Just a smile.

I’ve been thinking lately about the power of a smile. How can something so small and effortless hold the keys to shifting a moment, or even the trajectory of a whole day? Just with a little flex of those cheek muscles.

I notice how often we move through the world, hunched over our phones — trying to climb our way out of email debt, typing quick replies to texts, or scrolling to who knows where. I’m guilty of it too.

And. I’m experimenting with smiling on purpose. Turns out that just having the intention to try makes a difference. We can light up a room, change the energy of a space, brighten a stranger’s day. and even stir up a little joy in ourselves.

Here’s what I’ve been trying. Walking in the door with a smile; grinning when I see something beautiful; or even in conversation with a dog {turns out they smile back, even with their favorite toy stuffed in their mouth.}

Try one on for size. Free of charge.

{a beloved capture by my son Owen of our late Neve girl}