Did you know that smiling is healthy for you? I know many of you may
have heard that it is, but do you know exactly how and why? I just found
out recently, in this article. When you have a few minutes, please read it all the way through; it's really fascinating!
Prior to researching the benefits of smiling, I had been taking notice
of the fact that when I make a concerted effort to smile at people a
lot, I feel good. I can literally feel a shift in my spirit. This shift
is especially noticeable when I'm in a negative space mentally, as
opposed to when I'm already in a decent space. The energy is a little
different. When I'm feeling good, my natural instinct is to smile, as is
most people's. Of course, it feels good then, too; but when there's a
deliberate effort put into the act, that's when I notice the most
benefit. Now that I've read the above article, I understand why. I
invite you to challenge yourselves to smile a lot, on purpose, when
you're struggling with challenges, whether you smile at people or just
find something to smile at when you're alone. Part of honoring your
spirit is making sure you do all that you can to feel good, as often as
possible. Walking around with a scowling face is almost as unattractive
and unhealthy as complaining. No one really feels comfortable around
people who don't smile or who frown all the time. You don't always need
words to express how you feel. In fact, before the words come out, your
face starts telling your story. I know I definitely like to stay away
from sourpusses. Their energy is draining and has the ability to
adversely affect others in the vicinity.
Another thing I've noticed I do, that also feels healthy, is [smiling and then] saying "I'm good" when asked how I'm doing—even when I know damn well I could be doing a whole lot better. (Sure, if you wanna be super-technical, then it's "I'm [doing] well.") Yeah ... I know, I know ... if you say you're "good" when you're really not feeling
good, then you're a dirty little liar, right? Well, maybe to some
people, but allow me to share with you a different spin on the concept.
In the world of speaking the life you want into existence, it goes
without saying that all words matter. Attached to the words we speak are our intentions. I don't know about you, but my intention is to feel good as soon and as often as possible.
The best way I know to make that happen, in addition to physical
actions, is by speaking purposefully about what I want and how I wanna
feel, regardless of the crap that's happening in "real life." I'm
looking ahead, focusing on my future; and in my future, I wanna be
"good." The future starts the second after I speak my chosen words.
So, in reality, when I say "I'm good," when I know I'm in the midst of
one or more life storms, it's not about being fake or lying; it's about
intentionally speaking about myself, and my life in general, the way I
want things to be.
Lemme be clear about the fact that I'm not saying you should never tell
anyone what's really going on with you. This isn't about skipping around
the universe in full-on denial, acting like Mr. or Mrs. Perpetually
Happy. That is fake. There will usually be certain people in
your life with whom you can speak your truth, which, at times, can also
be healthy and is sometimes necessary. But I would strongly suggest
limiting that circle of people to those you trust and who have your best
interests at heart, as well as monitoring how you tell your
stories. Even when telling your truth, I implore you to choose your
words wisely. Try not to morph into Negative Ned or Nancy and start
spewing your saga using the most dramatic, pessimistic sentiments.
Remember: all words matter. This means you still wanna make the
effort to speak goodness into your life, even if you're speaking on
"the real" of your situation. Try to use the most neutral phrasing you
can think of to describe what's going on. Try not to make yourself sound
like a victim. Try to throw in some phrases that lend themselves to
your eventual victory (e.g., "But it'll all work out"; "I'm gonna be
okay"; "I'm gonna get the help I need"; etc.).
This takes practice; I'm
not even gonna lie. I don't always succeed, either, especially if I'm
overwhelmed and at a breaking point. Hell, sometimes you just need a
good breakdown right quick, and that's perfectly okay. You can only hold
in extreme upset for so long; a release every now and then is natural.
Just try not to make a habit of erupting on a regular basis, especially
when you're speaking casually to people who've asked how you're doing.
Use those moments for being deliberate in your intention to speak the
good you want into your life. And be courteous and always say thank you.
No one has to ask how you're doing, ya know.
Overall, consciously speaking about your challenges in the least gloomy
way helps move you into a better mental and physical space quicker. It
helps attract the scenarios you want in place of the ones you don't.
Couple that with all the smiling you'll be doing, and I'd say you're
gonna be some appealing, irresistible, abundance-creating mugs!
Take care, and always remember to honor the spirit.
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