Don't Forget to Smile and Find the Joy

by David Brooke

The smile is step one. Not feeling it? Try. If it triggers tears, so be it. When you're done crying try it again.

See, your body is directly linked to your thoughts and feelings. Smile with your mouth, and your being responds with a smile's closest companion, happiness. The more you do it, the happier you'll be. Learn to live in gratitude and record all of the things that you are grateful for, in your gratitude journal every morning. The difference in your life will be astounding.

A smile is sort of a multipurpose tool. Not only does drumming one up improve your mood, it makes you more approachable. People see a smile as an open door for conversation, or just for a return smile. It means you're friendly.

Smiling through frustration or hard times signifies strength. It tells the world you can 'suck it up' when you need to. Even if you are being wronged, saying something is far more productive than pouting.

Finally, a smile is simple good manners.

Finding joy, while related to finding your smile, is by far the most difficult task. Look at smiling as step one in a long process of finding joy.

Look for beauty. It's there, you know. Your senses are recording devices, so it makes sense to record what's best in the world. Take note of an especially full bunch of grapes at the market. It's perfect, isn't it? Clothes on a line, your elderly neighbor's face, well-done graffiti, all these things hold beauty. Artists have been finding beauty in the every day since the dawn of consciousness. It's your turn.

Allow yourself small luxuries. Draw hot, scented baths to soak in. Take long walks in the park, or better, in the woods. Call a friend over for coffee and conversation. Decompress. It's hard to be joyful when you're stressed out.

Finally, find your path, your reason for being here. This seems like a huge step, but really, it's not. If you like doing something, do it. Doesn't matter if it makes you no money, takes up your spare time, or even if you're not so good at it. A sketchpad, a model train set, a bike ride or a trip to the museum can be worth a thousand prescriptions for antidepressants. Find yourself, and joy will follow.

Copyright (c) 2008 Brooke Consulting Co.

David Brooke, aka "The Brooker" has been a coach, speaker, and motivator for over 25 years. He specializes in coaching people to cope and manage the stresses of life by applying an "attitude of gratitude." To access his strategies on how to utilize your Daily Gratitude Journal, and re-energize your life, please visit: http://www.thebrooker.com

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