September 2021 – Joslyn Poems

I am posting this early so you can get prepared for World Smile Day on Friday, October 1.

The first Friday of October every year is World Smile Day. What a wonderful idea that originated with the yellow smiley face icon created by Harvey Ball, a commercial artist from Massachusetts, who designed it for a State Mutual Life Insurance company advertising campaign in 1963.

His original intent was that it would spread goodwill and cheer throughout the world. When he became concerned that it was becoming too commercialized, he declared the first Friday of October World Smile Day, a day dedicated to smiles. After he died in 2001, the Harvey Ball World Smile Foundation was founded and serves as the official sponsor of the happy observance.

Of course, since then the smiley face has become ubiquitous and has evolved into many forms and designs and uses. Who hasn’t used this emoji or its spinoffs in their correspondence with friends and family and even work colleagues. It can soften a message, make someone laugh and help say what you really want to say.

The benefits of smiling are many, such as:
• Improves mood
• Lowers blood pressure
• Relieves stress
• Betters relationships
• Boosts the immune system
• Relieves pain
• Increases life expectancy

There are many ways to celebrate World Smile Day:
• Do a random act of kindness for someone.
• Use a smiley face emoji on every text you send.
• Spread cheer by handing out smiley face stickers.
• Give a smile to everyone you come across.
• Tell someone a funny joke.
• Play happy songs like “Happy” by Pharrell Williams or “Don’t Worry
Be Happy” by Bobby McFerrin.
• Take a selfie of your own smile and share it on social media.

In these days and times, a simple thing such as a smile can change the entire atmosphere around the smiler and cause others to smile, too. It is something that takes little effort but can have a huge impact. Let’s celebrate World Smile Day together!

The information in this article was taken from the following website:
https://nationaldaycalendar.com/world-smile-day-first-friday-in-october/

What are some other ways you think a smile may benefit someone or yourself?

What are some other things you can do on October 1 (this year) to spread goodwill and cheer?

Do one activity on World Smile Day and write about the results.

. . . and have a happy day!

Most of us are celebrating and honoring those first responders to Covid-19 and other major health and disaster issues especially in this month of Labor Day. We’ve taken them for granted in the past, but recently we have been putting them up front and center recognizing their tireless work in these, “the worst of times.” They represent some of the traits in people that are good about our country: bravery, resilience, compassion, dedication, and respect for those they help. Thank you first responders; we’re behind you all the way!

I have written a poem about one of the groups of first responders whom I think need to be remembered, recognized, and honored each day:

Nurses

They stand in the midst of chaos
ignoring the din around them,
working feverishly and efficiently,
hoping for positive outcomes,
reaching out to those who stream in
more than one at a time,
moving from one to the next
to the next and the next.
They may not know their names
or where they are from;
they only know they must work quickly
to comfort them – save them.
Though the fatigue threatens to overwhelm them,
they work on through the day
into the night
and into the next day.
They weep for those they lose,
silently and alone,
but move to those who may be saved,
again and again.
Life is fragile here,
and they handle it with care,
with love, with determination.
They will not give up or give in
until it is over, but they wonder
when will that be?

Think about a first responder you may know or have heard about, and write a tribute to that person, or just write about first responders generally or a specific group. Maybe a poem?

What are you doing now in this upsurge of the virus that you thought you wouldn’t have to do again? How do you feel about that?

Write about when the worst of Covid-19 is over what you will do first.

Smile!

Honor to Those Continuing the Battle