My Happiness Project

I just started a new project. A personal one. This is how it looks:

What you are looking at is a Jar with a smiley stuck on it. Under the smiley, there’s a little strip that says “Thank you, Betsy at The Zen Mama, for the inspiration”.

Collecting smiles

Starting October 15, 2011, here’s what we have decided to do: Each time something makes us happy, we’ll write it down in a slip of paper and put it in this jar. This means we will consciously appreciate every little thing. We’ll watch the jar fill up. At some point, it may not even be necessary to open the jar and read each slip, though we’ll do that too. Just seeing it fill up will be motivating, inspiring.

If we have a problem or if we’re upset about something, we’ll discuss it, disperse the sadness, find solutions and take action to feel better.

As I said earlier, this was inspired by Betsy’s post titled “Take Two Smiles and Call Me In the Morning” which, I think, is a must read for everyone.  Besides the superb title and some beautiful quotes about smiling and laughter, Betsy explains the benefits of smiling.

A smile is the light in the window of your face that tells people you're at home

If you are really not interested in the theory behind why you should smile – that’s okay. Just know that when you smile – it improves your face value. Not convinced? Here are ten reasons to smile. 

Have you noticed that people are attracted to you when you smile? They invariably respond involuntarily with a smile… unless their mind is preoccupied and they’re not really looking at you or they belong to the rare species that prefers to stay glum, no matter what. Also, when we need information, we look around and usually approach someone who has a pleasant expression or is smiling. We’d rather not go disturb someone who looks morose or irritated.

A smile is a curve that sets everything straight - Phyllis Diller 

Children are experts at this. They tend to hang around with people who are nice to them. So what is so unnatural about that? Every one needs love and affection. That they may not reciprocate is a different story.

When you smile, laughter is just a few steps away. It is true what they say about laughter being the best medicine.

Be happy. Be healthy. Bobby McFerrin had a point when he sang “Don’t worry, be happy”

Here is a very simple exercise that will make you feel good and raise your mood. Check it out.

And don’t forget to Smile - It's the second best thing you can do with your lips.

Vidya Sury

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