This blog starts way back at University of Nebraska-Omaha in 2001, my freshman year of college. Everyone had to take Speech Class and our final assignment was to give a speech which included something you had to survey the class about. My speech was encouraging people to SMILE at one another. UNO is a commuter college. Most of the kids that went there were from Omaha, lived with their parents, kept the same friends from high school, and really did not have to meet anyone new. So walking through campus no one looked at each other and SURELY no one smiled at a stranger.
My survey for the class was “When you are walking through campus and pass someone you don’t know, do you”:
- Speed up and walk the other direction
- Look at the floor, keep walking same direction
- Look at them, smile, and say hi.
Not one person picked #3. Not. One. I realize it is not realistic to acknowledge everyone you meet, but we all have been in circumstances where you are walking toward someone, there’s no one around, and you have to make the decision to LOOK UP and SPEAK, or continue to look at the floor and pretend that there is no other life form around you. And this was BEFORE smartphones!! Before blogs (hehe), before Facebook and Pokemon!
I did all the research I could for this speech including the number of muscles it requires to smile vs frown (fewer), the psychological effects smiling has on your body, the hormones that are released, and all kinds of health benefits. I don’t think anyone cared but me.
Smile and Nod
When you’re at the grocery store, put down the phone and talk to the person at the register. I recently started leaving my phone in the car when I run into the store-GASP! What if my husband remembers one more thing for me to pick up and I don’t get the message?!?! WE STARVE!? NO. We survive. My grocery/Target runs have become faster meaning I have more time to snuggle my lil baby. (Unless I know I have killer deals saved up on Cartwheel– saving money trumps all).
I make a point to smile, nod, or say Good Morning! To everyone I pass at work. People can be genuinely surprised to be acknowledged by a stranger. Sometimes I scare people! I have met all kinds of people and made deeper connections with those at work that I would never have before, just by looking up, smiling, and (most of the time) saying hi. I encourage you to try it, you will be surprised at what happens!
Pleas please please look up at people you walk by. If you don’t want to say anything, at least smile & nod. And of course, breathe. Please visit www.breathedsm.com. Breathe. Physical Therapy & Wellness is located at 2614 Beaver Ave in Des Moines, Iowa.