Blog by Associate Mary Ellen George, OPA[/caption]
Have you ever caught yourself smiling when asking others to smile while taking a photo?
I have a yellow bowl with a smiley face sitting on my desk and sitting on top of the bowl is a stuffed smiley face figure. When I need a ‘lift-up,’ I look at these inanimate objects, and magically, I catch myself happier and able to reciprocate this smile toward others.
A simple smile has such transformative powers, changing how we feel about ourselves and how we see others. When we visualize smiling from within and share this positive energy with others, we create a welcoming and accepting atmosphere around us. A smile directed to others can spread like wildfire and light a path of joy and peace among its recipients. This kind of power is life-giving and can be far-reaching. Just imagine how the spark of a simple smile has the power to ignite a glow of positive feelings.
Think of the people who bring smiles to your face. What characteristics exude from them when they smile? Cheerfulness? Warmth? Calmness? Optimism? How do you feel when someone smiles at you? Special? Recognized? Affirmed? Hopeful? Smiles have a way of connecting us to each other, whether we are exchanging or giving a smile to a familiar acquaintance or a stranger. If we all smiled more, we might be able to keep the spirit of peace, hope, and happiness lingering longer.
There are many benefits to smiling. Smiling is contagious and can lower your blood pressure, relieve stress, and strengthen your immune system. Even in perilous times, smiling can lessen the pain of suffering and give you strength to deal with whatever ails you.
In Proverbs 15: 13, we are told that “A glad heart lights up the face, but an anguished heart breaks the spirit.” While life can be filled with moments of sorrow and sadness, we can begin to find relief by striving for a cheerful disposition. In Proverbs 17:22, we are cautioned to recognize that “A joyful heart is the health of the body, but a depressed spirit dries up the bones.” Although circumstances can cause us to despair, our faith teaches us to have hope and to believe that God smiles upon us. We can smile back in gratitude for how our God carries us through the good and the difficult times of our lives.
If we start each morning with a smile, we might experience more fulfillment in what we do and how we see things throughout the day. So, every day, think of the people, places, and things that make you smile. Then, light up your surroundings with your smile and watch how you and others are transported to a happy place by this simple, powerful and meaningful gesture.
One of my friends’ Skype greeting is this quote by Lawrence G. Lovasik, “Nobody needs a smile so much as the one who has none to give. So get used to smiling heart-warming smiles, and you will spread sunshine in a sometimes dreary world.” How true! A good reminder of God’s call to share God’s love and smile.
Are you ready to share your smile with God’s people and to bring hope, peace, and love to others as a religious sister? If so, I invite you to contact one of our Vocation Ministers.