Your smile might not change the world.
But don’t let the world change your smile.
– Unknown
Most likely, there will always be a certain amount of darkness in the world. I’ve heard many explanations for it, some of them profound and complicated. To me, however, it is really very simple.
Darkness, in all its various forms, arises out of fear. And we are all afraid of something.
Fortunately, there is also a lot of light and beauty in this world. There is the precious innocence of a child laughing. There is an endless supply of majesty and beauty in nature. There are people who will still reach out their hands to help others, even when there’s no personal gain in it for them. There are happy endings and new beginnings; victories over adversity; dreams that come true; and, of course, there’s chocolate.
What we see the most of, at any particular time, is what we are looking for. When we look, most often, for the goodness and beauty in Life, goodness and beauty is what we experience the most. When we muster the courage to smile, even in times when our hearts are breaking . . . we remember that our hearts do heal. Circumstances do change.
Unpleasant experiences are just that – unpleasant experiences. They need not define us or determine what kind of person we will be. And they need not take away one ounce of our hard-earned happiness. Authentic happiness runs much deeper than the moments of pain and suffering we experience during difficult times.
Recently, my friend Lori Dinardi wrote a post entitled “What Makes You Smile?” The link to that post is http://loreezlane.wordpress.com/2013/07/01/what-makes-you-smile/. In her post, Lori encouraged other bloggers to write a post about what makes them smile – a pass it on kind of project. It sounded like a great idea to me, and I committed to join in.
At this particular time in my personal journey, I’m experiencing a growth spurt. For me, growth spurts usually involve some unpleasant confrontations with unresolved emotional pain. And this particular growth spurt has been no different. That being the case, I was tempted to postpone the smile post. Then I remembered what experience has taught me about smiles, laughter, love, and joy. They are strong medicine for what ails us most.
So, here it is – an example of what makes me smile. It’s an old song; but it lifts me up and makes me smile, every time I hear it. I’ve even got a little dance routine that goes with it (which no one is allowed to see).
Today, I want to encourage you to focus on what makes you smile and go get a little of it. Smile and laugh and remember to see all the goodness and beauty in this world, as much as possible. Trust me, it will change you and your life forever.
Live Free! Be Happy! And don’t forget to smile.
© 07/11/2013
Photo by Héctor Landaeta
Taming The Invisible Dragon™ 
Lori D
/ July 11, 2013Okay, I was sleepy and just about to take a nap, but after that video I’m ready to dance. I see you dancing behind that curtain, Miss Sloan. Thank you for sharing these smiles, and for your wise words ahead of it. Sit back now and have a little chocolate. I’m sending hugs from afar as you get through what you need to.
Sloan
/ July 11, 2013Thank you, Sweet Lori; and thanks for the inspiration. Have a beautifully blessed day, my friend! S
issijohnstone
/ July 11, 2013Excellent blog! I might take up the challenge too. 🙂
Sloan
/ July 11, 2013Wonderful! Thanks for reading; and have an Amazing Day! S
thehappyhugger
/ July 12, 2013I loved your post, Sloan! Keep smiling 🙂
Sloan
/ July 12, 2013I’m glad you enjoyed it, Michelle. BTW- I’ve been trying to figure out how to get new posts from your beautiful blog (http://hopethehappyhugger.wordpress.com/) to go directly into my inbox. No success yet; but have you in my reader. Let me know if you have any ideas on it. Have a beautifully blessed day! S
thehappyhugger
/ July 12, 2013On the right side of my blog you will find “Follow this blog via email” Just click on that, hope it is still working properly. Thank you so much 🙂
Sloan
/ July 12, 2013That’s what I did earlier this morning; and I think it’s working now. I was just a bit confused because it didn’t ask me for my email address. I forget that Google Chrome knows more about me than many of my closest friends. 🙂 Anyway, I’m glad I got it resolved. 🙂
issijohnstone
/ July 12, 2013Hi Sloan I see you’ve started following my wordpress blog. At the moment I publish most of my blogs on google+ BlogSpot. I’m currently setting up a website to make it easier to post/access my blogs. Meanwhile here is the link to my latest blog, courtesy of your challenge. I’ve passed the challenge on and included the link to your blog. Thanks Isabel.
🙂 http://isabelj327.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/what-makes-us-smile-blog-challenge.html
Sloan
/ July 13, 2013That’s wonderful, Isabel! Lori’s idea for bloggers to write about smiles was a great idea. I’d love to see it spread throughout the blogosphere. Thanks for your contribution! There is a lot of light in this world; and I say. “Let’s each let a little more of it shine through us.” Peace, Love, & Joy to you! S
issijohnstone
/ July 13, 2013Thank you Slolan. I really enjoyed writing it. In reply to your comment on how to follow my blogs, the short answer is I don’t know. I’ll do some research but meanwhile I’m happy to put the link to any new blogs on here. I’m a bit new to all this! 🙂
Sloan
/ July 13, 2013Isabel, I’m not sure about how it works on Blogspot; but you may want to get some help from support on that issue. It’s good for readers to have the option to subscribe to get new posts via emails. Enjoy your weekend!
helpwithyourlife
/ July 13, 2013Great post Sloan! Love the song too! There are many things that make me smile, and one of them is puppies! 🙂 They represent innocence, sweetness and are so darn cute. Thinking about what makes us smile is such a positive use of our thoughts! Thanks for sharing this uplifting exercise! 🙂
Sloan
/ July 13, 2013Well said, Cathie! Have a beautiful weekend! S