It's definitely Monday, so you might not FEEL like smiling. But did you know that FORCING yourself to smile can actually make you feel better? The expression on your face is affected BY your mood . . . but it also directly AFFECTS your mood.--In other words, if you force yourself to frown all day, you're more likely to be miserable. And if you force yourself to smile, you're more likely to enjoy yourself . . . even at work.

"Just put on a happy face" or "grin and bare it" sounds like the most useless advice imaginable some days. Conventional wisdom is that smiling is an effect of feeling happy, rather than the other way around. Smiling, even when  it's the last thing you feel like doing, is more likely to change the pace of a bad day and, it greatly affects those around you.

Have you ever been in a rotten mood and suddenly you find yourself sitting next to Mr/Mrs Positive who can't seem to stop smiling and laughing, and before you know it you're smiling and laughing right along with them? Have you ever given much thought to how you feel physically or mentally when you're in one of those gloomy moods?

A couple years ago, I was given some of the best advice while going through a tough season... The situation doesn't pertain here, but the advice certainly does... "What does the God say about your situation?" Surely God wanted me to be happy and cheerful, right? Yes!! He does!

Proverbs 17:22 (MSG) A cheerful disposition is good for your health: gloom and doom leave you bone tired.

Proverbs 15:13 (MSG) A cheerful heart brings a smile to your face; a sad heart makes it hard to get through the day.

Joshua 1:9 (NIV) Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

Reading these scriptures brought insight to what I needed to be doing to not only be cheerful and happy, but genuinely smile and be healthy too! Even more reason to smile!

Smiling is the least expensive gift you can give anyone, including yourself. You never know when YOUR smile just might be that life changing event for someone else who is having a bad day or going through a tough season...

Find a reason to smile!! Happy Monday!!

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* Individual results may vary.