Smile. Schmaichel.
Smile theory therapy. Yup, you read that right. Today marks the day that I begin. I share with all of my fellow humans, my smile therapy, in the hopes that the contagion of a smile, made by seeking eye contact and sharing with any and all individuals and groups I encounter, will elicit a return smile. May those strangers, knowingly or unknowingly, share that smile forward throughout their day. May this much-needed therapy for me, have a similar effect for those that carry on, unaware that they have been smiled upon… and may the smile spread across the world, like the butterfly effect.
Smile a bit in traffic at your fellow drivers if they can look up from their smart phones. Let that car edging out of a parking lot, get out in front of you, even though you may miss the green light. Hold open that door for those behind you. Wave and say hello across to the people walking across the street from you. Let’s do this differently. Smile.
I made a conscious start this morning while I walked with my Gatsby. Five complete strangers smiled back at me and wished me a fine morning. As total unknowns, we schmoozed (talked) about the beautiful day ahead, the cuteness of my pup, the way the sun felt nice on our backs. My hope is that this therapy will reach you, wherever you may be residing. And may the effect linger, lovingly and empathetically, to all in its spell. We may be able to heal this shit show of a vulnerable, unhappy world after all.
The butterfly effect is the concept that small causes can have large effects.
Too much is going on. We need to heal. Are you in with me? Let me know how your smile therapy goes. Please. It can’t hurt. Nu?
The bitterest misfortune can be covered up with a smile. Dem bitersten mazel ken men farshtellen mil a schmaichel.
And remember, just when that caterpillar thought the whole world was over, what did she become? A butterfly. A meshuggeneh (crazy) flight pattern, some lovely flowers to flutter by, freedom, and a touch of sunshine on her wings.
Love it!!! All for smiles…and butterflies!
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Carla, I swear this works. I’m on day 3 and it is amazing. I have only had 1person not smile back so far. Had tons of conversations too! 😘😉😍☺️💕
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Reblogged this on Die Erste Eslarner Zeitung – Aus und über Eslarn, sowie die bayerisch-tschechische Region!.
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I shall be smiling extra tomorrow, just in the hope of spreading this further! I do actually like to smile anyway and always say hello to elderly people or anyone who looks lonely when I am out. #KCACOLS
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I’m on day 3 and loving it! Let me know how it goes. I swear people are getting nicer! #kcacols
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Very eloquently and very beautifully expressed!
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Thank you! It’s working too! For me and those around me. Kind of exciting! 😘💕
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I am sure it does – great idea!
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I’ve heard of laughter classes but this makes sense. Every time I meditate or practice gratitude I’m choosing to see life through happy eyes and smiling is another way of doing this. Quick and easy, thanks. #GlobalBlogging
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Let me know how it goes Mama Grace
I’m on day two with great results! #globalblogging 😘💕
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What a lovely idea! It would certainly make a difference to my day sometimes if people were a little more friendly and warm. I’m going to give it a go! #bigpinklink
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Do tell me how it goes! I’m on day two and have had almost 100% percent positivity, and it’s working well for me! 😘💕 #bigpinklink
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It takes more muscle is to frown then to smile that’s my motto ☺
#bigpinklink
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Excellent motto momma! It’s working! My plan is working! It’s working for me too! 😘 M’wah! #bigpinklink
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I haven’t done the smiling thing but I have done good deeds for random strangers. Just small things like as you said, letting a driver back out of the parking space or turn into your lane even if it meant missing the light. I’ve never just randomly smiled at anyone though. An interesting notion:) #mg
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It’s working. They smile back. They talk. They are nice. We all really need this! Try it? #mg 😘
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I’ll give it a shot
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Keep me posted love! 😘💕☺️😍 I’m on day 3 and loving it!!!
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oh my, i love this!! too much sadness in the world right now but we can all do our bit to share some happiness 🙂 #bigpinklink
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Thank you! I’m on day two and it is super successful. I feel better too! #bigpinklink 😘💕
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Love this post, and I completely agree! Smiles are most definitely contagious and you feel so much better for it too #KCACOLS
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It’s working! Thank you for reading. 34 out of 35 people responded very positively today. Onward! 😘💕 #kcacols
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I am SO with you 100%. I always try to fill every day with smiles. To be friendly and polite to strangers, to the person in the shop. They may not respond, but hopefully I made their day slightly better and I sure did mine X #MG
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I must have spoken to about 35 strangers today, 34 of which responded positively! What a great day! #mg 😘💕
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I’m smiling as I read this! There’s nothing like a smile to lighten up your day and that of people around you! Thanks for the reminder. #mg
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Corinne, it is working. Day three and going strong! 😘😍☺️😉 #mg it’s amazing what a smile can do!
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giving it a go!
#dreamteam
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Day three and going strong. Turned some real curmudgeons! #dreamteam 😘
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You are so right and I’m ashamed to say that I need reminding to do this. I feel like I’ve only become like this in the last few years though, I don’t know if it’s because I’m not in my northern surroundings anymore, Nottingham certainly isn’t as friendly as Hartlepool, but that’s no excuse – I should be setting an example. As of tomorrow I will endeavour to smile more to strangers – thanks for the reminder! And thanks for linking up with #KCACOLS – hope so see you here again next time!
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Thank you Alex! It works! I’m on day three and I am truly amazed at how many grumpy people smile back, even schmooze a bit with me. It is really fun and making me feel better too! 😘☺️💕 #kcacols
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Such a good idea. I’ll give it a conscious go… wish me luck with being brave! #dreamteam
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Good luck! You can do it! 😘😍💕 #dreamteam
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I am glad to see or read that you are smiling as I have been thinking so much of you and hoping you are ok. I know things have felt so tough for you of late. I am a very smilie person (when anxiety isn’t ruling my life), in fact as a child I was nik named Kylie Smilie. I always smile and talk to random people and people seem to always smile back, I believe it works. Sending a big smell your way and a hug xx #mg
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Thank you Mac ! Things have been rough and I am turning it all upside down to get on the right track. It all starts with me. I’m on the third day and it is really working! 😘💕 Mwah my dear friend! Big hugs back.
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back from #FabFridayPost
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M’wah and 😀 to you, lovely Mac! xoxo #FabFridayPost
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I absolutely love the simplicity of this idea because it’s so true! It really does work! Your smile has spread to me and has rippled out to #HighlightsofHappy. Thanks for sharing Lisa!
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That is exactly what I want to hear! Keep it going! I’m on day 3 with amazing results! 😘
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I love this! And actually I think I do try to do this on the whole! Let’s definitely try to make the world a better place! Thank you so much for linking this up to #DreamTeam.
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Thank you! I’m going so over the top. I wave and say hi to people a Ross the street! Smile at people in cars at a light. I’m on day 3 and it is working! #dreamteam 😘💕
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I think it’s lovely to smile at people and have them smile back as long as it’s natural. I’ve always seen butterflies similar to that of the dove peace signs.. #mg
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Kindred spirits we are. Let’s heal the sadness and overall numbness that is taking over the world! 😀 #mg xoxo
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This is a wonderful idea. I will try this myself.
#TriumphantTales
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Let me know how it works for you! I am having a stunning response all over! 😀 Pass it on! #TriumphantTales xoxo
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I’m a smiler. I have always been. When I worked in the NHS for 11 years both the staff and the patients often commented on the fact I was always smiling. Sometimes it was a mask but hey it did the job. I moved to a town where a smile will get you a “good morning” as opposed to a “what are you looking at”, which I love and hope never changes. A smile is indeed infectious and can really brighten someone’s day.
That said, if I was ever caught not smiling, I would get comments like “Cheer up!” “It’s not that bad” “Might never happen”. Like I was the beholder of smiles or something and couldn’t have a fricking 5 minutes of being straight faced. Actually really used to grind me as I didn’t others every getting these comments. You know when you feel you may have been put on this Earth just to share smiles (even if they are sometimes fake). ;p
#KCACOLS
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I have been nicknamed ‘Happy” many times. Hey, it could be so much worse. The contagion of the smile beats misery. Oh, and I do cry in the shower. Fake it till we make it! And share the love! #KCACOLS xoxo 😀
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A simple smile can be such a powerful thing and spread so far x
#Ablogginggoodtime
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Alana, it’s working so well, I find it hard to believe that we haven’t done this before! Pass it on… SMILE! #ablogginggoodtime xoxo
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I go over the top with it too – I smile at people in the street so much I think they think I’m a bit mad. But rather that then miserable! I love this post. #mg
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Hayley, I rather be guilty of mad than of being in the doldrums. Let’s fast-forward our ‘ear to ear’ all over this world! 😀 #mg xoxo
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love it Lisa. This is the best thing I’ve read all day. I’ll be curious to hear if you are able to keep it up! #KCACOLS
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Thanks so much Jeremy! I have to tell you…I am still going strong. Since the first posting, full throttle, sometimes even teeth! It is so rewarding and works (anecdotally) 95% of the time. That other 5%, I want to give a hug, but I may have to work up to that! I will definitely have a follow-up post on my findings. I think as adults, we sometimes just forget? #KCACOLS xoxo
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I’m a big fan of smiling at everyone – it costs nothing and brings its own rewards. I feel sorry for anyone who doesn’t smile back – they are obviously not in a great place and maybe their day was made slightly brighter by the strange woman that smiled at them and said Hello 🙂
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Oh, so very true my friend! Pass it on and let’s make all of us feel a bit better. 😀 xoxo
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Smiling cost us nothing but brings and gives everything. Found you on Bloggers Pit Stop
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Oh what a great quote! You have that nailed! Smile on and let’s heal the world a bit! #BloggersPitStop xoxo
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Good idea! I can get behind that. #ThatFridayLinky
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This could become a movement if we do it right, right? Let’s go! 😀 #ThatFridayLinky xoxo
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Always smile and never let anyone take it away from you! #ThatFridayLinky
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You got that right! Thanks Heather! M’wah to you and Lola! xoxo #ThatFridayLinky
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I LOVE this. Smile therapy should be prescribed to everyone. It is infectious, just like yawns! Get smiling peeps. #FridayFrolics
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YEAH! Spread the love and heal this place we live on! Kumbaya anyone? M’wah! #FridayFrolics xoxo
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Love the idea.Sharing the love.I have been trying it with my husband but he’s not noticed yet.#fridayfrolics
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Oh no! That is not a good sign. Force it on him and let him know how long it took! Hopefully, the smiles will also lead to some laughs??? #fridayfrolics xoxo
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I always smile at people! Especially when out walking the dog. A chat in the morning and a few exchanged smiles starts the day out right for me. Thanks for linking up with us at the #bigpinklink this week.
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See! Game on! It’s a winner every time. I am even smiling as I type now! Thanks so much! #bigpinklink xoxo
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I love this! I always try and smile at people I make eye contact with, it’s just the way I’m wired. I pulled in for a passing vehicle the other day and the driver gave me the biggest smile. It made my morning! Thanks for joining us at #TriumphantTales – hope to see you again Tuesday! 🙂
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Hi, Jaki! I am so glad you liked this post and you get the same feelings I do! I’m still going strong, full smile and have been doing a bit of travel. It works wonders in the airport! #TriumphantTales I hope to hook up another post shortly! xoxo
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Visiting from homebase #globalblogging
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Roger that, momma! Thanks for coming over! #globalblogging 😀 xoxo
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Smiling is such a more thing to do and it’s makes people’s day great read Thank you for linking to #ThatFridayLinky Please come back next week
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Thank you Nige. Try it and I hope you get the results I have been having! Really impressive. I’m going to need to write a follow-up post! #ThatFridayLinky xoxo
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Oh yes, what a wonderful idea. It’s hard to remain grumpy even if your smile is a fake or forced one!
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It even works on grumpy little ones – kind of hard not to return the smile! Bravo for the force of the butterfly wings! Thank you, Deborah! xoxo
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This does really work. Smiling at people, offering to help carry a heavy suitcase or a buggy up the stairs, offering my seat to an ageing person or a pregnant woman, picking up litter on the pavement and putting it in the bin, really does make me feel better about myself. And that’s before we start talking about the positive impact that it can have on others. Thanks for your post Lisa. Pen x #That FridayLinky
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Thank you, Pen! I am so glad you can feel it. I am still full on, smile patrol and having such wonderful results! Keep on smiling! #ThatFridayLinky xoxo
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The power of a smile can be pretty amazing. Thanks for linking up to #ThatFridayLinky
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It sure is Emily, and I am so enjoying this process. It is so positive and empowering! If you give it a go, let me know! 😀 #Thatfridaylinky xoxo
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This is a beautiful idea! So simple, yet so powerful. Thank you for this. #blogcrush
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Thank you so very much for your kind words and read of this post! I can honestly tell you, it works! And it is fun! TY #blogcrush xoxo
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I really love this. I’m going to go out tomorrow and make a conscious effort to smile at people, to spead the joy.
Something so simple, yet I never think to do it. Thank you.
Thank you for linking up with us on #fabfridaypost.
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Let me know how it goes Su, because I am really getting some stunningly positive responses, conversations, and smiles! 😀 #fabfridaypost xoxo
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Yes Yes Yes. Nothing like a smile to brighten up someones day I always smile at strangers and it’s great to get one back. Sarah #fabfridaypost
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I have been doing this now since the original post date. I gotta say, it works! I am amazed. I have done it in Philly, Newark airport, Denver Airport, Boulder CO, and all over, I would say I have over 95% (totally anecdotal) response rate that is positive! Just a few stragglers of non-smilers. 😀 #fabfridaypost xoxo
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Aww this post has made me smile! I always try to smile at people who pass me by, it is surprising though how many look away and don’t smile back! I must love in a not veey friendly town though as when we lived in South Wales everyone was always cheery and smiley! Or maybe the state of the world has made it harder for people to feel like smiling. I love your attitude though and I’m going to join you!xx #blogcrush
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Wendy! Thank you for joining in for the good of the people! We can convert the grumpsters and smile freely! Thank you love! ❤ #blogcrush xoxo
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I’ve always been a smiley gal and I definitely agree that it works! #FridayFrivolity
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You, us Lisa’s… well, need I say more? 😀 #FridayFrivolity xoxoxo
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Pingback: BlogCrush Week 29 - 1st September 2017 — Lucy At Home
I am so smiling right now lovely! 😀 #Blogcrush Thank you!
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I love when you pass a stranger and smile and you get to see their whole serious face light up. #BlogCrush
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You just made my whole face light up lady! Thank lovely, for the #blogcrush love! ❤ ❤ ❤ I'm still smiling, and it's still working, and I am a happier person for it! xoxoxoxo
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Will be trying this – we need more positivity and what is also great you never know how your smile can affect the next person, they might be having a bad day.#BlogCrush
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Let me know how it goes! For me, it not only helps the one you smile at, but I feel a whole lot better too! It’s fun! 😀 #BlogCrush xoxo
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A smile is contagious, I do try to turn my frown upside down sometimes, it’s hard for someone with a RBF (resting bitch face) #blogcrush
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RBF! Crack me up! Lot’s of people with that these days. Spread the love! Thank you lovely #blogcrush xoxo
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Yes! I LOVE this! I know I am a super smiley person, and I think it just brightens everyone’s day to share a little smiling around! #blogcrush
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I know it helps me tremendously! And that is a great way to start a day! #blogcrush xoxox 😀
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congrats on being the #blogcrush feature xx
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Thanks so much, lovely Mac! I hope smiles are spinning around the world making this planet a better place for us all. M’wah! #blogcrush xoxo
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Totally agree with you Lisa. I try to smile at passers by and often it’s reciprocated. Takes very little effort to smile x
#BlogCrush
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Little effort with a big return! 😉😍 #blogcrush
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Challenge accepted! Beautifully written and contagious! I was reading here and there about smiling on the way to publishing my article on the same topic and bumped into your inspiring blog. You may want to take a look at my article for a little insight on why this apparently simple technique works so well 🙂
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Will do, my new friend! Let’s get this world a bit happier. 🤗
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