A Smile Can Change Your Day—And Maybe Even Someone Else's
How learning to smile changed my world.
Hi there!
Early in my journey with mental illness, I used to wake up every morning feeling crushed by the weight of the world.
Just getting out of bed was a struggle. The thought of facing another day was often too much. Life was tough, and I felt like it was getting harder every day.
Then, one day, a new friend said something that changed everything.
I told him how hard life had been. I shared my story of getting diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and how depression and anxiety were my constant companions.
My friend listened empathetically, nodding his head at the right times, keeping a smile on his face.
When I was done, he made a funny comment, and I laughed.
“See, you’re smiling,” he exclaimed. “I know now everything is going to be okay.”
Could a smile really change anything? I doubted it, but I decided to test it out.
“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.”
- Leo Buscaglia
Scott Ninneman publishes two newsletters each week. The Sunday All Things Bipolar Newsletter (off Substack) features the newest content about bipolar life. The Speaking Bipolar Positivity Club Newsletter shares inspirational stories three times a week to help you maintain a positive mindset.
Keep reading with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to Speaking Bipolar's Positivity Club to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.