On a walk with my dog I saw a young girl creating chalk drawings on her driveway. She also had written out a few pearls of wisdom, one of which is the following:

“We’ve been given millions of seconds on this earth to use. Did you use one to smile today?”

I don’t know her age, but I congratulated her artistic talent and thanked her for her inspiring words.

She beamed at my compliment. This caused me to smile inside and out. We both received a health boost.

According to Psychology Today, smiling activates the release of neuropeptides that work toward fighting off stress. Neuropeptides are molecules that allow neurons to communicate. The feel good neurotransmitters dopamine, endorphins and serotonin are all released when a smile flashes across your face and this relaxes your body and can lower your heart rate and blood pressure.

Time on our earth is precious and each day is a gift. While there are moments, and people, who may bring you down, smiling is a therapeutic remedy. It makes you, and those around you, feel better.  It’s also your secret weapon for success. Success experts like Brian Tracy agree. Smiling helps you develop a healthy personality which is not only good for your own health but attracts people your way. If you’re in sales or business then you know that power of this simple habit.

We’ve been given millions of seconds on this earth to use. Will you use one (or more) to smile today?

*June 25, 2012 Psychology Today

Kim Monaghan, PCC, RYT, CPBS is a published author, writer and proponent of everything that infuses happiness and health in our personal and professional lives.