Carol Birmingham said, “A smile starts on the lips, A grin spreads to the eyes, A chuckle comes from the belly; But a good laugh bursts forth from the soul, Overflows, and bubbles all around.”

Okay, you told me to give myself a pep talk, to use more upbeat language, and now you’re saying to smile.

What’s next?

Sprinkling fairy dust over my shoes?”

Before you work yourself into a tizzy of skepticism, consider that I’m talking science here.

When you’re able to impart a sincere smile, even if there’s no one else around, a whole host of factors inside of you are put into gear.

Your physiology literally changes when you smile:

• The serotonin level in your brain increases.
• Your blood circulates more freely.
• Your respiratory system operates with greater efficiency.
• A variety of organs and glands are engaged, each of which increases your overall well-being.

The long standing phrase “laughter is the best medicine,” contains a mega-dose of truth.

Whether you’re married or single, think back to the last time you approached someone whom you thought was attractive.

Odds are, if you were smiling, you had a much better chance of having a successful encounter with that person.

A smile imparts to others messages such as:

• “I’m glad to be here.”
• “I want to be your friend.”
• “I feel at ease.”
• “I can help.”
• “I’d like to learn about you.”
• “I know what I’m doing.”
• “Let’s have some fun.”
• “We’re going to make a good team.”
• Even, “I’m okay, you’re okay!”

Give it a try and smile your way to success!

Michael Daras