Smile and the World Smiles with You — Really!

This article is adapted from one written by body language expert Vincent Harris.

It’s all about the smile. At least some of it is.

Michael Phelps dominated the swimming events in the 2008 Olympics. He broke the record of Mark Spitz and established himself as the greatest swimmer in history — perhaps the greatest athlete in any sport. But do these accomplishments really explain the emotional outpouring, from not only the men women and children of the United States, but men women and children from around the world? I don’t think so.

There’s something that happens every time Michael Phelps is being interviewed — something that you have no doubt noticed–that creates the aura of irresistible charm that emanates from him.

He smiles.

Recent research about the human brain has revealed the answer to why we can have such a strong emotional reaction to the emotions experienced by others.

Mirror neurons can be thought of as chemical and electrical processors in the brain that cause us to mimic what we see someone else doing. When examined, monkeys that were simply watching other monkeys manipulate items with their hands had the same areas of the brain showing activity as the monkeys that were actually doing the grabbing. As it turns out, the human brain does the same thing, just in a more sophisticated manner.

See, when we are watching Michael Phelps smile, our brain (whether we realize it or not) is causing a cascade of tiny neurological “firings” that literally cause the same nerve pathways to activate as on Michael’s face. The result? Even the grumpiest of people will be more likely to generate good or happy feelings when in the presence of people who are smiling. Even if we don’t want it to rub off, it often will.

It’s not just a smile, however, that can change how we feel with ease. Have you ever seen the near constant scowl of Vladimir Putin? This steely “slip up and I’ll get you” look that he carries with him wherever he goes causes the mirror neurons to activate in just the same way. Look at a room full of people with the “Putin face” all day, and I assure you, you’ll feel less than optimistic about the future.

In the end, one of the best things you can do to increase your own happiness is to surround yourself with people who reflect the feelings you would like more access to — namely, people who smile a lot. Likewise, when you begin smiling more often, you’ll find people naturally gravitating closer to you. They can’t help it.

Most people want to feel happy, and you will just be making it easier for them to do so. (ArticleStreet.com)

Today’s post is by Annette Colby.

When things go wrong in life some people rise to the occasion with expectant spirits while others respond with self-doubt and hopelessness. The first group is optimistic and can generally withstand their challenges without falling apart. They will keep trying new solutions until they succeed. The second group has a tendency to descend into a spiral of gloom and doom when facing a challenge. The optimists are in the habit of thinking, “I can handle this,” when things go wrong. The “doom and gloomers” tend to think, “This is more than I can tolerate.”

Hopeless Thoughts

When things go wrong, more pessimistic personalities tend to have hopeless thoughts. They tell themselves:

• This is too much.
• It is overwhelming.
• This is out of control.
• I will never get it right.
• I cannot stand it.
• I cannot bear this.
• This will never change.

All or Nothing

For example, some people struggling to overcome eating issues view their challenges and setbacks as evidence that they will never succeed. They create overly intense states, feeling their experience is too much to handle, too overwhelming, or out of control. They may also criticize themselves for having to face this challenge, attacking themselves with judgment and blame. The challenge is viewed as an internal weakness that is inescapable. If they overeat they tend to say, “Since I’ve already screwed up, all is lost. I’m a loser. It’s hopeless, so I might as well indulge myself.” The setback is more proof that they can never have what they want. In addition, the setback overshadows, or even seemingly undoes, any forward movement they have had.

Optimism Can Be Learned

We may not all be lucky enough to have been born eternal optimists. However, even the person who is easily overwhelmed can learn how to switch their focus to positive expectations.

It will probably require practice, but it all starts by making a decision to speak to yourself in a supportive manner, especially when you need it most. The next time your voice of doom and gloom tries to bully you into submission, surprise it by standing up. Gather your courage and decide not to collapse. Then take a deep conscious breath and feel into yourself to gain a sense of what you could do or say to provide yourself comfort and encouragement.

For instance, you might consider saying, “Things didn’t go well today, but that’s just what happens sometimes. I wish I already had the complete outcome of what I want, but truthfully, creating success is a journey that takes as long as it takes. Even though I can’t see the solution in this moment, somehow I will get through this situation. As long as I don’t give up, I will give myself the benefit of the doubt that I will have the full and complete result of what I wanted.”

Allowing yourself permission to become more optimistic opens up new possibilities. Instead of feeling stressed and anxious, you begin to relax. You see that a more positive future is possible. Lifting out of overwhelm allows you to begin to wonder how you can move through this problem.

The next time you feel overwhelmed, hopeless, or helpless, decide to give yourself a break. Accept that things don’t always go as planned, but you can still expect good things to happen in your life!

You do not need to go through life exhausted, depressed, stressed, or overweight! Imagine waking up each morning with joy and positive energy that lasts throughout the day! Subscribe to our wonderful free weekly Loving Miracles newsletter at http://www.AnnetteColby.com

Article Source: EzineArticles.com