The Revelation of a Smile

Before revealing this vital item, let me share how I stumbled upon this insight. While researching facial expressions, my wife Jane entered my office. Numerous studies suggest that when we smile, our mood improves, and often, the recipient of our smile reciprocates.

I decided to test this theory by intentionally smiling throughout the day to gauge its impact on my feelings. To my surprise, each time I smiled—regardless of whether it was forced—I felt uplifted and my spirits brightened.

I thought it would be interesting to try this with Jane to see if she would respond similarly. However, I was unprepared for her reaction. As I beamed at her with a broad, exaggerated grin, I couldn't help but think she might assume I had received fantastic news or was acting strangely! Just as research indicated, she smiled back instantly. But then came her unexpected comment: “I don’t see you smile very often, so it was disorienting.”

That stung! Hearing this from my best friend, my wife, was a wake-up call. I had always believed I was a friendly person, yet I realized that I seldom displayed that friendliness through smiles. This taught me a valuable lesson: the importance of something as simple as smiling cannot be overstated.

Since that day, I have reminded myself, “I need to lighten up and smile more!”

The Journey of Self-Reflection

For many years, I considered myself a happy individual, especially in recent times. However, I hadn’t reflected on how others perceived me. After beginning my career in 1970 and spending decades in the workforce, I was often viewed as a serious and pragmatic person. Perhaps my professional life conditioned me to maintain a stoic demeanor—at least, that was my excuse! Yet, I realized there was no justification for not allowing my inner happiness to manifest outwardly.

It is my responsibility to transform my internal joy into an external expression! No one else can do this for me, although I have enlisted my wife’s help to remind me when I forget.

It’s surprising how long it took me to recognize the face I often wore. I want people to see me as I am now, not as I used to be. Since retiring, I have changed significantly. I feel grateful and joyful about my life, and it’s about time I let that show!

Why Smiling Matters

“A warm smile is the universal language of kindness.” – William Arthur Ward (1921–1994)

Try smiling right now to feel its transformative power, even if you have to force it. Flash that beautiful smile! Don’t worry about onlookers; just smile. When others see you smile, there’s a 99% chance they will smile back at you.

What did you feel when you smiled? Did it uplift your spirit? Did it alter your mood? If it didn’t have an effect, try again. I noticed a change the first time I forced a smile, and nearly everyone I’ve coached has experienced the same.

Did you know that even forced smiles can be beneficial? Smiling releases endorphins and hormones that enhance your overall well-being. It lowers blood pressure, boosts your immune system, and provides numerous mental and physical advantages.

The beauty of smiling lies in its cost—free—and the fact that you can do it anywhere. Think of it as a form of exercise that contributes to your health and happiness. Who doesn’t want more joy in their life?

What Expression Are You Wearing?

“Of all the things you wear, your expression is the most important.” – Janet Lane-Claypon (1877–1967)

Lane-Claypon’s words, penned nearly a century ago, still hold true today. How conscious are you of the expression you maintain around others? You carry some expression everywhere you go—be it at home, work, the grocery store, or elsewhere. As the saying goes, “wherever you go, there you are.”

Why not try smiling at someone and observe their reaction? Better yet, ask a close friend or someone you trust to provide honest feedback about how they perceive your typical expression. Encourage them to be candid. You can even suggest expressions like frowning, serious, or smiling to get them started.

Imagine the insights you might gain from this. You may discover something about yourself that you were completely unaware of, just as I did. Wouldn't you prefer to know? Of course, you would!

“Always wear a smile sometime during the day — it makes you feel happier and look younger.” – Kylie Bax (1975-present)

Final Thoughts

I wish I had embraced this concept earlier, but it’s never too late. Since our expressions influence how others view us, this realization is vital for anyone who values relationships. Relationships are the essence of life, and it’s detrimental to navigate through life with misunderstandings. Now that I’m aware, I am making an effort to change!

I challenge you to engage in some self-reflection, check your expression in the mirror from time to time, discuss this with others, and smile as often as you can.

Always remember:

“You are not fully dressed until you wear a smile.” – Evan Esar (1899–1995)

May you always wear a radiant smile!

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