What’s on your Thanksgiving gratitude list?
Now is an ideal time to reflect on your gratitude and express appreciation for the positive in your life. There are many categories for a grateful heart to choose from, such as feeling grateful for family and friends, experiences like travel and special events, and the beauty of nature and comforts, especially a warm bed and favorite foods.
I’m appreciative of so many blessings in my life, more than this column could convey. So I’ll share a few thoughts about one thing in particular – how appreciative I am for smiles.
A smile costs nothing to give, and yet it can offer so many rewards beyond the initial interaction. As I reflect on experiences that I’ve enjoyed because of a smile, I think of all the people in my world travels who shared a smile with me.
In particular, I remember an early morning in Jamaica when I was out walking near my hotel and noticed an outdoor market. A lovely lady with the most gorgeous smile called to me. Juanita was her name, and she was making breakfast. She beckoned me to join her and her family, and we had such a great time, all because of her smile.
Smiling at others, whether you know them or not, benefits our mental and physical well-being. Psychologically, smiles are contagious. When you smile at someone, both brains release dopamine and serotonin, which can elevate mood and reduce stress and create a cycle of positivity.
A smile can facilitate social interactions and help forge new relationships, even with strangers. Frequent smiling can enhance self-confidence and self-esteem.
Physically there is a host of health benefits attributed to smiles, such as reducing pain and improving pain tolerance over time. Smiling can lower the production of stress hormones, which decreases inflammation and boosts the immune system. Linked to lower blood pressure and heart rate, smiling can contribute to overall cardiovascular health.
With improved health, there’s a more relaxed feeling throughout the mind and body, which can be a factor in a longer life expectancy.
When you consider how easy it is to share a smile, it’s no wonder smiling is considered a universal language of kindness that contributes to a happier and healthier society.
As Thanksgiving approaches and the hustle and bustle of the holiday season speeds up, you can always call upon a heartfelt smile to give you a quick boost.
Since there’s no limit to how many you can give or receive, I’m putting “smiles” first on my gratitude list. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Writer, editor and speaker Cheryl Russell is a Laguna Woods Village resident. Contact her at Cheryl@starheart.com.
