It costs nothing but creates much.

It enriches those who receive without impoverishing those who gave.

It happens in a flash and the memory of it sometimes lasts forever.

None are so rich that they can get along without it and none so poor but richer for its benefits.

It creates happiness in the home and fosters good will in business.

A smile, however, cannot be bought, begged, borrowed or stolen.

It is something that is no earthly good to anybody until it is given away.

If, at times, you meet someone who fails to give you a smile, try giving one of your own! 

Nobody needs a smile as much as those who have nothing left to give.

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This poem tells us about the mysteries a smile hides beneath it and how a smile multiplies itself and causes us and others to be happy.

What is the value of smile? A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks. People are naturally attracted to people who smile…endorphins are released making people feel happy and less stressed. Smiling improves health.

How do we benefit mentally and physically from smiling?

* Smiling Helps You Live Longer

A study in 2010 found that genuine and intense smiling is associated with longer life.

* Smiling Relieves Stress

Stress permeates one’s entire being and often shows up in the facial demeanor. Smiling prevents a look of fatigue, for instance, and can actually help decrease stress.

* Smiling Elevates Mood

The physical act of smiling activates pathways in your brain that influence your emotional state, so “put on a happy face!”  

* Smiling is Contagious

Our brains automatically notice and interpret others’ facial expressions…something like a smile can cause one to unconsciously smile back!

* Smiling Boosts the Immune System

Smiling can help make your immune system function more effectively by releasing certain neurotransmitters…helping you relax which then boosts your immune system.

* Smiling May Lower Blood Pressure

Laughter seems to lower blood pressure, so smiling may also lower your heart rate. Test it out…sit for a few minutes and then take your blood pressure.  Then smile for a minute and take another reading, still smiling…any difference?

* Smiling Reduces Pain

Studies show that smiling can release endorphins, other natural painkillers and serotonin…brain chemicals that makes one feel good by elevating your mood, relaxing your body and relieving physical pain. Smiling may just be a “natural drug.”

* Smiling Makes You Attractive

Others are drawn to people wearing a smile. Facial expressions like frowns, scowls and grimaces work in the opposite way…actually push people away.  A genuine smile lifts the face and can also make a person appear younger. 

* Smiling Suggests Success

Research has shown that people wearing a smile appear more confident and approachable, and have positive interactions with others in the workplace.

* Smiling Helps You Stay Positive

Try this test:  Smile.  Now try to think some negative thoughts without losing your smile…hard, isn’t it?  Smiling influences your feelings of positivity!

- Anonymous

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Happy [are] the people whose God is the Lord!  Psalm 144:15b RSV

I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 NLT

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If you liked this story and would like a copy of either of my books,
they are available on Amazon in both paperback and Kindle format:

If you have a story or testimony that you think might bless others,
I invite you to send it by email to me (Kenneth Kersey) at godsotherways@me.com.

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