Pebblestorm

If you’ve ever taken a few yoga classes, you’ve probably seen this a few times…in the middle of the class during some difficult pose, while people are straining and grimacing, the yoga instructor says “Remember to smile, it’s only yoga!” And you can feel the whole class lighten up as they smile.

Next time you’re grimacing at work…remember to smile.  Even better, remind someone else there to smile!  I mean it’s only work – it’s not life or death, is it?

Smiling can actually make you feel happier.  Physical actions trigger feelings, so by acting happier you can actually truly improve your mood (and the mood of those around you, creating a virtuous cycle).

Thich Nhat Hanh wrote, “sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.”

And if you’re not doing something you love, and bad enough there that you really can’t even smile when you try, maybe it’s time to start considering, for real, an escape plan.

And finally, an unnecessary but very funny picture