You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile Recognizing the Power of a Smile

I used to play a silly little game when I was a kid. Anytime we were out and about and I found a grumpy person, I’d try with all my might to get them to smile. I put on an extra big smile and would say something sweet to them. I was almost always successful at getting them to reciprocate. Nothing like a little girl smiling up at you to elicit a grin. 

I still play that little game as an adult. When I’m encountering bad customer service or some person looking like they’re having a bad day, I smile and make a cheery comment. I’m not as effective as an adult as I was as a little girl, but it does make you realize the power of a smile.

Most people joke about the crazy Sunday morning drive to church. Everybody is typically arguing, but the moment you reach the parking lot — you are making sure everyone cheers up, smiles, and is ready to be polite to those they meet.

It’s the perfect example of how we tend to put our best foot forward around others. We so often become lazy with those we are closest to. I know even as a naturally smiley person, I can get distracted and forget to slow down and smile at them. Not that I am intentionally giving my family the cold shoulder, I just get so busy and tired that I neglect to put in the effort they deserve.

I was reminded of this when I was talking with Andrew Pudewa, a popular speaker in the homeschool arena, last month. We’d gotten to know each other over the course of several conventions we were both speaking at. He came on my podcast as a guest and shared a story that made my job drop. We were talking about motivating kids, but this particular story stood out to me more than all of his other advice. He shared about his daughter’s observation of how he was acting around other people. What hit me was the fact that I fail in this area, too, far too often.

There is so much power in a smile. When we take time to deliberately smile at those we love, it speaks volumes about their value to us. Regardless of what your spouse or child’s love languages are, a smile will always communicate love.

So, whether you are a fan of the musical Annie or not, its signature song should be a reminder to us all…

“You’re never fully dressed without a smile!”

Blessings and joy,

Kristi Clover

Let’s Connect: My Website, Simply Joyful Podcast, — &  YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter

P.S. If you’d like a free copy of my Sanity Savers for Moms eBook, you can get a copy here. I hope it blesses you.