“You are you and that is true, there’s no one in the world who’s you-er than you.”
Dr. Seuss
The research on smiling is extensive and far-reaching. Our dear friend, Charles Darwin, when he was not writing “The Origin of the Species” came up with the Facial Feedback Response Theory that argues smiling makes you feel better. This is opposite to conventional wisdom which states that when you feel great, you smile.
Jeanne Calment, the French super-centenarian, who holds the title for living the longest – 122 years, 164 days, said “Always keep your smile. That’s how I explain my long life.” It seems the data supports her claim. Studies suggest that the span of a smile has predictive value on determining the span of a lifetime. Ultrasounds demonstrate that babies smile even in the womb. It seems that smiles can determine how long a marriage will last. Best of all, researchers have found that when one person smiles, it compels another person to smile back. It is difficult to frown if someone is smiling at you.
Somehow, I think we already knew that a smile had the power to make our lives remarkable.
“If by chance some day you’re not feeling well and your should remember some silly thing I’ve said or done and it brings back a smile to your face or a chuckle to your heart, then my purpose as your clown has been fulfilled.”
Red Skelton
Lady Budd 
I’m 😀 for last 2 hours. Just won’t settle even for a bit.
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Then you are changing the world – one smile at a time. After all, you made me smile and I am on the other side of the world. Powerful stuff – smiling.
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Dr. Seuss is right..there’s no one in the world who’s you-er than you. Thanks, have a nice day
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Thank you – we had a sunshine day in Vancouver! Thank you so much for being “you.”
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I just smiled 😀 A smile always makes everything better 🙂
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You are so very wise, my dear friend! A smile does make everything better.
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Hehe 🙂 I love you for making me feel wise 😛
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It suits you well… 🙂
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Rebecca, what an uplifting post to start the day. 🙂 On a side note, where did you snap the opening picture – Giverny, France?
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You are very observant! Yes, that is the window from which Monet looked out on his amazing garden. When I was there, I felt his presence and knew that I had somehow come home. Not certain why, but it felt good, so I went with it. Thank you for stopping by – looking forward to our ongoing journey…
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Now isn’t that interesting? A baby smiling in the womb. Practicing that first special smile for us?
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It is interesting – but what you will find even more amazing, is that they believe that babies smile when they are being born. I found that a little far-fetched, but who knows….
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The power of the smile. It makes us feel better, makes the world brighter place and, who knows, our smile may make a troubled or sad person find courage.
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I agree wholeheartedly – there are many times that a smile changes the world of the sad person.
“Peace begins with a smile..”
― Mother Teresa
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I love green colors. You picture is inspiring me to repaint my house doors and windows with green.
Smile is worship. Smile can make the world loves you a lot. I am smiling at you right now, Rebecca. Thanks for a great post 🙂
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I love to hear your wisdom – “smile is worship.” How true – when we smile it is as if we are giving thanks to creation. I have always thought of green as nature! I am looking forward to seeing photos of your repainted house. That is the green that Monet chose for his home in Giverny – so you will be in good company.
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You mean Claude Monet? Yay I love that. At least just the colors. 🙂
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Yes…:)
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It’s the elixir to life!
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Amen – thought you would like this quote to go along with yours:
“Smile is a good reply to the dark world.”
― Mehmet Murat ildan
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Best of all, researchers have found that when one person smiles, it compels another person to smile back.
I’m learning to BE smiling. It eliminates the split second moment when each is looking at the other, deciding whether to smile or not.
-have a nice day!-
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You always make my day brighter. I especially like your idea of “Be smiling.” So I’m smiling as I write this comment and I feel amazing…
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Your gravantar photo say it all, a beautiful smile on your face, very powerful ;).
I try to be around kids a lot and watch something funny at night before I go to sleep.
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thank you so much!!! I agree – being with children makes everything that we worry about seem less frightening.
“Every baby born is God’s way of saying the world should go on.”
– Thornton Wilder
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