I just found out that today is National Grouch Day! I wish I had known earlier. I could have planned accordingly and put on a frown. Instead I innocently went about the first half of my day, smiling and staying positive. I can’t help it; it is my default look. Someone once said to me, “If you are not smiling, how do you know what your face is doing?” Good point! 
Interestingly, according to an article in the Smithsonian Magazine by Richard Conniff, we can trace the origin of the smile back through more than 30 million years of evolution to the “fear grin,” a meek baring of clenched teeth, common among monkeys and apes. For them, it was a way to say, “Don’t eat me, I’m harmless.” As we evolved, so has the smile. Now, smiling is practically the universal sign of happiness and helpfulness.
The same article said that evidence suggests that people who smile a lot tend to be happier and more successful in life than those who don’t smile, and that the physical act of smiling actually makes people feel better. The best part–it’s downright contagious! Any chance this could be the only thing we pass on to others during this cold and flu season?
Until next time, keep smiling!
~Carol
