I am not too certain what it is about missionaries, but they are always smiling!

Being with them yesterday, reminded me of an experiment I conducted some years ago.

It was to 𝒔𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒆 𝒂𝒕 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚𝒐𝒏𝒆!

When at home back then, I walked our dog (Fawn) early one afternoon in the “Glen” in Dunfermline.

A perfect time to experiment!

Setting off, school kids were at lunch – they gave me some unusual looks in response.

I bumped into an old friend I hadn’t seen in over 30 years. We talked, laughed and shared many memories.

Next, I met a young family feeding the squirrels, we smiled and they commented about the beauty of the Glen and we struck up a lovely conversation.

Fawn was delighted!

Other dog owners joined in.

Further conversation ensued!

Next – tourists from Gent, Belgium. I practised my Dutch – it was great! We talked and smiled at our language skills.

Finally, nearing home again as I smiled, I received a smile or a cheerful comment in return.

In fact, with the exception of the school kids, everyone I made eye contact with, when I smiled at them, they smiled back or shared a positive greeting.

The results were astonishing!

I was happier, more relaxed, more positive and somehow more approachable.

I loved the walk.

I realised the great power of a smile.

Wearing a SMILE everyday brightens someone’s day.

“Go forward in life with a smile on your face, a sparkle in your eyes, and with great and strong purpose in your heart. The best things in life are the people in your life, the moments we live, and memories we made along the way.” Gordon B. Hinckley

As a child growing up in church, I learned this little song:

“If you chance to meet a frown, do not let it stay.

Quickly turn it upside down and smile that frown away.

No one likes a frowning face. Change it for a smile.

Make the world a better place by smiling all the while.”

Why not conduct your own experiment today and pass on your smile!