The Power Of A Smile

Pamela Glynn
Nov 1 · 1 min read
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On the subject of happiness, Zig Ziglar says: ‘Be helpful. When you see a person without a smile, give him yours.’

I love that quote! And I find that when I’m in Spain people are especially generous with their smiles. Maybe that has something to do with their climate. I’m only guessing, but maybe it’s easier to smile when the sun is almost constantly shining.

Also in Spain they greet people, even strangers, with a cheery “Hola!”

This seems natural over there, but less so when I attempt the same greeting elsewhere. Not the Spanish version, of course, but a “Hello!” or “Hi there!” tends to be greeted with suspicion if you don’t actually know the person you’re addressing.

So, mostly, the “Hello!” had to go.

A smile is a different matter, though.

I find that when I smile at someone they generally smile back. This brings its own rewards and happiness.

It’s especially rewarding when the smile lights up a face that looks like it isn’t often given cause to smile. There are far too many stressed, fearful, weary or worried expressions out there.

If a smile from a stranger can change that, even slightly, then let’s make those changes — together - shall we?