Something odd happened to me today. It wasn’t earth-shattering. Certainly not news-worthy. However, it was well-timed, and it brought a smile to my face. That’s important in this day and age. The older I get, the more I believe that things happen for a reason. I’ve stopped questioning the reason and transferred that energy to appreciation.
 
Today I received an e-mail from an old friend I haven’t heard from in a long time. It was short, to the point and included an attachment. I was told I was missed, my friendship was appreciated, and it was hoped that I would enjoy the attachment. I usually don’t read these kind of “cutsey” attachments that folks tend to send on a regular basis. However, the note was so thoughtful I felt an obligation. I read this one. It produced a great smile, made me pause to think and made my day. I’m passing it along to you in hopes you’ll enjoy it as much as I did. I owe this to my friend.
 
Click here to find the entire list of “101 Ways to Make You Smile.” You’ll find each entry very short, very basic, and very obvious. Nothing new here. However, as I read through the list, I experienced several revelations:

1. I couldn’t help but notice that I was already smiling as I imagined doing some of these things.
2. I couldn’t get over the simplicity of each suggestion.
3. I realized there were a good number of them that I had never actually attempted.
4. I immediately felt better just thinking about doing some of them.
5. I couldn’t help but think about how much I would appreciate it if someone did some of these things for me.
6. I pledged to myself that I would do at least 10 of these suggestions by
   the end of the year.

I want to give you just a couple of examples, hoping you’ll be tempted to want to see the rest.

• Let someone cut in front of you during rush hour traffic.
• Call your parents.
• Visit a retirement center.
• Leave a “thank you” note for the cleaning staff at work.
• Write a letter to a distant relative.
• Recommend a good book to someone.
• Dance with someone who hasn’t been asked.
• Tell someone you mentioned them in your prayers.
• Figure out someone’s half-birthday by adding 182 days and surprise them with a cake.
• Ask someone about their children.
• Brush the snow off of the car next to yours.
• Tell someone which quality you like most about them.
• Pay for a stranger’s cup of coffee without them knowing it.
• Ask to see a store’s manager and comment on the great service.
• Wave to a child in the car next to you.
• Fill up the copier machine with paper after you’re done using it.
• Tell someone you believe in them.
• Ask an elderly person to tell you about the “good ole days.”
• Wave to someone looking for a parking place when you’re about to leave a shopping center.
• Compliment a coworker on their role in a successful project.
• Tell a child you’re proud of them.
• E-mail a friend some information about a topic they are especially interested in.
• Bake some cookies for your local fire or police department.
• Stop and buy a drink from a child’s lemonade stand.

Don’t forget — there are 101 suggestions. I’ll have you know that I’ve already accomplished three of the ten I pledged to complete by the end of the year. It’s quick and easy, and it really does put a smile on your face! Check it out!

Have a nice day!   

Harry K. Jones is a motivational speaker and consultant for AchieveMax®, Inc., a company of motivational speakers who provide custom-designed seminars, keynote presentations, and consulting services. Harry's top requested topics include change management, customer service, creativity, employee retention, goal setting, leadership, stress management, teamwork, and time management.  For more information on Harry's presentations, please call 800-886-2MAX or fill out our contact form.