What better way to start the day than with a simple smile. In addition to making us feel good, it reveals an inner happiness and usually fosters a return smile in the presence of another. Moreover, a happy smile may bring health benefits. According to a psychologist, “the act of smiling activates neural messaging that benefits your health and happiness.” One smile will release the “feel good neurotransmitters:” dopamine, endorphins and serotonin, which combine to reduce stress. (Psychcology Today, June 25, 2012.) So as you move through your day, smile as often as you can.

An old proverb tells us that “All people smile in the same language.” Everyone knows people who sport a winsome smile, which makes us feel good, and wish to befriend or assist the smiling person. A tender smile can break down barriers, ease tension, and improve relationships.

Many song lyrics have been inspired by a smile. Consider the pop song “When Irish eyes are smiling,” which includes a telling, but little used verse:

“There’s a tear in your eye,
And I’m wondering why,
For it never should be there at all.
With such pow’r in your smile;”

and the song “Smile,” written by the silent movie comedian Charlie Chaplin and popularized by Nat King Cole, ends with the lines: “You’ll find that life is still worthwhile, if you just smile.”

In addition to helping yourself, a simple smile may go a long way to help others. Mother Teresa (1910—1997), who was canonized recently as Saint Teresa of Calcutta, dedicated her life to caring for the dying, with diseases like HIV/Aids, leprosy, tuberculosis; and for the living, by running soup kitchens. Despite the hardships of her life and work, she was known for her ready smile. She frequently professed: “We shall never know all the good that a simple smile can do.”

What better way to end this post than with a quote from the comedian, W. C. Fields (1880-1946): “Start every day off with a smile, and get it over with.”