I'm not a fan of someone telling me to smile.
Maybe I'm having a horrible day.
Maybe I'm not feeling well or struggling to find a reason to smile.
Maybe everything that could go wrong is and nothing that usually goes right will.
So the frown or blank stare I give is the best I got.
But what if the simple act of lifting your lips,
Of forming a smile,
Could power you through this moment?
Let's just try it.
But first,
Breathe in and out a few times.
Shake out whatever it is that's bringing you discomfort.
Anything disrupting your peace,
Release it.
Ready?
If not,
Take another breath.
You have time.
I want you to get this right.
I want you to feel the benefits of this smile.
Completely.
In your chest and down to your bones.
So don't rush.
If you need one more breath or more,
Take it.
And now,
Smile.
It might be hard at first.
You may be side-eyeing me,
Rolling your eyes,
Or even mumbling expletives under your breath.
But give it a try.
Your best grin.
Show me every part of your gums.
Give me that smile that hurts if held for too long.
But as your lips spread,
Consider your heart and how it's opening.
Your mind and how it's easing.
Your body and how it's shifting from tense to ease.
Go ahead,
You got it now,
So keep on smiling.
Just a little while longer.
You have the rest of the day to return to what was.
If you so desire.
But for now,
Smile.
Hold it.
Okay.
Now ask yourself,
How does it feel to smile?
Maybe you'd forgotten,
But committed to memory.
And throughout the day today,
Whether you have a reason or not,
Smile.
Thank you.
