The Smile Diet Blog

“You can’t get to wonderful without passing through alright.”
~ Bill Withers, Singer/Songwriter

This video and book (see link below) on Wisdom by Andrew Zuckerman  are not to be missed. What a stunningly beautiful and simple testimony to the power of experience and insight from some of our great elders including Judi Dench, Clint Eastwood, Desmond Tutu, Jane Goodall, and Robert Redford.

I noticed that there was a seriousness to this video and not a lot of smiles. However, this is one case where the messengers are accomplished and respected celebrities and the messages are so valuable and full of good intention that my heart and spirit are smiling and grateful. Take a look and let me know what you think.

http://www.wisdombook.org/

“How did you EVER lose 50 pounds in less than a year?!” one woman asked another. The other woman responded, “It was really simple; I ate a little bit less on my plate every day, I exercised just a little bit more every day, and most importantly, I think what really helped me is this: I made sure I did something fun for myself every day.”

I overheard the above conversation at a conference in Kansas City where I was the Keynote Speaker and it set off a revolution in my mind! Do things that help you smile more often and you can lose weight! What a concept! Not only might you lose weight, but you might also lose a lot of stress, maybe even depression, or anger, an unhealthy relationship or habit.

And imagine what you could gain! A healthier body, a happier mindset, more wealth, more joy every day?

This idea was so inspiring to me that I created The Smile Diet and Blog and wrote a book “Living with Enthusiasm: How the 21-Day Smile Diet Can Change Your Life.”

The Smile Diet Blog is about helping turn your funk into fun, feeling more enthusiasm in everything you do, and choosing to look for and live experiences that make you smile as often as possible through helpful tips, inspirational quotes, enlightening and entertaining stories of real people, great articles, links, resources, and empowering action steps. So come back often, post your favorite ways to to bring a smile to your face and others, and share this blog with your friends.

I’m inspired by your smile,

Mary

I just finished reading “Dr. Mao’s Secret to Longevity” column on Yahoo. Today’s post is “Going Up! 7 Pointers to Lift a Bad Mood.”

His 7 points are great, AND by adding a 16-SECOND SMILE to every action he suggests, you will increase the level of endorphins in your body and send a stronger “feel good” message from your brain to your body that will help you feel even better.

Here are his 7 tips:

1. Laugh more. [MM Note: Did you ever realize that laughter begins with a SMILE and is the most intense SMILE you can create?]

2. Consider using the amino acid and nonprescription SAM-e to boost your mood. [MM Note: Be sure to read the fine print. SAM-e can’t be taken if you’re already on anti-depressants.]

3. Go to a hands-on healer. [MM note: And SMILE while you’re being worked on.]

4. Do lunges and squats to activate your natural youth hormones. [MM Note: This is new information to me; all I know is that squats and lunges are two exercises I don’t like to do but know they strengthen my legs and core. These definitely require SMILING to help make them easier.]

5. Breathe more deeply and more often. [MM Note: Here’s where a 16-second SMILE really pays off. You live longer and with more joy when you SMILE while breathing.]

6. Smell the joy. Aromatherapy can lift depression. [MM Note: And do a 16-second SMILE while you’re smelling to increase the positive experience.]

7. Keep fresh blooming flowers around you. [MM Note: And whenever you look at the blooms, SMILE a 16-second SMILE to deepen the pleasure.

Great ideas. Thanks Dr. Mao! Check out Dr. Mao’s book Secrets of Longevity and SMILE while you’re reading it.

Mary Marcdante

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