Smile « Sizzle Says

Smile

May 10, 2007 at 6:12 am | In conversations, light bulb moments | 26 Comments

I have come to believe that sometimes all people need is a smile. It’s that simple, really. This idea was further reinforced yesterday while I staffed an information table at an expo. It was boring ass work and borderline torture- similar to the torture I feel when forced to attend a parade (shudder)- but I noticed that people perked up when I looked them in the eye and flashed a smile in their direction. A few people came by my booth to ask about our organization but like most tabling events, it was not worth the hourly rate for what we yield being out there for four hours.

The only bonus is hearing people’s stories. I got to chat with some attendees which made the time pass quicker. One man told me about how he and his wife were former foster parents and had adopted their daughter and another spent a good deal of time talking with me about the work we do, attentive and inquisitive. He gave me a nice compliment, “I can really tell you love what you do. Your enthusiasm is infectious.” That meant a lot to me to hear that from a perfect stranger. I put my heart into my work (when it is not hanging out on my sleeve) so that was very validating.

I managed to sneak away from my booth for a bit and look around. As I walked by a caricature artist, I smiled and he snagged me by saying, “Sit right down! I need to capture that smile!” As I sat there I asked about how he got started doing caricatures and we had a nice exchange about doing work that we love. I asked him if I was suppose to hold still (not my forte) and he said, “No, just keep smiling that smile.”

I like when I pass people and they look me in the eye and smile. I try to offer my smile to people because I think far too often we feel invisible. I passed a man on my way into a building the other day and he nodded a hello and said, “I hope you have a wonderful day.” It made me stand up taller and I smiled at him and wished him the same. And I meant it. It brought me out of myself and I felt connected. It was a simple gesture but it meant a lot.

I am reminded all the time that those small moments have great impact. If you think of it today, try extending a smile to a stranger or saying hello. You might be surprised at how it makes you feel.

“it’s been a lonely winter hibernating away/you need a little sunlight on that face/how long can you stay in the darkness?/dust round the empty nest?/you could make your way out/if you lay down the load/you will find a great weight lifting/easing your mind, a great weight lifting/leave it behind, a great weight lifting” -Trashcan Sinatras, Weightlifting

26 Comments »

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Sometimes I feel like I’m the only one that walks around with a smile (sometimes a pretty goofy one) on my face for no obvious reason. But you are so right, it has a lot of power. Good to know someone else does it, too. :)

Comment by justrun — May 10, 2007 #
I like it, Sizz!

Comment by sandra — May 10, 2007 #
I love the way those artists always make the smiles so big, as if to say, “this is what you SHOULD be doing!”.

I always smile at people even if I feel crappy.

Comment by Hilly — May 10, 2007 #
This is why I adore you so.

Comment by alissa — May 10, 2007 #
Oh yeah. Nothing like a smile. Especially a 1000-watt one like yours!

Comment by Alison — May 10, 2007 #
they say if you’re not in the best of moods, smiling can make you feel better… and laughing too… i think if more people said hello, please, and thank-you – the world would be a much better place… :o)

Comment by jodi — May 10, 2007 #
I’m a reluctant smiler… I smile, but just a small, shy smile until I know someone. You? You have a beautiful smile that lights up your whole face. No wonder people smile at you! It’s infectious.

Comment by sue — May 10, 2007 #
Sometimes I walk around with a smile on my face and saying Hi to everyone I see. I love doing it. I guess I see it as a “pay it forward” type thing. Keep smilin! :)

Comment by Kris — May 10, 2007 #
Noticed your bird pin in your snapshots. Are you selling them? I love it!!!!!

Comment by hotpinksox — May 10, 2007 #
I’m always smiling at people, and it bums me out when people don’t return the favor :( But I keep smiling anyway.

I totally dig your smile… and your caricature smile!

Comment by LVGurl — May 10, 2007 #
I sat at a dinner the other night with a woman who is going thru chemo and her husband heard me talking about that song, Smile. I remember Nat King Cole and Barbra singing it, but he told me, NO, it’s from a Charlie Chaplin movie. He sighed, and he said, It’s still the best song ever written.

I totally agree.

Comment by therapydoc — May 10, 2007 #
Grinnin

Comment by Skyzi — May 10, 2007 #
Absolutely, Sizzle!
I totally agree, and today? when I feel like Punchbag Bob because of so many cranky people out there on a Thursday? The challenge then is to keep bouncing back, keep smiling, keep trying! I actually had a guy (who had watched a transaction ahead of him) grin in admiration at me, and tip me a $5 just for being so darn presevering! heh!

When you feel like you made a difference for somebody, and was a force for good out there, it is a great feeling.Good on’ya mate!

Comment by Bully — May 10, 2007 #
Great sketch. Captures that smile perfectly.

Comment by Karl — May 10, 2007 #
That caricature is hawt. He totally got that smile of yours.

Comment by Dustin — May 10, 2007 #
I totally agree with you: parades suck.

Comment by Lefty — May 10, 2007 #
Sizzle, it doesn’t go without saying that you do have an intoxicating smile. I wish I could smile like you.

Comment by misstressm — May 10, 2007 #
The key is looking folks in the eye when you smile. Otherwise, it just seems like you’re smiling out of habit rather than a sincere desire to engage the person.

Comment by Dawn — May 10, 2007 #
I was told that I’d never make it in NYC because I smile too much and say hi to everyone. I’ve learned to save the smile and use it strategically. It’s like a laser-guided weapon of hostility disarmament.

Comment by Todd — May 10, 2007 #
You do have a great, great smile. I noticed it right away in your pictures, and again when I met you. (And again when you licked me. Jk.)

Comment by Long Story Longer — May 10, 2007 #
It’s so true! A smile can completely brighten someone’s day!

Comment by Bre — May 10, 2007 #
That’s so true. A smile can just brighten my day. I need to remember that more.
I remember feeling low one day and a perfect stranger smiled and looked me in the eye and it just turned my day around.
You have a lovely smile.

Comment by Patty — May 11, 2007 #
That is an incredible caricature.

Comment by kapgar — May 11, 2007 #
*Smiles* back at you!! TGIF girl!!
Great drawing too!

Comment by Lisa — May 11, 2007 #
You do have such a bright, authentic smile. I’d smile back at you, even if I’d just stubbed my toe, bit my tongue, and slammed my finger in a drawer.

And then I’d cuss like a sailor in pain after you were out of sight.

Comment by Catheroo — May 11, 2007 #
SOG knives…

Interesting ideas… I wonder how the Hollywood media would portray this?…

Trackback by SOG knives — July 18, 2008 #