Smile. It will either warm their hearts or piss them off. Either way you win! —Author Unknown
When I was working at a radio station in Detroit as the traffic reporter, a coworker seemed to snarl at me whenever we crossed paths. One day, I finally asked her if I’d done anything to upset her. “I just have a problem with people who walk around smiling for no reason,” she said.
Well, I have good reason to smile. I’m truly grateful for my blessings and choose to be happy more than I’m sad. It’s what I want out of life. Wouldn’t the world be a better place if we all walked around smiling and content?
Once, on a brutally hot and humid day in Miami, my son, Rocco, and I were doing some shopping and sightseeing. We stopped into a convenience store to get a cold drink. The building was decrepit and seemed to be hotter inside than it was outside, but we were tired and thirsty. The clerk had a broad smile and cheery demeanor, and he greeted us with a confident, “Hello, my friends!” His happy attitude was contagious. We immediately smiled through our sweat and walked back to our hotel with a spring in our step.
Why do some people always seem to have a chip on their shoulder while others are grateful to have shoulders? Negative thoughts enter our minds often throughout the day. Whether it’s the guy who cut us off in traffic, or bad news, our journeys on earth are emotional roller-coaster rides. Although that man in the convenience store probably had a minimum-wage job and worked in conditions that were less than desirable—without air conditioning—he was pleasant and upbeat.
Being happy is a choice, one that can trigger a chain reaction for the people you encounter. If only for today, smile more than you don’t.
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Thanks Shemane for that uplifting message. It is amazing to me, that some have trouble finding anything to smile and be grateful for!!
Sometimes we get stuck in a rut and need a reminder to focus on the good things.
Thanks for your comment!
xo
Shemane, as a Nugent I too am blessed to look and find kindness in people. As a fourth generation Firefighter I know just how far a smile or thanks can go. My best to Ted and say thanks for all the smiles he has given me
God bless you & your fellow FF’s. We’re with you 150%
(like your last name, too!)
Keep Smilin Girl !!!!
; )
I am 60 years old…and my father and mother always said when we were home never to walk around the house with a pouty face, they would Send us to the room till we came out with a smile. That was the best training ever, all 5 of us kids are known for our happy demeanors even in the worst of situations… My parents came from a very hard life and appreciated living to the fullest ! I did the same in raising our child, who is now 23…and his nic name was Smiley!!
Awwww!! I LOVE that! What a great story!
Have an amazing day!
Thank you for your uplifting words! We do get stuck in ruts and need a reminder sometimes that there is SO MUCH to be grateful for in our time on earth! ❤️
Thank YOU for commenting here Tracy!
Have a great day!
Hi,
To be honest with you Im A believer in the moment(s) in time we share are laid out before each. I only recntly truly rrecognized mine.
Life’s not been so easy from time to time.Yet in my years I’ve never failed. To walk away with a lessoned learned and it’s not at all a failure. Boy do I have so very many true, real , lifes stories. Moments in time “mine”, at times I even think to myself,”my god” was that real.
You’re right Blair! When you can learn a lesson from a trial or tribulation, that’s success!!
I don’t even know how or why I’m on the path to leaving comments on Shemane Nugent’s inspirational site.
Strange, yet I’m right here:) .
3 months ago life, well was a mess. I stood one day and thought oh so seriously. I took my life back. Now I look back and smile. Lessons learned.
I’m shining brute now, its truly tuff keepn my feet touching the ground. Its truely special to know one as you are around. God blessed Ted:)
Sometimes we smile because we’ve gone through a storm & made it out! Lessons learned, indeed.
Thanks for commenting here! I’m glad you found this site! Many blessings…
Thanks Shemane for being such a happy healthy Role model for us all to admire and look up to.Great Advice from a Gorgeous lady .Ted is a very lucky man to have you for his wife.Turn that frown upside down.Kyle Cook
I like that….turn the frown upside down! Maybe we can help people do that!
Thanks for your post!
I like it when people smile and give me the head nod…It just make me feel better knowing that there are people out there that aren’t looking for trouble. That lady you worked with must have been psychic to say she doesn’t like people smiling for “no reason.” Maybe you won the lottery!
A simple thing like a smile makes you feel good!
If more people would embrace adversity and hard work with joy, this world would be a better place. Thank you for your inspirational message, beautiful huntress.
Awww…I appreciate your message, as well.
Let’s go out & make it a better place!
I think of it this way… If I smile at a stranger, it may be the only one they see all day! It costs nothing, and may make a difference in someone else’s day. xo
Yes! That’s so true Cindi!
I’m smiling at you now….have a great day!!
Hi,makes complete sense.Some people are so negative.Thank God I have not had a bad day,yet I did have some bumps in the road.My joy in my life is my family.You and Ted are such in inspiration to us.It is like a journey to the mind.I know if you find yourself you will find God. I can find time to relax enjoy nature.I am retired at 50.I keep busy with my wife and dogs. You make me smile when I think of your words.What a great honor it is you and Mr.Ted.rock on. I am just enioying some blessings from mother natures little garden.So until next time peace.My friends.
Hi Jay! Thanks for your input. Life is a Journey to the Center of The Mind, isn’t it? ; )
As long as you credit me & a link to my blog. Sure.