HOW A BIG SMILE AND KINDNESS CAN BE A BLESSING TO OTHERS!

by Mary Frances Hansen

A big smile can be a powerful blessing for someone who isn't having a good day. It can instantly lift someone's mood and brighten their day. Your smile can be infectious! Life is what you make it, and you can choose to make it a great day, not only for yourself but for others!!!! The Dalai Lama says, “ A simple smile is the start of opening your heart and being compassionate to others!”

A smile is a message of joy, warmth, love, and fellowship. I love giving a big smile to a stranger. It makes me so happy! A smile can go a long way, as it immediately triggers your brain to release endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin, which relieve stress and can boost your mood. It also reduces cortisol levels, lowers blood pressure, acts as a natural pain reliever, and makes you appear more approachable and trustworthy. An encouraging word from the Bible: Proverbs 17:22, “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit can dry up the bones.”

The word Kindness comes from the Old English word “kyndnes.” It derives from the Middle English word “kindnesses,” meaning noble deeds or courtesy. The first recorded use of the word kindness was in the 14th century. A famous quote by Henry James, Author and Novelist: “Three things in human life are important...the first is to Be Kind, the second is to Be Kind, and the third is to Be Kind!”

Dr. Joel Finer, a psychiatrist who lived in the Dallas metroplex and later moved to Oregon, was known for his compassion and empathy for others. When Dr. Finer gave a speech, he always closed it with these words: Be Kind, Be Kind, Be Kind!

Kindness is a virtue. Kindness is defined in the dictionary as the quality of being friendly, considerate, and concerned for others without expecting praise or reward in return. In many cultures and religions, kindness is recognized as a real virtue. Kindness is selfless, compassionate, merciful, friendly, generous, and affectionate. Anything you do for another person is considered an act of kindness, and being kind often requires courage and strength. Kindness is powerful... a meaningful quote from the Bible, Colossians 3:12 “Clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”

Mark Twain once said, “Kindness is a language the deaf can hear, and the blind can see!” Kindness is contagious, and you never know what impact kindness will have on another person. I love giving compliments, not only to my family and friends, but also to strangers. It brings me so much joy to see a smile on someone's face. The Bible tells us to encourage and lift each other. We should make people feel special and valued!

We may not like a person's ways or their personality, but we are to love them as God loves us. My grandparents taught me about unconditional love at a young age. Showing love to others doesn't require grand gestures; it thrives in everyday intentional acts. Simple practices include active listening, offering sincere encouragement, performing random acts of service, and giving people your undivided attention when they need it most; making a phone call to someone you haven't talked to in a while; sending a person a Thinking of You Card or a Get Well card, especially if they are going through a trial with their health. Let them know you are concerned and you really care about them. I belong to a prayer group, and when someone needs prayer, I send out a prayer request. It is comforting to know that people care for you and are praying. I do believe in the “Power of Prayer!” I believe that when you sow seeds of love and kindness, you will reap a harvest of appreciation!

I personally thank each of you for taking the time to read my article. I am most appreciative.

May God bless each of you. Be Kind, Be Kind, Be Kind!!!

Stay Strong, Stay Safe, and Keep The Faith!