Here's Permission: Smile.

What are you waiting for?
Permission?
To live?  To enjoy? 
To love?  To be happy?

Some wait their entire life for 'someone' to
give them permission to start living.
Okay, so here's the thing ...
only permission needed to enjoy a happy life,
comes from you!

Today, we're going to start small.
The smile.
Simple.  Easy.  Free.
In an instant you will bring unexpected joy
to those in your world,
or even a complete stranger (imagine that!). 

By turning the corners of your mouth upward,
you will instantly lower your blood pressure,
boost your immune system,
and release endorphins and natural pain killers.

Vietnamese Buddhist Monk, Thich Nhat Hanh,
master of the inner smile says,
"A kind look and a warm smile on your face,
give up frowning,
and be a friend to the whole world."

Never underestimate the power of your actions.
Even in this smallest of gestures,
your smile says to the recipient,
"We may not know each other.
I may never see you again. 
But our paths have crossed today
and we share this world.  I wish you well."

In a world where languages, religion,
and different lifestyles can separate us,
just the flash of a smile could connect lifes.

Sometimes I wonder if I smile too much?
Nahh, the crinkles and lines
on my face have been earned
from a lifetime of smiling.

Try it.  Right now.
Is that YOU smiling?
Go ahead.  You have my permission. 
How many smiles will you share today?