G'Day

How magic is the human smile?

Walk down a crowded street or through a centre full of busy shoppers and feel the warmth every time one of them gives you a smile. A smile can change the atmosphere around your life; it can lift you out of the doldrums; it can give you hope; it can restore your faith.

I once engaged in a bit of a social experiment on the effects of a smile. I (the country mouse) was in the city for a few weeks. The purpose of my visit to the city necessitated me walking the same short stretch of footpath every morning just as mothers were walking their children to the nearby school.

The first morning I noticed that everybody walked head down, averting their glance from me as if I was a potential axe-murderer. Why does nobody acknowledge me? Why does everybody try to get as far away from me as the fence will allow, grabbing the hands of their offspring as they pass?................mmmmmmmm, potential for positive change !!!!

The next morning with each person I met I said a very cheery 'Good morning!' accompanied by the best smile I could muster. The effect was interesting to say the least. Every person, without exception, briefly looked up at me and muttered something akin to 'good morning' as they scrambled past me with their bairns at their heels.

I continued this every morning and before the first week was out it was I who was greeted by a cheery 'Good morning' without exception, always accompanied by a wonderful smile. By the time this little country mouse had finished her sojourn into the city she was enjoying friendly conversations with Mum's and children alike and was the recipient of some beautiful smiles as she made her way along her appointed path.

Why not give it a go and see what results you get?

I would be interested to know if you have ever been affected by a smile from a stranger.