Each Friday, the another jennifer blog shares stories of those who incorporate philanthropy into their everyday lives – personally and professionally – in a creative and unique way. If you have a story you’d like to share, please contact Jennifer.
Happy World Smile Day to you!
World Smile Day is a holiday started by the creator of the smiley face, Harvey Ball. Ball, a commercial artist from Worcester, Massachusetts came up with the iconic symbol of happiness in 1963. Out of concern for the over-commercialization of his creation, he wanted to have one day where the smiley face “knows no politics, no geography and no religion.”
Today is the big day.
So how can you celebrate? It’s easy. Simply do an act of kindness and help one person smile. I think we all know how powerful a simple smile from a stranger can be.
Have you ever purposely smiled at everyone you have come across while walking down the road? I have. It’s fun to see people’s reactions. (And kind of sad that people don’t expect smiles from random people on the street.)
A smile can go a long way. It can lift someone up that may be having a bad day. It can show someone they are not alone. It can restore humanity back into our everyday lives. (Perhaps you’ll even become a part of someone’s storyline because of a smile at the right moment.)
If you are looking for a little inspiration, check out these simple acts of giving that will make people smile, read about what happened when I smiled for 30 days straight, or watch this Smiley Face Song video.
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Sad but true, I just starting reading and thought of the movie Forest Gump with the origination of the smiley face on the t-shirt, but still loved knowing this and now I have the challenge of making someone smile today (and I totally will). Thanks Jennifer 🙂
I am driving right by Worcester as I read this! I will admit, I often get weirded out when random people smile at me on the street, especially men. Maybe it’s from growing up and living in the northeast? But I do make an effort to smile at fellow moms, especially if they have really small babies. I will make more of an effort to smile at the people I interact with today!
Ohh! This is awesome! Happy World Smile Day! I’m actually going by Worcester tomorrow, on my way to Sturbridge and I’ll still be thinking of it.
And I’ll be making people smile at their photo shoot! A day late, but the sentiment is there.
I’m a few days late but am still going to celebrate! I’ll be out and about all day today and will be making a point of keeping a smile on my face in the hopes of brightening someone else’s day.
Delicious song to celebrate World Smile Day!