Posted on in Charlottesville, Diversity, Human Nature, two moms, Uncategorized, worry

The chaos of the smile theory

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.

      

      

     

      

 

104 thoughts on “The chaos of the smile theory”

  3. 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

    Liked by 1 person

  5. 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

    Liked by 1 person

  8. 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

    Liked by 1 person

  14. 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!

    Liked by 1 person

  16. 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

    Liked by 1 person

    1. 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.

      Liked by 1 person

  21. 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

    Liked by 1 person

    1. 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

      Like

  25. 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 🙂

    Like

  32. 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! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. 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

      Like

  36. 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

    Liked by 1 person

  39. 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.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. 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

      Like

  41. 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

    Liked by 1 person

  43. Pingback: BlogCrush Week 29 - 1st September 2017 — Lucy At Home

  50. 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 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

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