You Smile, I Smile

I realized something the other day as I was kissing Tyler out the door. He was headed to his friend's home to play for the afternoon, and as a typical mother, I offered up some tips for him. Okay, in all actuality, I ordered him to do the following: Say "thank you" and "please", be nice to your friend's mother...and listen to and obey her, be careful, be polite, help clean up, and then from out of nowhere....a tidbit of advice from my childhood came back to me...."SMILE!" My Mother used to always tell me to smile. I am not sure if many moms do that, but my Mom always did. And I smiled, a lot. I started thinking about this simple advice and how truly valuable it is. I decided to google the benefits of smiling...Here are some reasons to smile that I found:

1. Smiling Makes Us Attractive

We are drawn to people who smile. There is an attraction factor. We want to know a smiling person and figure out what is so good. Frowns, scowls and grimaces all push people away -- but a smile draws them in.

2. Smiling Changes Our Mood

Next time you are feeling down, try putting on a smile. There's a good chance you mood will change for the better. Smiling can trick the body into helping you change your mood.

3. Smiling Is Contagious

When someone is smiling they lighten up the room, change the moods of others, and make things happier. A smiling person brings happiness with them. Smile lots and you will draw people to you.

4. Smiling Relieves Stress

Stress can really show up in our faces. Smiling helps to prevent us from looking tired, worn down, and overwhelmed. When you are stressed, take time to put on a smile. The stress should be reduced and you'll be better able to take action.

5. Smiling Releases Endorphins, Natural Pain Killers and Serotonin

Studies have shown that smiling releases endorphins, natural pain killers, and serotonin. Together these three make us feel good. Smiling is a natural drug.

6. Smiling Lifts the Face and Makes You Look Younger-- if this aint a reason to smile then...

The muscles we use to smile lift the face, making a person appear younger. Don't go for a face lift, just try smiling your way through the day -- you'll look younger and feel better.

7. Smiling Makes You Seem Successful

Smiling people appear more confident, are more likely to be promoted, and more likely to be approached. Put on a smile at meetings and appointments and people will react to you differently.

8. Smiling Helps You Stay Positive

Try this test: Smile. Now try to think of something negative without losing the smile. It's hard. When we smile our body is sending the rest of us a message that "Life is Good!" Stay away from depression, stress and worry by smiling.

9. Smiling is the best advice for kids

Smiley kids are just plain cute. :)

I realize more and more each day that I have a very wise Mother. She knew what she was doing. I do feel like smiling made me a really happy kid. I am still a grinner. Quite regularly my cheeks hurt. But look at all the benefits! If even one of these reasons to smile benefited my life in some way or at some point, then it is advice worth passing on! So try to SMILE more often today. Smile at everyone you see. Even smile to yourself. Oh and tell your kids to smile too!

What advice do you give your kids? What did your Mother used to tell you to remember when you left the house?