Smile

Know what makes me smile?

It's an easy question. Waking up next to my hubby. Walking on Florida beaches. Curling up with a good book in front of a cozy fire. Walking around in the fog is magical. I can't help but smile. But then, I can hardly stop smiling when I'm watching a lightening storm from a porch. Or watching fireflies.

There are so many reasons to smile.

• Getting a massage. (It's relaxing yet exhilarating. You should try it.)

• The sound of snow crunching under your feet.

• Walking off an airplane and seeing a loved one (friend or relative) waiting for you.

• White water rafting (and living to tell about it).

• Viewing the world from a hot air balloon.

• Screaming down a long hill - feet off the bike pedals, hands off the handlebars, steering with your body weight, hair flying in the wind. Oh yeah. That'll give you a rush.

• Standing near the edge of a cliff watching a hawk dance in the current.

• Hugs.

• Spying a whale or manatee off shore.

• Dancing.

• Seeing an elk, moose, buffalo, badger, fox, bobcat (or any other animal) from a safe distance while out hiking.

• Wrapping up in a robe or over-sized sweater.

• Lying on a blanket counting falling stars.

• Napping.

• Sharing dinner with family or friends.

• Helping someone. Doing random or planned acts of kindness.

• Wildflowers.

• Sipping a hot drink. (I'll admit I'm a hot drink addict. Holding a warm cup = goodness.)

• Walking hand-in-hand with the one I love. Wait. That's a phrase from a song!

Unsurprisingly, the things that make me happy aren't things. They are experiences and positive relationships. And for lasting happiness, give to others.

Of course, it's easy to smile when you're happy. But did you know that smiling even when you don't feel like it can lower stress levels and improve your mood? It's a case where "fake it 'til you make it" might be true. So the next time you're feeling a little grumpy, do a little smile therapy. Put a smile on your face, think of some of the things that make you feel good, and do them.