I was in a vile temper yesterday. This doesn’t tend to manifest itself in ways that other people can see, but I certainly felt it. I was more impatient than usual, easily frustrated, and generally oversensitive to almost anything that came my direction. I was feeling under stress and very over taxed.
Finally, on my way home from work, near shaking with road rage, I sensed that perhaps this might not be the best approach to the rest of my afternoon. I remembered reading in the book “Peace is Every Step” that sometimes when we least feel like smiling, that is the best time to do so.
Something about the experience of smiling has an effect on my mood. At first it felt uncomfortable and forced, but very soon my muscles took over and spread the smile even wider across my face. I felt instantly calmer, more relaxed, and even started to giggle a bit as I carried on down the road. My entire day was changed by this utterly simple act.
And, apart from the instant effect it has on my demeanor, it is also tremendously comforting to know I have this option available to me at all times.
Truly, like magic.
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