The Power of a Smile

“What’s wrong?”

“Are you upset?”

“What’s with the sad face?”

Those are a few things I was hearing almost daily over the past few weeks. I had no idea I was giving off a RBF (Resting B*tch Face). It’s rather unlike me because I am usually always smiling. However, lately, it seems I have lost my spark.

Maybe it’s my three crazy kids, trying to run a small business from home, or just life getting the best of me, but I haven’t been as happy lately and it has shown. My usual smile has lost its sparkle and has been replaced with the RBF.

However, today when my usual barista flashed me a beautiful smile as I drove away, it immediately made me smile. So there I was, smiling again! I returned that smile to the next person I saw once I got out of my car at Target and he smiled back at me! I walked around the entire shopping trip with a smile on my face and made sure to give a big grin to anyone else I came in contact with. 

When I got into the car, I belted out a song on the radio with a grin from ear to ear. I didn’t realize that I forgot just how GOOD it feels to smile. My mood dramatically shifted, and over the next day or so I realized, I got my spark back!

I failed to realize how much my smile not only affected me, but everyone around me. My kids seemed to be in better moods and were smiling more as well. My husband, who usually always has RBF, was even cracking smiles here and there. And if I may be honest, I think my chihuahua even gave me a smirk … ok, I kid, I kid.

Next time you are feeling a bit down in the dumps, turn that frown upside down! It may sound silly but it totally works. Try being in a bad mood when you are grinning, it’s always impossible!

So smile; you will notice some changes. I promise you!

Mary Olivio
Mary is a caffeine addicted boy mom to Noah, Liam and Luke. This “stay at home” mom can typically been found cruising in her minivan, jamming to Beyonce with a Starbucks in hand on her way to carpool or after school activities. Mary has been married to her high school sweetheart since 2007. She is a founder of Delivering Hope NOLA and the Vanessa Wolff Scholarship Fund at her Alma Mater. Mary is passionate in the local preemie community and has been heavily involved with the March of Dimes since her sons Liam and Luke were born premature.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here