SIMPLE TRUTH: TAKE THE BACK-TO-SCHOOL CHALLENGE

September 1st, 2010

“Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing” – Mother Teresa

Have you ever noticed how easy it is for people to be grim verses grateful in the world? A face never lies.

Most people are afraid to show good feelings towards one another, especially when there’s no reason to be nice to a stranger. Just people watch for one hour at your local mall and count how many faces are generating kindness or warmth towards you. It’s an amazing challenge for everyone. However, you’re a constant opportunity to make someone’s day without even realizing it.

You possess genuine power to influence your neighbors and community. How? Take on the Back-To-School Challenge: Be daring and take the emotional risk to BE REAL and smile at fellow students you don’t know as you walk down the halls.

Your ability and willingness to generate a kind facial expression through a simple glance, (for no reason at all) can have a big impact on another person’s emotional state. It can make their day or even their life. Reaching out could easily help them survive another day at school or home if they are feeling lonely or depressed.

Go easy on yourself and consider this challenge a daily, weekly or monthly practice based on your own level of courage. The more you do it the easier it becomes.

And if you’re worried about giving a fake smile, try this…

Before you look at someone, think of something or someone that makes you smile. Then share that smile with the person you are looking at. They won’t know where you got your smile from, but they will definitely enjoy the benefits.

The risks in this challenge may be that a person ignores you, makes fun of your effort or looks at you in a strange way because you are catching them off guard. But most will likely return the smile.

Internally, everyone secretly wants to be seen, understood and accepted in daily life. This simple gesture acknowledges the people around you and unlocks one of the hidden ways to MAKE A DIFFERENCE and feel good about yourself, too.

- Professional Contributor Desiree Phillips is the founder of Self Esteem for Teens, a business committed to delivering programs, services and tools for living to teenagers since 1988. Their mission is to inspire and model healthy core values for young people through the use of creativity, music, media and fun themes.