World Smile Day 3rd October 2014 - join in

One act of kindness to make one person smile

World Smile Day raises money for the Harvey Ball World Smile Foundation, a non-profit charitable trust that supports children's causes

Simple

Harvey Ball created the original smiley in 1963.  The image went on to become the most recognisable symbol of goodwill and cheer on the planet

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

The first Friday in every October was chosen by Harvey Ball to be World Smile Day.  A day when everyone should try to be like the Smiley, a symbol that transcends politics, religion and geographical location.

Arts, science, compassion and exercise

Fill your life!

Smiling

Smiling is something you should do

For the people who know you

And for the strangers you don’t.

Smiling is all about being brave.

Suppose they leave you standing

With a mile on yours

But not a glimmer on theirs

Will you risk losing face

In a world that

Puts you in your place

Yes, the serious believe

That those who smile

Are the ones in need

How far from the truth

Can we be?

Everyone should watch this video. Don't hurry it, allow yourself time to listen

Australian comedian and poet Tim Minchin shares many of Mr Smile's ways to happiness

Laugh at yourself

Keep things in perspective and learn to laugh at yourself more often

I never exaggerate, me

I remember one time in the garden

When me mate pushed me out of a tree

I swear it was high as a mountain

But I never exaggerate, me.

I remember one day at the seaside

A tsunami came out of the sea

Lucky that I’m good at surfin’

But I never exaggerate, me.

I remember one day at the sweetshop

They were giving out chocolates for free

I ate so much I was sick on the spot

But I never exaggerate, me.

Picture from "The Jenie Jazzles" (C) David J. Mason

I remember one day on the footie pitch

This tackle that took off me knee

They managed to sew it back on again

But I never exaggerate, me.

I remember one day in the playground

I found this strange looking key

Then I broke into school at the weekend

But I never exaggerate, me.

I remember one day in the classroom

I think it was quarter to three

A monster crept in and took me away

But I never exaggerate, me.

I remember one day I was out in the park

When my friend he was stung by a bee

His head swelled up to six times its size

But I never exaggerate, me. 

No I never, ever, ever exaggerate

Not in a billion years, me.

(C) David J. Mason "Smile"

Goodreads quote of the day for me:

“I laugh at myself.
I don't take myself completely seriously.
I think that's another quality that people

 have to hold on to... you have to laugh, 

especially at yourself.” - Madonna

Funny Frenchmen with beach towels

Smiling and laughing are good for your health.  This comedy routine had me doing both.  Changing on the beach will never be the same again.

And a gallic touch from Goodreads Quotes:

“Laughter is sunshine, it chases winter from the human face.”

― Victor Hugo, Les Misérables