Laughter and Smiles

I've been asked many times in the last year why I smile and laugh as much as I do. Life has taught me to look for the good things and not dwell on the past or bad things going on. I love life... and people from all nations. I don't care what they look like or what color either. People are people and it's my goal in life to pass smiles around to everyone I meet.
Try it... you'd be surprised at the response. It's hard to resist when someone says Hi, or smiles and waves in your direction. People around the world know both and can't resist responding. They are quite contagious actually and the feeling inside for accomplishing that response is quite a high. There is such an inner satisfaction for making someone else happy. To know you have made someone elses day maybe just a little better. Sure makes mine better. For some, it may be the only smile of the day.
I do it at work all the time, every car that comes to or by my gate gets a smile and a wave. And those that actually stop, just may get a laugh in as well. I cheat there though, my wildcats sure help bring a laugh or two from most. Especially when I tell them they are wild and one is peaking
from behind my legs and another telling me about the days events.
I just don't understand why they don't believe me... Ü
So go out there and pass those smiles around the world. I have even made the grouchiest of grouches smile back. Of course I have weapons I can use, like don't lift the gate without a return smile. hehehe it works wonders and now get a wave or smile everytime.

The following was written by Dan Gascon, and for me... it says it all!

Inspiring Writings

The Gift of Laughter
© 1999 Dan Gascon

Laughter is a bonding force that has no cultural, social or spiritual exemptions. Laughter is the sweetest human music, the medicine of the soul, the sound healing and a window into the heart's concerns and interests. Hence the ancient saying;

By their joy and laughter, shall ye know them, heal them, and love them

Laughter's main gift, is it's healing power over our bodies, minds and souls. Mentally, it can transcend any situation by causing us to focus outward and expand our vision away from the issue at hand. It separates us form the "funk" we may in and installs a sense of self-protection and control over our environment. It gives us a break when things become too difficult to handle. Laughter helps us cope and gives us new perspectives illustrated in this mantra;

Pleasant thoughts, words and sounds mean happiness and health abounds

The physical effects of laughing are dramatic and essential to our well-being. Laughing relives us of tension and stress, and stimulates the immune system. Medical studies show how serum cortisol levels are lowered and T-cell production increases significantly when laughing. Endorphins are also released in the pleasure centers of our brain when we chuckle, snicker or laugh, giving us a natural "high" feeling. Laughter also gives us an excellent aerobic workout by increasing our oxygen intake, enhancing our respiration and lowering our blood pressure. The movement of the diaphragm during laughter stimulates surrounding organs like the stomach, kidneys and liver, acting as an internal massage. It's credo to the body is;

Laughter balances our steps as we walk the tightrope of life

Laughing empowers and lifts the spirit. When we feel low, depressed or down, a lighthearted spirit always has the ability to see us through. The experience of laughter, even if just for the moment, banishes feelings of loneliness, anger and fear. It overrides any predicament by drawing our attention away from our upsets and giving us feelings that are carefree and hopeful. Laughing enhances our quality of life and the will to live. It replenishes the spirits energy fueled by this saying;

Joy is the echo of God's life within us

So take with you the many gifts that laughter has to offer. It is a tonic, a relief from pain and can withstand any assault. It has the power to make new friends and heal old wounds. Laughter can bring sunshine into any room by driving sorrow, grief and regret from the human face. Cherishing time spent sharing honest laughter is pure and divine. Above all remember;

He who laughs, lasts

Thank you Dan for allowing me to use your page, it says everything that I would like to say ( not a good writer ) and can't. Visit Dan's site, it's excellent! There is so much to see there and many links to many smiles.

http://www.humorforyourhealth.com/

Ok! Let's pass it along :-)

I'd say.... Smile! You're on Candid Camera, but I know you wouldn't believe me, so instead! Smile! you're surfing the net and have the computer to yourself and it's actually working. Don't smile now. Ü

Your welcome to use it, but download it please. Do Not Link Directly to it. And link back to this site:

http://www.oocities.org/Wellesley/Gazebo/3794/

Thanks :-)