X. Hmm. Imagine next Monday weβll all be talking about our Blogging from A to Z Challenge experience, eh? Sigh.
For X, last year I wrote about Xenodochial and today I had planned to talk about Xanthippe, the shrewish nagging ill-tempered wife of Socrates. Then, while trying to find info about her, I found that someone had already written about her last year and there isnβt much fun info anyway. Turned out it wasnβt a very wise choice, pun intended.
So. I decided to put on my thinking hat. No sooner than I reached out to pick it up, when I realized, hey, letβs talk about my favorite topic! So it doesnβt begin with an X. So what? I can make it, right? I did. And here you are.
Xeroxing Smiles
Did you know you can Xerox smiles? You can. You must. What with the hectic lives we lead, it can get exhausting and it is easy to forget to smile and find that little frown sneaking in, with plans to stay. Thatβs not good.
Thereβs scientific proof that laughter is the best medicine, no matter what the ailment. Thatβs because smiles trigger the positive in your attitude and make you see the silver lining in any situation.
The next time you feel stressed, smile. When you smile, your body releases those happy hormones β endorphins β and this results in a mood change, showing stress the backdoor. By the way, fake smiles work too!
When you smile, you look good even if you do not have makeup on. It is an instant way to glam up. Ask anyone. People who smile look a lot more attractive.
Did you know that smiling strengthens your immune system and prevents colds? Truth. Smiling also balances blood pressure. The great thing us, we are all born with the ability to smile. When you donβt feel like, force yourself to smile and watch your mood improve.
Smiling knows no language barriers. It is a universal sign of happiness and acceptance. As much as I enjoy collecting smiles, I enjoy giving them too!
Your day will go the way the corners of your mouth are turned.
Just for fun, here are some interesting stats about smiles:
- 99.7% adults say an attractive smile is an important personal asset.
- 74% people say that an unattractive smile can hurt a personβs chances for business or career success.
- 63% people say they look best in photos when they are showing their teeth.
- 23% people say they look the best with their mouth closed.
- 62 β Number of times a day the average woman smiles.
- 8 β Number of times a day the average man smiles. (Heh!)
Mark Twain once wrote, βWrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been!β
Every time you smile it is an action of love β a gift ~Mother Teresa
The greatest thing about smiles is, they cost nothing.
Did you know that a single smile can generate the same amount of brain stimulation as 2000 chocolate bar?
If you see someone without a smile, give them one of yours. Smiles can change lives. And one size fits all!
Itβs not that people stop smiling when they grow old. Fact is: People look old when they stop smiling.
So, go ahead. Become a smile millionaire! Xerox it. And Xerox it good!
So! Are you smiling enough?
P.S.: It is technically wrong to say Xerox β it is a brand name. One should use the word βPhotocopyβ instead. I should know. I worked with Xerox.
Day 24 of the Blogging from A to Z Challenge.
X for Xeroxing smiles.
Come on, letβs go visit:
Melanie: Days in the life of a Christian Veterinarian
Update: I have the honor of guest posting at Jemima Pettβs blog today for X. X for X-Ray. May you please visit!
32 comments
Hi Vidya
Smile when you don’t feel it always makes you feel better. Can’t be mad even when you fake a smile. Couldn’t figure out why some new pictures looked awful and then I read the difference between a genuine smile and a really fake smile, is that the muscles around the eyes have to be used for a real smile with the muscles around the mouth.
Interesting, now I know why my pictures didn’t turn out any good. So I guess it means you have to smile with your eyes also. You know I do feel better when I use both sets of muscles.
If one is angry all the time if affects your health. Do you remember the post I wrote on “The Heartbreak”. I had talked to my friend “Linda Rose” (just her first and middle name) and how she was always complaining. Also that she had cancer, the conversation took place on 1/22, I found out yesterday she died on 2/13. She was only 67. My point is on this, that when I talked to her and I gave her 2 calls after and she still never return them, that it would be the last time I would talk to her. She was angry and never forgiving and constantly carried around an attitude that was bitter. It is a valuable lesson for everyone to put on their happy face, even if they don’t feel it. It will grow on you!
Mary
Mary Stephenson recently posted…My Final Post and The Reason Why
You’re right – people do look older when they don’t smile.
I have a rather neutral natural expression, so I have to make an effort to smile.
Alex J. Cavanaugh recently posted…Retro A to Z Challenge: W β Whitesnake 1984 (plus R.I.P.D. Movie Review and Ninja News)
Thanks for sharing my blog, Vidya! You have certainly made me smile π Although you would exercise more muscles to frown, I think it is still healthiest to smile. I love the way a simple smile from a stranger can change my attitude from feeling lonely to feeling loved. I hope you have many reasons to smile today and for many years to come!
Melanie recently posted…W is for West Nile Virus
A smile instantly makes you not only happier yourself, but more approachable and uplifting to others. So…yes, it’s a good thing!
This is Topic-fixing! No objections, however! Thank you for starting the week by giving and collecting smiles! π π π
Proactive Indian recently posted…X Factor
I saw this topic and I went ” eeeeeeeee” with my cheeks going wide in a grin. So you actually began my day with xeroxing my smiles π
Isn’t smile the first thing that makes us like a person ? And don’t we feel instantly comfortable with someone who smiles a lot, even if he is a stranger ? I love the quote that says see miracles in life everyday. Yes, smile produces magic. And it is an infectious thing ; that’s why you’re prompted to think of xeroxing smiles π
( As for your having fixed the name , we’re ignoring it for the time bring, because you still managed to xerox our smiles with that π )
Wish you a smiley day ahead, Vidya π
Sreeja Praveen recently posted…A to Z Random Post # 24 – X – EXactitude !!
Very creative choice for ‘x’ and really great post! And you are so right, smiling is so important. In fact, that was one of the first things that drew me to my husband; he makes me smile all the time.
Xerox a smile if it’s there already or create it if now. By the way Xeroxing in a typical example of how people get it wrong instead of photostat but I like it for X π
PhenoMenon
Pheno Menon recently posted…Xyst
Hi Vidya,
Nice to be here again after a bit gap,
Very nice choice, yex, X is a difficult one and you did it well here with your smile π
I like the stats about smiles. π
Indeed that is interesting.:-)
May you have a Happy and profitable week ahed. π
Best Regards,
~ Philip
Philip Varghese Ariel recently posted…V is for Visitors: Why I am Not Getting Visitors To My Blog Page?
Talk about sharing smiles! What a way to start my day. Just showed a bit of the post to Gy and she is smiling too π
Shailaja V recently posted…My eXtraordinary muse
I was smiling all through the post! I too believe in the power of smiles and so I sometimes smile for no reason at all. I even smile when I cry! Love the quote by Mark Twain π
I smiled when I read your post today Vidya π What a kicking refreshing inspiring start of the week! Super smile!! (I love Xanthippe too:-))
Eli recently posted…X for Xenos
Xeroxing smile after reading it..and a genuine one!!
Never knew there were so many benefits of smile apart from a ‘feel-good’ factor..thanks for spreading the words π
Hemant recently posted…W ~ Wisdom words from a wandering soul!!
What a lovely idea. Smiles do Xerox themselves..as in if you smile at someone chances are you’ll get a smile in return. I do love Mark Twain’s quotes. They always do make sense.
obsessivemom recently posted…X is for eXophoric
Now this is an eXceptional post because it is all full of smiles π And as if there weren’t enough to start with you went ahead and Xeroxed them too, ok, photocopied them! Yes a smile doesn’t cost anything and its rewards are huge. Every accountant should be smiling then all the time, no? π Ok, that was a bad joke! But seriously though, have you noticed how most of the photographs on official documents like passports, bank passbooks, license, etc look so serious. No smile at all. Almost angry, in some cases. I should admit my own “official” photos are like that too – not much smile there. I can’t force myself to smile for such photographs…I propose they should scrap this photo business (in duplicate, triplicate)for identification purposes, and simply have people insert a smiley symbol there with their self-attested signature on top of that. Wouldn’t that bring a smile on the face of those clerks dealing with tons and tons of such paperwork? π Ok I should stop now, this is getting weird by the minute…I blame you for this Vidya, such a happy post you write and there goes my serious mood for some serious thinking today π Thanks by the way! π
Beloo Mehra recently posted…X is for (X)Cross-Cultural Learning, the Indian Way
I smile every time I post a comment on your blog because you ask, Did you smile today?
It is true smiles do make the day look brighter π Let us distribute smiles to all those who need them.
Thank you for mentioning my blog here, appreciate the lovely gesture. π
This is a great post…and once again you made me smile! So thank you my dear friend. π
Kathy recently posted…X is for X-ray
Smiling all the way Vidya π π Superb Vidya-licious post!! Hugs!
Aditi recently posted…Loving Vanilla
I liked everything about your post except the stat that men smile 8 times a day against 62 times by a women.I thought it was the other way around.May be you excluded the foolish,sly, smirk,sneer,leer,grin and guffaws that men are prone to!!!!
KP recently posted…Girl’s saviour
Hi Vidya,
Couldn’t agree with you any more.
A smile is in fact a freebie presented by angels who flit by your lips and light up your eyes.
It is our bounden duty to keep ourselves physically fit ,to exercise and to nourish our bodies for good health.
It is an even greater responsibility to keep ourselves
happy and smiling.
BTW I love that question above your “submit comment” button.
Thanks for reminding
SMILE
Mona
richmiraclefiles recently posted…Mind VIP : The Success Secret Course
You know I am smiling… Agree to you! There is a song by Bobby Mcferrin “Don’t worry be happy… If you worry your face will frown, that will make other people down!”
Smiles certainly make us positive. I have noticed when during stress my friends or anyone around makes me smile, I feel sudden relief! Smile is very important for me as when I am not smiling, people around me feel I am crying (***Jaw-paining- lol)
Looking at unknown faces- elderly, children, random people- a smile relieves us from awkwardness of being alone in any place. When they smile back- it becomes a happy day! π Loved your post!!!!
P.S. All the while reading your post, I was smiling… π
elixired recently posted…XOXO- Brothers do not mind hugs but hate kisses!
I’m smiling! Lovely post Sidya – you always make me smile, thank you!
Susan Scott recently posted…X β X-Ray
That’s such a sweet reminder and yes, I smiled. In fact, it is mandatory to smile when on your blog, otherwise our comments dont go through!! π
Shilpa Garg recently posted…X is for eX
I’m smiling:) Cheers! Kaarina
Kaarina Dillabough recently posted…What Can I Do With My Life Today?
you know what?
I smile whenever I think about you, dear Vidya. xxx
My Inner Chick recently posted…How Making Sβmores Is like Writing
Wow! that was truly an inspirational post! Incidentally I’ve written on xerox too!
I loved those stats you mentioned.. Smiling does take away half the problems from one’s mindset! A smile can brighten up your day…I totally agree after all I am a dentist π
Danny Simon recently posted…X for Xerox
I know when I smile and laugh I forget my physical pain for that moment. It is nice to smile and so important and you make me smile and you are very positive. Thank you!!
Birgit recently posted…X for Francis X Bushman-Yup a Little cheat
What a perfect thing for one of your last A-Z Challenges… making more smiles!!
I love it!!
Betsy/Zen Mama recently posted…Wisdom of the Mayans – The Road Less Traveled Part 2
I smile every time I visit your blog and post a comment. But one thing I have to say is if I am faking a smile, I feel exhausted instead of happy..
simple girl recently posted…AtoZchallenge – X for XΔ«guΔ juice …..
I never knew that thereβs scientific proof that laughter is the best medicine… but I’ve always believed it… with all my heart!
And yes, everyone smiles in the same language!! <3
Michelle Wallace recently posted…Z is for Zibaldone
Hi! Xeroxing smiles – what a fun idea! Smilies are like flowers – bright and cheery and pretty. They light up not just your face but your moment and maybe somebody else’s too. I love that picture illustrating smiles don’t have a language. If it is not a poster or on a t-shirt, it should be!
Thanks for a charming post Vidya.
Thank you, Hema!