World Smile Day : Say Cheese
~ A Comprehensive Blog on the Power of a Smile by Swathika Eakambaram
A momentary curve that sets the world straight.
A smile, though fleeting, carries the weight of several emotions. It is a simple gesture of about 13 muscles. The dictionary paints a rather plain picture of it, describing it as -
“a facial expression in which the eyes brighten and the corners of the mouth curve slightly upward .”
This description, although accurate, barely scratches the surface of what a genuine smile represents in our lives.
A Universal Gesture
Beyond being a mere physical movement, a smile is an echo of the heart. It is a universal language, transcending borders, cultures, and languages . Whether expressing joy, gratitude, or comfort, a smile’s magic is undeniable. The essence of a smile is so influential that it is not bound by human-made constructs or worldly barriers. Across continents and cultures, it remains a steadfast emblem of shared human experience. For many, smiles act as daily affirmations, testaments to the joys, both big and small, that life brings our way.
Origins of World Smile Day
Annually, on the first Friday of October, the world comes together to celebrate this magical expression: World Smile Day. But what are the origins of the universally recognized ‘smiley’? That bright yellow circle with two simple dots and an upward curve? Such an uncomplicated design, yet it evokes a plethora of emotions .
The story goes back to Harvey Ross Ball, an American commercial artist. In a bid to lift the spirits of employees, an insurance company commissioned him to create an emblem of happiness. Harvey did not just design an emblem; he introduced the world to a symbol that soon became synonymous with joy. His minimalistic sunshine-yellow design was an instant hit, its simplicity striking a chord across demographics and cultures. Before the world knew it, this emblem was on stationery, merchandise and embedding itself into popular culture. Its influence was so profound that it laid the groundwork for the emoticons we so freely use today. What began as a morale booster in a corporate office transformed into a global icon, a reminder of the unmatched power of a genuine smile.
Beyond Commercialization
There is an interesting angle to Harvey Ball and the iconic smiley face he created. Despite the creation of the design, he reportedly never applied for a trademark or copyright for the image. It became a universal symbol, used extensively without much credit or royalties going back to its creator.
Later in life, He was concerned about the over-commercialization of the smiley symbol and felt that its original intent and meaning were being lost in the commercial hustle. To counteract this and bring back the genuine spirit of goodwill and cheer the smiley was intended for, he started the World Smile Foundation. The foundation’s slogan, — “Improving this world, one smile at a time” reflects his vision. This was when he established “World Smile Day”.
World Smile Day serves as an annual nudge, urging us to reflect on the joy we can spread with just a curve of our lips. However, the essence of this day should resonate beyond a mere 24 hours. In our hustle-bustle lives, where days meld into nights, and seasons rush by, the charm of a heartfelt smile should never fade into the background. It should be a daily affirmation, a promise we make to ourselves and the world around us.
Benefits of Smiling
Beyond the warmth and joy a smile brings, it does some pretty amazing things for our well-being. When we smile our brain gets the message and releases feel-good chemicals that lift our spirits, making us feel happier and more relaxed. When we smile, our brain releases a trifecta of neurotransmitters: dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins. While dopamine showers us with feelings of pleasure and reward, serotonin acts as our personal mood stabilizer, and endorphins ease pain, naturally painting our mental canvas with hues of happiness. This elevates our mood and actively battles stress. It’s like nature’s stress-reliever. Not just that, Smiling even helps our heart beat a little easier, keeping us healthier. It can also boost our immunity, helping us ward off colds. A pretty action that is good for both our mind and body.
For a Better World
A world where each morning begins with a smile would be a world warmer, kinder, and brimming with hope. We should not relegate the smile to a single day’s celebration. Instead, let it be our daily gift to the world. A token of hope, a gesture of kindness, a beacon of shared human experience. We should attempt to light up our surroundings with our smiles as an action of support, making the world a tad brighter, one smile at a time.
So remember that even on the gloomiest days, the power to illuminate the world quite literally is right below your nose.
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