Smiles Prepare You to See Blessings
Did YOU know that…
In 1963, Harvey R. Ball, co-owner of a public relations firm, created the smiley to help improve the morale of workers within a recently merged insurance company. The original design was yet to become famous but Mr. Ball never applied for a trademark or copyright. He received a total of $240 for the entire smiley campaign.

A Few Years Ago, I Was Impacted by the POWER of a Smile.
While at our small-town bank one day, this business lady come in with her money-bag and slapped it down on the counter. You could clearly see she was in a hurry and wasn’t in the mood for any chit-chat.
The cashier, who had previously been happy & smiling as the customers came in – suddenly had a whole attitude change. Her posture changed. Her smile turned serious, totally gone was her welcoming smile. The transaction was made and the oblivious lady left the building.
As the line progressed to the counter, it took many hello’s & how are you’s before the cashier’s previous friendliness was back. I never forgot that day.
I’d heard all the clichés like,
- “Smile and the world smiles with you.”
- “She’s such a pretty girl, if only she’d smile.”
But I’d never understood how powerful a smile can actually be and and the power it had to change the atmosphere of a whole room.
One day, I decided to test this theory. I was in the supermarket paying for my groceries and noticed that the lady working the cash was not very friendly. She had an “I don’t care” attitude and mostly nodded or ignored people talking to her. She seemed to be in her own little world and had a crappy attitude. In an instant, I had a memory of the lady at the bank. Interesting, I thought… So I experimented.
When it was my turn to pay, I looked at her with my brightest smile and said hello. She nodded back at me and kept on doing her job. I just stood there and let a few minutes go by. Then I looked her straight in the eye and said, “You look tired. Have you had a long day?”
Simple words. Nothing so wise.
She lifted up her head and for the first time looked at me. “Yes, she replied. It has been a long day. I’m presently going through something that has me really worried and I’m not sleeping very well…”
Without missing a beat, I put my hand on her arm and replied, “I’m so sorry you’re having a hard time right now. It’s not always easy, is it?” She looked at me and with eyes full of tears said, “No… thanks for caring.” Then, she smiled at me.
As I left the store, I looked back and there she stood chatting with a new customer. Her posture had changed and she was standing tall. Something had changed.
There’s a song that hints about how we’ll never know the impact we’ve had in people’s lives, this side of heaven.
How one day, we’ll stand in the presence of our Savior when SUDDENLY!
An army of people will come to meet us…
SAYING:
- You smiled at me that day I was discouraged. I left with a kick in my step. Thank you.
- Words of hope on that card you sent, arrived for me the day I couldn’t get out of bed. Thank you.
- The encouraging words you gave me at church on that small piece of paper were just what I needed to hear when my daughter was sick. Thank you.
- I listened to that song you shared. “This too shall pass,” it said. Thank you.
- I smiled when you called to congratulate us on our new puppy. Thank you.
- I used that 20$ to buy school lunches for my little boys. Thank you.
- I never forgot the day my baby was sick & you drove us to the hospital. You even paid the gas. Thank you.
- My friend shared a letter you wrote her on keeping your head up in troubled times. It lifted me. Thank you.
- I heard the conversation when you had with your daughter about Jesus at the restaurant. It peaked my interest in God. Thank you.
- I saw you when you paid for my lunch that day I left my wallet at home. Thank you.
- I never told you I wanted to end my life that night you called at 12 am because you had me on your heart. Thank you for calling me.
- At my husband’s funeral, you took me in your arms and just cried with me. I knew you loved me. Thank you.
- At Christmas, my kids always had gifts. I knew you were the Santa who left those packages. Thank you.
- While everyone was busy chatting away, you saw me on the sidelines by myself. I was so shy! Thank you for spending time with me.
- When I broke my leg, you were always there for me. Thank you.
- You gave me your beautiful purse… just because I admired it. Thank you.
- Every day for 1 month, you came and prayed with me when I didn’t have the strength to do it myself. Thank you.
- You knew my family didn’t have anything to eat that night you brought over that casserole & cookies. Thank you.
That day at the bank was an “Ah Ha!” moment for me. I got it. And I’ve been noticing people ever since. You see, we learn stuff all the time. That’s knowledge. The real learning comes from the doing. In ACTIONS. That’s where the blessings and rewards come from. That’s where the wonders begins.
I EXHORT YOU TODAY TO BE AN ENCOURAGER & MOTIVATOR
- Look people in the eye.
- Give a gentle touch.
- Take time to give a hug.
- A bright smile.
- A listening ear.
Don’t be like the masses who throw a “how are you, today?” at you, then keep on going without waiting for your answer. I’ve had those…
Your life will be enriched when YOU reach out and touch someone. Today.
Smiles Prepare You to See Blessings.
NO ONE NEEDS A SMILE MORE THAN THE PERSON INCAPABLE OF GIVING ONE.

Blessings back at you, Mary Kate… love your dad’s comment, “Lead by Example…” :)
Norma Doiron ╰☆╮
Sending you a happy smile for many reasons. One being I was challenged with my header and you stepped up to the plate and made me smile when you dug out ideas I never expressed. It was a great starter and now I got that finished and still smiling. Love to smile. It makes my day happier even doing it via phone too. Great sharing Norma.
Helping YOU made me smile, Carol. I loved it as it gave me a chance to know you more… x0x
Norma Doiron ╰☆╮
LOVE love LOVE this! It is so true that we’ll never know (till heaven at least) how much of an impact our grace and courage-under-fire might have in someones life. Thank you for the reminder!
Very welcome, Elise… :) Thanks for replying! x0x
Norma Doiron ╰☆╮
WOW what an inspiring post! Thanks for the reminder. Just finished a chapter a couple months back in my book about being the salt and light of the world! I needed a reminder :)
Welcome Linda Jo. Ties really well with being the salt & light of the world… if you have a grumpy face, certainly not doing that! :)
Norma Doiron ╰☆╮
Yes this is so true “No one needs a smile more than the person who is incapable at the moment of giving one.” ~ the same is with love! Thank you so much Norma for such a beautiful article! :)
Very welcome, Solvita. x0x
Norma Doiron ╰☆╮
Norma, such a great article! It is amazing how the world changes when we smile FIRST. Everyone is dealing with something, big or small, everyday. All of us can make a difference- like you did with the cashier with a little awareness. Thanks for reminding us! :)
Glad you liked it, Vicky. Smiling is so important…. x0x
Norma Doiron ╰☆╮
This is so true – “we’ll never know the impact we have in people’s lives”! There are so many people I have come across that don’t know how they impacted my life by just being kind. A smile doesn’t cost anything!
For sure, Ingrid! Thanks for stopping by… x0x
Norma Doiron ╰☆╮
Great article! I love smiling and offering a smile to everyone! Yep, I’m a bit nutty but that’s what makes me fun:)
We don’t allow anyone to leave our office without smiling …it’s challenging at times but since I don’t give up our patients leave with a smile, even if they fake it:)
That is great, Daisy! Woohoo! What a great practice to do. I’d love to go to your office… (-_-)
Norma Doiron╰☆╮
I love this post. Sometimes, I must admit, it is a struggle for me to offer a smile, but when I do…well, the whole world does smile back.
Thanks for this very inspiring post.
Welcome, Michele. I know for me, I smile even when I don’t feel like it, and SUDDENLY, it makes me happy! Thanks for visiting. x0x
Norma Doiron╰☆╮
Love, love, love this post Norma! Oh how important it is that we smile at those that we come in contact with. I just LOVE your experiment. It always amazes me that when we really take the time to not only smile at others, but to also take an interest in them, the huge difference it can make in someone’s life is just amazing! I have no doubt that the young lady you showed an interest in had her spirits raised after hearing from you! Thanks for this inspirational article and the great reminder to always smile :)
Happy that you liked the article, Jennifer. It still blows my mind today how powerful a smile is… x0x0x Thanks for replying! Norma Doiron╰☆╮
Oh how beautiful!! i hope to always live this way and the greatest joy I have is when I see my kids bring encouragement to others and they have no idea I ever heard about it. I’ll share your post with my teenage daughter. She’ll love it.
That is sweet, Gina… love that your kids already bring encouragement to others. That is so awesome! x0x
Norma Doiron╰☆╮
Thank you for sharing. This is indeed helpful.
Thanks for visiting! Norma Doiron╰☆╮
Norma, I love this. It is amazing how a smile can change someone’s day. Thank you.
Welcome, Sibyl. Glad you related… x0x
Norma Doiron╰☆╮
i try and smile at everyone i encounter on a daily basis and say “hello!” sometimes i think perhaps that might just be what that person needed, much like the bank lady. and i feel sooo much better when i’m smiling! :)
Ain’t it great, Shelley? I wish everyone would practice smiling more. It makes US happy! It’s like my pastor says, “If you’re happy, please notify your face…” lol! Love it! Norma Doiron╰☆╮
Its so simple but so important. Thanks for sharing
Thanks, Beau. Appreciate your stopping by!
Norma Doiron╰☆╮
Norma – this is great – love it! I think you and I have a lot in common. I remember years ago I was in the hospital for some testing prior to surgery. The waiting room was packed and the gal behind the desk was extremely rude and unpleasant. I waited a LONG time for it to be my turn and was not looking forward to being treated the way I saw this gal treating the others who were also going to have surgery – NOT a fun thing to look forward to. So when it was FINALLY my turn, I walked up to the gal and said “You having a rough day?”. She looked at me and I could see her relaxing and the stress lifting off and she warmed up to me immediately. She complained a little about the other patients, etc. but because I saw her as a “person” and not just a function sitting behind a desk, she acted like a person and treated me the same. Yes – a smile goes a long way!
Oh thank you for sharing that, Julie. It just confirms what I already know! People just want to be acknowledged… with gentleness. Appreciate your reply! x0x
Norma Doiron╰☆╮
It’s so easy to smile at someone, and the act can make both people feel better. It’s a shame more people don’t do it! Very interesting post, Norma! I’m going to send it on to others.
Yes, John…. for sure. Thanks for passing the article along. Appreciate it! x0x
Norma Doiron╰☆╮
This is really such an excellent article, Norma. You’ve covered it and that *very* well. Thank you for sharing it.
Glad you liked it. Ain’t it the truth? Thanks for stopping by, Michelle. x0x
Norma Doiron╰☆╮
Norma, I didn’t know that the smiley was created in 1963!! I love that you shared that! You are so right about the power of a smile and I needed that reminder today…..thank you….beautifully said….
Yes, I learned that about the smiley while doing research… pretty cool story! Glad you liked it. xox
Norma Doiron╰☆╮
“Smiling’s my favorite!” :)
I try to smile often. It is an instant pick-me-up for self and others. Thanks for the great post!
I love smiling too. They tease me wherever I go that I’m always happy…. hmmm, not really but I don’t care how I feel, I’m going to smile! :) Thanks for the comment.
Norma Doiron╰☆╮
Wow…such an inpsiring post. And yes, I too have experienced both sides of this story. There are moments in my own life when I am heavy and smile seems impossible. A smile from someone else, not always but sometimes paired with simple and kind words has the power of transformation. And so I remember when I encounter another to take just that one moment to transform their day! Thank you Norma!!
Very welcome, Carl. I’ve learned that it doesn’t matter if I feel like it or not, I’m going to be smiling anyways! Guess what? Doesn’t take long for my attitude to change… :)
Norma Doiron╰☆╮
Norma, you brought a tear (or 10) to my eyes. What an awesome reminder of how much we can affect those around us whether we are trying to or not.
Lesson learned! I am challenging myself to be aware of this and to make sure my smile is always alive.
Thank you!
Awww, Edwina… :) You bless me! I’m learning to live in the moment and that means being conscious of what is happening around me all the time. Such a blessed way to live. Thanks for your comment! x0x
Norma Doiron╰☆╮
You are so right about a smile. I try to think of this often. Giving smiles to others. A word of encouragement. Right now, I am at a place in my life when I need others to smile at me! :(
Good for you, Janis. I applaud you! I wish I lived closer to you, I’d give you all the smiles you need… :) How about this ((HUG)) ? x0x
Norma Doiron╰☆╮
Norma, what a powerful story to convey that something so simple can have huge impact. A good reminder for me to give extra big smiles to everyone I meet!
You make my heart glad, Peggy! Glad you liked it. xox
Norma Doiron╰☆╮
I worked in telephone sales while in college. They taught us to smiles while we talked on the phone. It was true that the quality of my voice and the interaction on the phone changed with a smile. I never forgot that lesson. Thanks for the reminder!
Yes, Lorrie. That is awesome! Had forgotten that … xox Thanks for reminding me!
Norma Doiron╰☆╮
Ouuuuuu, I love this, Norma! When I am doing my errands or out for dinner, etc., I always bring my *Smile* with me and share it wherever I go. It can make a huge difference in someone’s life. We never know what someone might be going through. Thank you :)
Welcome, Susan! I like that picture: you taking your smile, pasting it on and going! :) Thanks for your comment, friend… ((hugs))
Norma Doiron╰☆╮
Taking the time to make a difference! Love the message of this article, Norma!
Thank you Kim! By the way…. YOU have a great smile! :) Norma Doiron╰☆╮