So now you are probably wondering β back to back guest posts eh? Yes! I actually had a post titled βSmilesβ scheduled. Then, while chatting with my dear friend Joy of Facets of Joy, I mentioned how lovely it was when she was here last year for the letter J with Joy is here. I invited her to guest post and she asked which letters were free β and I told her βwhatever you wantβ.Β She chose S. I said Yes. And quietly shelved my post.
Joy always delights with her writing. I love her gentleness, her honesty, her courage to stretch herself and step out of her comfort zone, and her ability to always see the silver lining in every situation. Most of all, though, I love her sense of community. I love her.
Iβve known Joy Holland for several years now. Weβve Skyped and what we expected to be a quick conversation turned into a two-hour laughter fest. We have a wonderful sync with our thoughts and I cherish our connection.
Joy Holland is an Empathic Intuitive Guide, Energy and Clarity Facilitator who shares the gift of
presence to magnify your inner brilliance. Joy is the founder of Facets of Joy β a community where exploration is encouraged and heart whispers are affirmed and supported.
You are worthy and deserving of living a life full of peace, joy, love, wonder, awe, delight, possibility.
SheΒ invites you to experience the feeling of inner peace and possibility, even in the midst of chaos. To celebrate with joy, even while heart continues to heal and grow. She offers Personal Sessions
Please join me in welcoming Joy Holland today!
Sharing Your Heart Smile with World
by Joy Holland
I love Vidyaβs tagline: collecting smiles.
In order to collect anything, it needs to be present to see and feel.
Where do those smiles come from, then, so we can collect them?
You!
If you choose not to smile or you smile but you hide it away and donβt share it with world, there wonβt be anything for Vidya (or any of us) to collect!
Why do people hide their smiles?
Basically there are three main reasons people hide their smiles. They are:
β’ busy.
β’ in pain.
β’ afraid.
Busy. You see, when you are moving through your day, focused on everything you have to do (raise your family, care for loved ones, be present for your job, exercise, prepare food, cross off each item on your to-do list) it can feel quite βseriousβ. You might think that you donβt have time to smile or that smiling is impractical. And you put it off until later. But later feels very far away, because each day you put off smiling, it becomes less familiar and comfortable to you.
Pain. When you are in physical, emotional and/or energetic pain your focus tends to be on the feeling of pain and how to dissolve it. You might not even be considering smiling, because your attention is on your pain.
Afraid. You might feel that if you smile, you (and your smile) will be judged β as too much, not enough, too impractical, too lightβ¦.and the list of possible judgments is far reaching. So you choose only to smile in your own space, or to not smile at all.
I understand why people choose not to smile. But I also understand that your heart smile lights the world; when you choose to share it, you are being the change that many people talk about wishing to be! And, that smile brings to you energies of peace and possibility so what might have felt heavy or impossible (or even hurt) before you smiled, now feels lighter, possible, even less painful!
The Energy of a Heart Smile
When your heart is happy, you smile. Even if you are busy, in pain or afraid β when you feel love, gratitude, delight, wonder and/or awe, you smile. Itβs natural.
There is nothing to do but to allow yourself to feel it! When you feel it fully, you laugh. When you laugh, others laugh, too.
In those moments, you feel utter peace regardless of external; all is well in the world and your heart smile affirms that to be so.
You are not ignoring whatever external is in your life, you are simply allowing your heart smile to say that βyes!β in this moment, you believe and feel all to be well.
Letβs feel into this: if someone tells you a joke that you find funny, you laugh. Even if your leg is in a cast, your to-do list is half-done, youβre wearing braces that youβd rather not show, you just lost something or someone really special to you. You canβt help but laugh because your heart is delighted!
And, when you laugh β you are no longer feeling busy, in pain, afraid, because your attention is on your laughter!!!
Now letβs flip that example around. What if you are the one that sparks the smile for others???
You might be thinking that is not possible. Well, here are a few simple ways to share your smile:
1. Simply smile. Try it. Wherever you are right now, smile. Did that lighten your mood? If there are others around you, I bet they smiled in return.
2. Smile as you greet the people that you love.
3. Smile as people pass by when you are out in public.
4. Smile at babies.
5. Smile at their moms (they usually need a smile!!!).
6. Smile at everyone whom you meet that is serving you in some way.
7. Smile at the person tucked away in the corner of your favorite restaurant or cafe.
8. Send a text smile to your friends.
9. Stick a handwritten smiley face note on your computer screen, the bathroom mirror, your refrigerator.
See how easy it is to share a smile?
To encourage you to smile, I have a gift! (Sharing gifts usually sparks a smile!) A free, downloadable PDF βA Celebration of Your Presenceβ. (simply click the link to receive your gift.)
I would love to know about your experience with smiling. What lights your heart smile/naturally sparks your smile? And has there been a time when you shared a smile that felt βsuper goodβ? (when you share, you inspire)
Thank you for your presence!
Much peace and abundant love,
Joy
β₯
Thank you, Joy!
Day 19 of the Blogging from A to Z Challenge
S is for Share your heart smile with world by Joy Holland
Today, letβs go visit:
Michelle Wallace of Writer In Transit β she has a lovely theme for the A to Z!
Freya at Life as Freya
β₯
47 comments
Can you believe I was smiling all through this post? That was the power of your words, Joy! And I must say that your name suits you perfectly.
Growing up, I was very conscious of my smile, probably because I had braces for a while and felt awkward about smiling. All that changed in the last decade, when I found a man who said he liked my smile, immensely so!
Such a pleasure to see you here, Joy. Vidya, thank you for bringing ‘Joy’ into our lives π
Shailaja V recently posted…Solace in Silence
I am literally smiling as I read your comment, Shailaja – thank you for your kind words! And, I absolutely love that you are sharing connection with a man who loves your smile – how beautiful in all ways!!!
Joy recently posted…An Angel Experience at Trader Joe’s
What a beautiful introduction, Vidya! Heart-tears of joy fill my eyes as I read it!! I also did not know you were going to write about *smiles*; I love that synchronicity!!!
Thank you for sharing your lovely space with me; it is a delight to read my words here, in the energy of your site.
Love and gratitude and, of course, a big joy-filled smile!
Joy recently posted…To be Aligned with (and in) Faith is Quite Powerful
Hugs, Joy! Your words inspire. So glad to have you here.
Vidya Sury recently posted…Sharing Your Heart Smile with World by @JoyChristin
I love to smile and giggle. I see so many people go through their day to day life with pious looks on their faces or looking so glum. I can not help smiling at them and inevitably get a smile in return. It is amazing. β₯
Kathy recently posted…R is for Rabbit
How *fun*, Kathy? What is something that makes you giggle?
And, this * I can not help smiling at them and inevitably get a smile in return.* is so powerful – with a smile, you are shifting energy, naturally; what a beautiful gift you are sharing!
Joy recently posted…An Angel Experience at Trader Joe’s
It’s wonderful to see two of my favorite people here together. Joy, I love how powerful a smile is! It’s amazing how you may surprisingly catch someone’s gaze with a smile and see them light up. It truly makes such a difference. And, it’s so easy! Thanks for your encouragement, Joy.
Sandra Pawula recently posted…10 Ways I Embraced Simplicity and You Can Too
Thank you for the kind words, Sandra!
This *catch someoneβs gaze with a smile and see them light up* is so fun! Sometimes I write from a local cafe while my children are in school, and if there is a long line, I look at the people in line and smile and they smile back. (Look, you are standing in line *at a cafe* that is quite a blessing, may you enjoy it!!). And, I love to be the recipient of someone’s smile – always lights my heart and reminds me that I am blessed to be *here* (wherever here is!)
Joy recently posted…An Angel Experience at Trader Joe’s
A couple of years back, I noticed that people smiled at me quite a bit when I walked outside during the daytime in summers. I wondered why. Initially, I thought they were smiling because they were amused by the sight of the baggy cotton shirts that I wear to beat the summer heat. Later, I realised that the bright sunshine made me partially close my eyes, resulting in the other facial muscles adjusting into what looked like a smile! So, in fact, other people thought I was smiling and they were only returning my ‘smile’!
Proactive Indian recently posted…Sensitive
Oh, I love this, Proactive Indian – thank you for sharing!
You brought up a valid point – sometimes when people smile at us, we judge it and think they are “laughing at us” as if something is wrong! That is quite common!
How interesting that they were simply responding to *your energy* – you were sharing light and you didn’t even know! (And now, you do!)
Joy recently posted…An Angel Experience at Trader Joe’s
I’m glad i opened this page as usual, without missing it, because as I finish reading I’m smiling to myself, thinking about the various ways I can smile and make people smile too π lovely, JOYful post, JOY π Thanks for sharing so much joy with us π
Joy is like love ; it never gets over when you share it, and the more you share it the more you get it back, just like smiles π
Thanks, Vidya, for sharing with us all the smiles that you’re collecting π
Sreeja Praveen recently posted…A to Z Random Post # 19 S – Safe in his love π
I am so glad you are smiling, Sreeja!
This is a beautiful affirmation: *Joy is like love ; it never gets over when you share it, and the more you share it the more you get it back, just like smiles*.
Joy recently posted…An Angel Experience at Trader Joe’s
Thank you for making my morning a happy one with this smiley post. Loved that list of smiling opportunities.. Makes it a lot simpler for smile-forgetters like me. Off to the gym now armed with a grin. Joy, Vidya…. Thank you.
Obsessivemom recently posted…S is for Sophie Kinsella
I can’t believe you are a smile-forgetter, Tulika! :)Glad you’re grinning now!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Take A Break. Take Twenty
*grin* Obsessive Mom – smiling at the gym is quite impressive! May the energy of happiness you felt while reading stay with you as the rest of the month unfolds!
Joy recently posted…The Energy of a Heart Smile and I Believe in Magic
Always smile. it makes people wonder whats goin on:D
PhenoMenon
Pheno Menon recently posted…Succulent Ribs
Ah, a bit of mysteriousness (or is it mischievousness) – love the energy you are sharing, Pheno Menon!
Joy recently posted…The Energy of a Heart Smile and I Believe in Magic
Joy – You know, when I go for a walk, or shopping, I tend to smile at strangers only to have most of them glare back at me, as if I’m demented. The pressure and suspicion of a big city, perhaps? But it’s still worth making that effort for that one person that smiles back at you!
Here’s to all of us, you, Vidya and all the readers of this post – may we continue to give and gather smiles! π
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted…Patches For Beauty?
Thank you for choosing to smile, even though you sometimes receive glares in return, Corinne. I know that you are planting seeds and it might be that your smile is the one moment of joy in a person’s day (even if they don’t show it, they may still feel it). When I visit NYC (which I love), I smile and my friends tell me to stop because people aren’t used to it. But,I love the energy and the feel and I can’t help *but smile*. And, as you shared, every once in a while people will smile back, my ‘little reward’.
Joy recently posted…The Energy of a Heart Smile and I Believe in Magic
A smile to and from a stranger is truly a sweet smile. Thanks for sharing your smiles π
Suzy recently posted…Life’s Jigsaw – Soul
A post full of joy and smiles! Thanks Joy for this heart-warming post. And thanks Vidya for having her on your blog today. I have yet to see a flower that I thought wasn’t smiling, there is something about the way Nature designed the flowers. They all look as if they are smiling. And it is said that flowers represent the soul-element in a plant…it gives me something to reflect upon when I find myself not smiling. A wonderful feel-good post!
Beloo Mehra recently posted…S is for Stories
How beautiful, Beloo – thank you for sharing! I love fully blooming flowers – they remind me of heart whispers unfolding. And now, I shall also think of them as heart smiles!
Joy recently posted…The Energy of a Heart Smile and I Believe in Magic
Joy and smile are first cousins.Where one is present the other is there.Ms.Joy is coming to a blog that goes by the title ‘Collecting smiles’ and what does Joy write about?Yes,it is about Smile and what is the outcome?All readers are wreathed in smile.
Smile is a potent weapon to win people.A smiling face is beautiful and winsome.
Thank you very much for reminding me that I need to smile a little more than I do presently.I liked the post
KP recently posted…Murariβs gift
Thank you, KP, for the insights and kind words! You are quite right -something as simple as choosing to smile can shift our energy into joy! A smile lightens your face (and your space) – an instant “beautifier”. Here is to ‘more smiles’!
Joy recently posted…The Energy of a Heart Smile and I Believe in Magic
Very nice post… Ppl hide pain in busy life – very true. That’s so me. Nowadays I am learning to smile no matter what happens π
S(t)ri recently posted…Scare The Daylights Out Of Someone β AToZ Challenge 2014 β Day19
Thank you for sharing S(t)ri. May your choice to smile dissolve your pain and may you experience peace and possibility within the moments of busyness!
Joy recently posted…The Energy of a Heart Smile and I Believe in Magic
This post made me smile…You know I’m extremely moody and last few days I’ve found it very difficult to be happy..I always feel so irritated because I’ve taken a few months off from work and hence I feel useless for some reason…So my husband advised me to take one day at a time and just smile and try and be happy one hour, one day at a time..So far so good for two days..hope I’m able to continue to do so!
nabanita recently posted…S is for Safe
How interesting, nabanita – I understand feeling moody, especially since there has been change in your life. I am glad you are choosing to smile; in your example it feels a lot like meditation. I wonder if you might consider choosing to do something that you enjoy for an hour a day, something that makes your heart happy, so that you can feel the energy and smile naturally.
Joy recently posted…The Energy of a Heart Smile and I Believe in Magic
Yes its imp to smile.. Just during lunchtime i was intearcting with my colleague who got engaged on 20th April 2014 and in all photos she was smiling brightly with all her teeth.. Her fiance called and told her please ensure that u r not smiling with all 32 teeth..after hearing I got very perturbed… She told that henceforth in all photographs she is not going to smile… I told her be happy and smile its important as she is a very lively lady ..
Aparna recently posted…Simple Gesture
Aparna I am so glad you were there to speak with your colleague when she received criticism. May her eyes always reflect her heart smile even if she chooses not to show all of her teeth in her physical smile. I am glad she is happy to be married – and I hope her fiance realizes how blessed he is to marry a “lively lady”!
Joy recently posted…The Energy of a Heart Smile and I Believe in Magic
***I also understand that your heart smile lights the world; when you choose to share it***
Great Sentence!!!
My Inner Chick recently posted…22 Things I Totally Believe
Thank you for affirming a heart-truth, My Inner Chick!!
Joy recently posted…The Energy of a Heart Smile and I Believe in Magic
Just a joyous post thank you so much! It’s good to smile, at a stranger or even while reading as I’m doing now. Thank you so much! The comments are also interesting.
Garden of Eden Blog
Susan Scott recently posted…S β Soul and Sorrow
Thank you for the kind words, Susan Scott – and I agree, I love the discussion in the comments! Thank you for choosing to share your smile!
Joy recently posted…The Energy of a Heart Smile and I Believe in Magic
Loved this smiley post! I have seen that when you smile at people when they are at a vacation or relatively free, they smile back you at you. Try smiling in a busy train or a bus and you may usually get weird looks. But yes, it works wonders at a lot of places!! π
Shilpa Garg recently posted…S is to Spice It Up
That is a wonderful point, Shilpa – try smiling on a busy train or bus and you *often do* get weird looks. But sometimes that smile brings peace to a person who could really use it. And I think how interesting that we live in a world where a smile can get a weird look, but frowns are often understood and accepted.
Joy recently posted…The Energy of a Heart Smile and I Believe in Magic
Smiling is so important. I tend not to smile when I am concentrating on something and I don’t realize I am not smiling. I deal with pain on a daily basis-in every joint, even my jaw and have dislocated joints and pulled tendons which cause more pain as I do not heal quickly. I have dealt with this for years and if i would not smile it would be worse. There are days when I have a harder time to smile but then I see my dog do something funny or one of our cats. My husband looks at me and I naturally smile or I watch a funny movie. Even a pretty flower put a smile on my face. Your words placed a smile on my face and ibnto my heart. Thank you:)
I have a question Birgit – do you notice that when you are in pain and not wishing to smile that you are also breathing a bit shallow (or even holding your breath). And when you smile, you tend to breathe in deeper and exhale “tension”. This is one physical reason that a smile is so powerful and feels like it dissolves pain (and why laughter is even more powerful as a healing tool). I am so glad you feel a smile in your heart- thank you!
Joy recently posted…The Energy of a Heart Smile and I Believe in Magic
This brought to mind the lyrics of an old favourite of mine, Smile by Charlie Chaplin…
Smile, though your heart is aching
Smile, even though it’s breaking
When there are clouds in the sky
You’ll get by…
If you smile
With your fear and sorrow
Smile and maybe tomorrow
You’ll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just…
Light up your face with gladness
Hide every trace of sadness
Although a tear may be ever so near
That’s the time you must keep on trying
Smile, what’s the use of crying
You’ll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just…
SMILE…
Thanks for the shout out Vidya… <3
Michelle Wallace recently posted…S is for Sticker Album
Wow, That’s so beautiful, Michelle! You know, right now Comedy Central is showing a spate of Charlie Chaplin films. π I also read his autobiography a few years ago – and it is beautiful!
π Thanks for sharing these wonderful lyrics! Would make such a nice poster!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Take A Break. Take Twenty
What beautiful lyrics, Michelle!
Joy recently posted…The Energy of a Heart Smile and I Believe in Magic
I smile most of the times… and people wonder if I ever had any worries in my life π I don’t like being sad. You post brought a huge smile on my face π
Rajlakshmi recently posted…The Ultra-Chic Complex
You might have worries in your life, Rajlakshmi, but if you are choosing to smile you tend to feel peace and that is what people feel and why they ask. I am so glad you choose to smile! What I find in myself is that if I feel sad and I let it pass, there is great joy on the other side. Thank you for the kind words!
Joy recently posted…The Energy of a Heart Smile and I Believe in Magic
Congrats Vidya n Joy for this one. I am hesitant to smile and get conscious at times, whether I have a good smile. Its true smile brings positive energy and rejuvenate people having a bad stay. I was staying at Trident/Oberoi Gurgaon in India and amazed at the staff who keep smiling despite being forever on their toes. It leads to good vibe and miraculously cures one of tiredness. It brings such positive energy.
vishalbheeroo recently posted…U for University/University Road Pune
Thank you, vishalbheeroo for sharing! I love this insight *leads to good vibe and miraculously cures one of tiredness.* – this is why it feels so wonderful to smile!
Joy recently posted…The Energy of a Heart Smile and I Believe in Magic
Hey Joy and Vidya! I live in what used to be a really small town in the south and EVERYONE smiled at anyone they passed on the street—–and said “Hello” too! I still smile and say “Hi!” and a lot of folks will smile and also greet me. But many now look at me like I have two heads π and those people I always silently bless and hope that if it happens to them several times, they might figure out that it is ok here to smile and speak (I know people from big cities would never do this because they are either too busy or don’t feel safe or WHATEVER). It brightens my day to both give AND receive smiles! Great post, Joy! π π
Thank you, Jean for bringing this into the discussion * It brightens my day to both give AND receive smiles* – receiving smiles is so fun – my heart loves it! I am glad you choose to share smiles – I do so, even when I am in big cities. I like the idea of blessing people as they pass, thank you for that!
Joy recently posted…The Energy of a Heart Smile and I Believe in Magic