“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.”   –Leo Buscaglia

A smile.

I’m talking about a genuine, from the soul, eye contact made smile.

For your child. For a co-worker. For someone who is struggling. For a stranger.

The object of your upturned lips, and sparkling eyes doesn’t really matter. If what you have just offered them is real and from the heart, trust me. You just made their day!

Researchers in the field of psychology have actually proposed the feel-good theory that a genuine smile can positively affect our own mood as well. The theory suggests that as certain of our facial muscles relax or tense, they raise or lower the temperature of blood flowing to the brain. These temperature changes, consequently, affect the activity of brain centers that regulate emotion (found in the Annual Review of Psychology, 1989).

It has long been acknowledged that my “cheerleader disposition” belies the true feelings that lurk beneath my surface. These feelings are oftentimes not very glamorous. I struggle with feelings of inadequacy. Feelings of depression. Feelings of overwhelm and defeat. But I smile anyway. I suspect that at this point, a smile may be my “go-to” expression. 🙂

Nevertheless, I smile. A lot. I genuinely care. I want to make your day better. 

Author: Leo Buscaglia. Also known as “Dr. Love,” he was a professor in the department of Special Education at the University of Southern California. He lived from 1924 to 1998, and was also a writer and motivational speaker.

How it speaks to me: These are no small words spoken by Dr, Buscagalia. I know that personally I sometimes wallow in places of overwhelm, sadness, defeat or even despair. And any of these human acts of kindness can make a world of difference to my mood, or on my outlook. Afterwards, things seem a little better. I feel a little lighter. Ah, yes. There is the light. Conversely, I truly believe that I am making someone’s day a little better when I offer up these simple acts of human kindness.

So, go ahead and smile. A real, sparkling smile from your soul. Chances are it will make you feel great! And it will brighten someone’s day. And, heck, if it’s the prettiest thing I can wear — I’m all for it! <3