This picture was taken by my Mom. It was on Captain Jeff’s boat on the Palm Coast, Florida. I hold dear to the concept that the good life is an active choice one makes every time one smiles. Not all days are on a nice boat in a beautiful place, but we can always drum up that feeling and smile like it is real right now. And guess what, this choice to think of the happy times, happy places and then smile in the face of a bad situation can indeed shift the worst moments into less worse. And that is worth smiling about! It is a secret superpower. Use it often, please.
The first time I heard/read the words “Smile Revolution” I was on an airplane looking at an advertisement. I can’t remember much because I was sleep-deprived and traveling with kids. I think those airplanes limit the amount of oxygen we travelers get to keep us compliant so there’s that too. However, I remembered the phrase and loved it instantly. It seeped deep into the cells of my whole being and I know my thinking went something like this…
“This is it! This is the answer. I’ve been dreaming of this. This is my contribution to the world. I am a leader in this realm and I can carry this flag, wave it high and wild, and rally the troops behind it. The Smile Revolution is my jam and I’m all in!”
Do you know “Wooden Ships” by Crosby, Stills, and Nash (and Jefferson Airplane’s Paul Kanter)? There are some great versions of this song so go ahead and explore that on your favorite music platform! YES, I still have my vinyl copy from my High School years. The first few lyrics still pop into my head all the time. “If you smile at me I will understand…”
Please, hold this part of the chorus close to your heart “…talking about very free and easy.” That’s my kind of Revolution. It suits my wallet and my attitude, especially at this point in my life. (Keep it Simple Fool!)
I want to change the world in a free and easy sort of way.
Change the world simply by smiling not just like you mean it, but actually by meaning it. Smile with an authentic “I give a shit about you and your humanity” behind it. Own the joy in your soul and that will enable you to share it like a superhero saving the world. It might be a humble small change at first, but you’ll get the hang of it. You and I know that all big huge changes are the result of many small little changes.
If you can’t believe that your smile will change the world – let your smile change your world. Smile more and see people smile back and this is the key: It feels good to have people smile at you when they smile with their hearts. Sharing smiles is priceless beauty. Enjoy it!
To wrap up, I’d like to give a big Cheers to this lady who I’ve never met and haven’t seen live! She’s inspirational and interesting and brave. The Princess of WOW, Mindy Frandkin, started her version of the Smile Revolution when her dad smiled at her shortly before he died. It changed her life. She’s an artist so I have a special place for her in my heart. I hope you will open your heart to witness her here:
https://mindyfradkin.com/smile-revolution
Tell your sneering inner critic to shut the heck up on this one… seriously, be one of the little kids who aren’t afraid to love her. It’s safe to do this right here and now. Go on! Click it!
