. 30, 2009 at 4:56 PM

I see Joye's cheesy grin.

I took Dest's triple dog-dare challenge and not only smiled at, but also said a kind word to a parent who was on the cusp of having a fit at the high school today.  I think she was so caught off guard that she immediately changed her tune.

[Rebeccalynn_dj]

Nov. 30, 2009 at 7:26 PM

You make me smile.  You know how much I heart you. 

[clairandamjones]

Dec. 1, 2009 at 1:01 AM

That's beautiful, Jenna.  Just beautiful.

[360]

Dec. 1, 2009 at 6:48 AM

Everytime you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.”

Mother Teresa