Smile!

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!