Smile Lines Make Better Wrinkles - Wiser Now Wednesday

The Quirky Observation

There are humorous people – comedians, skillful joke-tellers, class clowns – and there are people with a good sense of humor, which is essentially everyone else, because most of us would be insulted to be told we don’t have a good sense of humor. But I contend that there is a third group: those IN good humor, or in other words, cheerful people. I like the word cheerful because it has two meanings: to be in bright spirits and to promote bright spirits in others. Cheerful people are often equated to optimists, i.e., those who see the glass as half full (or as some would say, halfway to another glass).

The Quirky Quote

I’m not happy. I’m cheerful. There’s a difference.
A happy woman has no cares at all.
A cheerful woman has cares but has learned how to deal with them.
~ Beverly Sills (also known as “Bubbles”)

The Quirky Facts
Being cheerful is good for your health; According to this article from the Mayo Clinic
positive thinking likely has these health benefits:

Lower rates of depression
Greater resistance to the common cold
Better psychological and physical well-being
Better cardiovascular health and reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease
Better coping skills during hardships and times of stress
Greater longevity
It's also thought that positive and optimistic people tend to live healthier lifestyles — they get more physical activity, follow a healthier diet, and don't smoke or drink alcohol in excess.

So how do you instill cheerfulness in others? It begins with an open smile, and then there are loads of ways to add whimsy. This Wall Street Journal cartoon that had a long sojourn attached to my mother’s refrigerator in the 1950s, has the

simple caption of the flower-hatted man saying to the other, “I decided my life needed a touch of whimsy.” Most of our lives do. Start with props, cutting out cartoons, giving compliments, sharing funny desk toys, and actively looking for whatever makes you smile.

The Question
My cousin and I have a running joke about big bums all based on the line, “Does this _____ make my ass look big,” always pictured with a donkey. While “dress” is the word most often filling in the blank, and there are lot of card variations, you might be surprised to know that other objects like buttons and gum also come with the question. Do you have a repeated phrase or running joke with a family member or friend that always brings a smile to your face? Share it. Kathy@WiserNow.com. (The photo is one of my desk toys.)

Featured Product
Does your organization need a good bit of good cheer? Contact me for a 1 – 3 hour workshop. In person, we will make take-home objects to encourage cheerfulness. Virtually via Zoom or another platform, I will demonstrate the cheer-inducing products, but interaction will come from discussions. (A hybrid is also possible.) contact me at Kathy@WiserNow.com or 941-773-7341 for more information.

The Quiz

A lot of people have said a lot of things about smiling. Here are some from people whose names you might recognize. Can you match the quote to the person? Chances are you can only guess, but the bigger question is, do you agree with the sentiments? Check out the answers for a few more quotes by people whose names you might not recognize, but whose words I like.

1. A smile is a curve that sets everything straight.
2. Always keep your smile. That's how I explain my long life.

3.    Wrinkles will only go where the smiles have been.
4.    I have witnessed the softening of the hardest of hearts by a simple smile.
5.    Share your smile with the world. It's a symbol of friendship and peace.
6.    Nothing you wear is more important than your smile.
7.    Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.

8. Everyone looks so much better when they smile.

a. Christie Brinkley
b. Jimmy Buffett
c. Jeanne Calment
d. Phyllis Diller
e. Jimmy Fallon
f. Goldie Hawn
g. Connie Stevens
h. Thich Nhat Hanh

Answers provided at the end of the document.

The Shameless Request

Please share Wiser Now Wednesday with anyone you think might be interested, and if you represent an organization that would like a customized version, send me a note at Kathy@WiserNow.com.

The Resources