What’s with the Face?

Research has demonstrated again and again that a smile is better than a frown.  Many of us remember the kids coming back from peer leadership groups with their camp shirts and pointers explaining to us that a frown uses more muscles and so is harder work.  We have all read and heard in excess “if you don’t feel it, fake it.”  Meaning: smile even if you feel like frowning and you soon start to feel better.  Honestly.  Fake it until you make it and all of that.  The thing is, science is proving this correct.  People feel better when they laugh or smile.  Now, scientists and cosmetic industries are further increasing our desire to turn our frown upside down with all of the evidence that frowns and scowls add wrinkles sooner and leave them deeper.  It seems, being optimistic and happy in your life keeps you younger at heart and in appearance.  Smile! 

Find a Happy Place. . .

My son loved the line in Finding Nemo.  Many people repeat some form of this line in there own life every week or even every day.  Can you be happy all the time?  No.  For most of us it is just not realistic to never be angry, sad, or any other range of emotions.  If you smile and say, “It’s okay.  I’m fine,” is that happy?  No.  Not if you aren’t being real.  If your emotions are seething beneath the surface but you put your happy face on, are you being true to yourself?  Are you being true to the ones in your life?  How is anyone going to know you aren’t getting what you need?  This is a lesson many of us have to learn at some point.  I was always one of those people who put on the smiling face or went through the motions of life even as I was so completely miserable.  I knew I was my own worst problem.  If I didn’t say, “Ouch,” how was anyone going to know it hurt?  Conversely, if we don’t say, “I am so happy/excited/in love!”, how are our loved ones going to know we’re satisfied?  Being willing to speak our truth is freeing.  It liberates your soul to allow your best self to come forward.  Being real, honest and true to yourself in a forthright (but kind) manner can be the first step towards true happiness.  Is there something you aren’t being honest about?  Is there a sentence that runs through your mind unsaid?  Break down the obstacle of hidden emotions and untruths and let your greatness shine! 

The Seed of all Beginnings

How can you be happy if your needs are not met?  How can you feel joy when you are obsessed with hunger?  We all need our hunger fed, our thirst quenched, and basic shelter provided.  We all need to feel safe in the world.  Without this, the search for spiritual growth is nearly impossible.  On every continent, in every country, perhaps in your house or just next door, there are children and adults not getting these basic needs met.  In other houses, there are people who struggle with depression, body dis-morphia, low self-esteem and addictions.  These challenges deplete our soul’s ability to feel and to achieve.  Again, how can you be happy when your head is twisted around false perceptions and your soul is not being nourished?  This is why, as well as continuing with the pages on hope, love, and joy, new pages are being added to create a forum for change, discussion and hopefully a little hope for a better future.