31 DAYS OF GENTLENESS

One Hundred Things That Make Me Smile

Day 5: How a smile therapy list keeps me energized and stress-free

When I read Bingz Huang’s post about her new project — 31 Days of Gentleness in Dec 2021, I was excited. How do we infuse gentleness into our lives? How do we practice self-care and show kindness to ourselves?

Beautiful questions to ponder!

I am honored that Bingz invited me to be a part of this wonderful project. It got me thinking, what could I write about? The answer was obvious. My tagline is: Did you smile today? Smiling is free therapy! What better than a list of things that make me smile? I urge you to make one too!

A smile is happiness you’ll find right under your nose!

While a smile may look like it is no big deal, have you noticed how smiling is infectious, contagious? There’s a rush of endorphins-dopamine-serotonin — all of which are responsible for making us feel good. And of course, the more often we smile, the better.

While helping us connect with others, smiling also has health benefits. Your heart stays healthier, and you feel less stressed. Smiling strengthens the immune system and boosts overall health. It seems those who smile a lot live longer.

Everyone smiles in the same language

Smiling also reduces negativity, which leads to better motivation to do the things we need to do, making us happier. And there are several reasons to smile.

Years ago, I started making a list of things that make me smile. It is an ongoing list. Whenever I need a pick-me-up to cheer me, I take a look at the list. I feel grateful.

Gratitude, then, for the little things is what brings me joy even on days that look hopeless.

Today, let me share one hundred things that make me smile. I’d love to know if any of these resonate with you ❤

In random order, of course!

1. Coffee — the aroma of the day’s first cup and the smell of freshly ground heaven 2. My daily routine — such as it is 3. Checking off items on my to-do list 4. My favorite TV comedy shows 5. The thought of my son 6. That stupid comment from a spammer 7. My unexpected birthday cake 8. The gentle warmth of the morning sunshine 9. My music playlist 10. A walk to the lake nearby

11. My photo albums 12. Listening to children singing 13. Scoring a discount on something I covet (yeah, man!) 14. Visiting our favorite secondhand bookstore 15. Meeting friends 16. Blasting that thumping song are-you-nuts loud 17. Watching children play 18. Children cuddling their mom 19. Memories of my mom 20. My flower lady’s cheerful smile

21. Rain (I know, inconvenient, but joyous, nevertheless) 22. When my phone rings and it is a call from someone I enjoy talking to 23. Receiving a parcel 24. That friendly lady at the supermarket who always has time to chat 25. A good blood sugar reading 26. A trip with family 27. Receiving a client payment on time 28. A new writing assignment I know I’ll enjoy 29. The relief following a fart. (Admit it!) 30. Champa flowers

31. Babies — everything they do 32. When my doctor is pleased with me 33. Good hair day 34. Paying the bills on time 35. Ice-cream 36. My teddy bear 37. Meeting a work deadline 38. Tripping, but not falling. Oh, the joy! 39. A gift. Any gift. 40. Riding a motorcycle

41. Smiling back at someone spontaneously 42. Connecting with a long-lost classmate 43. When my friend brings me a birthday cake two months before the actual date 44. Meal times with my family 45. Chocolate cake 46. Freebies. I am basically a kid. Oh, I’ll give it all away but the joy of receiving it? Priceless! 47. That rare afternoon nap 48. A long bath 49. Dreams about my mom 50. My son’s laughter

51. Seeing my roti smiling at me 52. When my son works out something tough on his own 53. A rainbow. A double rainbow 54. When a dish turns out exactly the way I want it to 55. Social media — oh let’s face it — it has its ups. You just have to set it up to be. 56. A well-fitting pair of jeans 57. Fresh sheets on the bed, new curtains 58. That unexpected “I love you” 59. Karma. Yep! 60. An email from a blog reader who is not a blogger

61. Cold milk. Love it 62. Waking up early 63. A fast car-ride with the windows open or top down 64. Hugs 65. Dreaming of my dream home 66. Giving a gift, and seeing the recipient’s reaction 67. Finding money in an unexpected spot at home 68. Puppies. Who doesn’t smile at them? 69. That elderly couple in our neighborhood — so loving and always with encouraging words!

70. Finishing a sketch 71. Spring-cleaning 72. Blowing bubbles 73. Playing with bubble wrap 74. A new toothbrush 75. Petrol making rainbows in water puddles 76. The smell of fresh paint 77. Cleaning up my mailbox 78. Limericks 79. An empty kitchen sink 80. Coming home

81. Rearranging my closet — I am a bit OCD about that 82. Gloating over my bookshelves 83. Curd rice and pickles 84. Stationery — I have a fetish! 85. Junk jewelry. Love it! 86. Finishing a DIY project 87. My family 88. Marathon phone calls with my friends 89. The fact that the smiley face, an international symbol of goodwill was created by Harvey in 1963. I am thrilled about that fact. Today, it is the most recognizable symbol of good will and good cheer on the planet.

90. The expression on my scrap collector’s face when I tell him to keep the money. 91. Being remembered by people in my area for my smile and being called the most cheerful person they know. Best compliment ever! 92. Watching a child enjoy her food and talk to herself 93. Walking into a clean kitchen 94. A new bag. 95. My mom’s diary 96. My five-year-old friend’s video chat on WhatsApp. Adorable! 97. Appreciation from clients. 98. A big bowl of thick yogurt. Mmmm. 99. The joy that envelops me when I distribute food to the homeless outside the temple on Thursdays. 100. Imagining your expression as you read this list! (Amusement? Exasperation? Love?)

Isn’t it wonderful that when we look, the reasons to smile are endless?

Here is a lovely exercise from Buddhist teacher Thich Nhat Hanh:

As you breathe in, say to yourself: Breathing in, I calm body and mind. Then, as you breathe out, think: Breathing out, I smile.

Repeat and feel the bliss!

Thank you for reading!

Vidya Sury, Collecting Smiles. ❤ Did you smile today?

I love Medium and the wonderful writers I engage with. One of the reasons I write is to support underprivileged children. Currently, the Medium Partner Program is not open to writers based in India. Would you consider buying me a cup of coffee? ☕ Thank you so much!

Enjoy this post by Robin Klammer