Can something as simple as a smile make your happier? Strange but true: quite possibly YES!

When you are happy you smile. Did you know that smiling can bring on happy feelings? This is what a growing body of research is saying.

I still have doubts.

Forcing a smile isn’t a real smile; it’s a “say cheese” upturn of the lips, with eyes dull, cloudy. But. . .

the research.

Can something as simple as a FAKE{!} smile tickle your happiness.?

Listen to Michael Lewis.: “It would appear that the way we feel emotions isn’t just restricted to our brain—there are parts of our bodies that help and reinforce the feelings we’re having,” says Lewis, a co-author of a study conducted in 2009 at University of Cardiff in Wales. “It’s like a feedback loop.” (Here’s the article in Scientific American.)

Theories why a simple smile may gladden you abound and I don’t think they really know. . .except for God.

The bible also says, “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones” (Psalm 17:22). Notice cheerfulness precedes healing. Hmm. So how do you or I or anyone become cheerful? A real smile? Sparkly eyes?

In three words: abundant joy overflowing! (Tons more on making this happen in your life in my forthcoming book: Refills!)

The healthy path to a joy-filled life is to recognize your deep need for Jesus and to grow in the knowledge of God’s love, and He loves you BIG.  Listen to your heart controlled by Christ and do the outrageous: smile.

Your Smile Challenge: For the next three days, smile on purpose a few times a day. You can pick natural points in your day: your drive to and from work or school, mealtime, AND whenever sadness or discouragement sneak up. BONUS: Memorize Psalm 17:22. Please report back and share the results of Your Smile Challenge.

With Joy Overflowing!