Life can often be a very taxing experience. There are many responsibilities, many hardships, and many difficult lessons that we all go through-very very few go unscathed. This said, it seems an endless journey to better understand and deal with these negative events and hardship; and it can seem to many of us-at many times in our lives-that it is all negative, that the world is against us, or that we are just doomed to failure and misery. Of course, in a better light and a new day, this dark thinking does seem a tad extreme; but it is not uncommon. When you are feeling down, negative, or just futile; there are three things you can do to make the world brighter in your perspective. Though it may seem awfully ideal and perhaps, simplistic; studies have shown that smiling, giggling, and filling your life with passion can work wonders for the mood and the subsequent happy events that occur.
Smiles
Though you may think that simply smiling is a bit ideal for the answer to all your problems; but if you smile more, you might soon recognize that your life is more positive. Why? The events may not change, and dramatic and negative events that would occur anyway, of course will probably still occur; but by smiling, a number of indirect positive influences can be set into motion that shape your life into a happier existence. Consider how simply smiling makes you feel, and how the receiver of your smile feels-it is a chain reaction. Moreover, smile at strangers, and they smile back-thus, making you feel less down about the world being against you that you would’ve otherwise. This, in turn, could change how you view your day, your week, your year. Subsequently, you have a better overall perspective of your life. You start viewing negative events as challenges and perhaps, lessons; and as a part of the learning process we share as members of humanity.
Giggles
If you think smiles are contagious, giggles are twenty fold to that. Though you may feel like often there is no reason to giggle, perhaps you should try to remember how good it feels. It physically makes all of us feel better. It could be a dumb joke you heard, a memory of a fun time, or perhaps a moment of being overtired; but when you giggle, it is not only contagious, but also, very hard to stop. By giggling, you release a world of unnecessary and unproductive energy used in anxiety and negativity; which, in turn, makes you just feel better overall.
Passion
Lastly, making sure that you surround yourself with things that make you passionate about life is key to making a negative situation at the very least, bearable. So, this could be drawing, your job, your husband/wife-anything, that makes you feel inspired and passionate about the life you are living. If you have yet to find something that does this for you, it’s time to start looking for it. Without something to fuel your mind, body, and soul; of course you will feel negative. Find your passion to start seeing life more positively 
28. April 2010 at 2:39 am
Great topic and helpful tips. Sometimes it really is all about transforming your mindset and getting to a better place. I think if we can find a method that we can rely on that will always make us feel better and lighten the mood, we can manage through just about any challenge or issue.
28. April 2010 at 3:41 am
I’m a believer in the way you act can dictate the way you feel. Smile more and you will be happier. Laugh and others will join in. And follow your passion and you’ll be more connected to yourself and feel you have a purpose here.
One other thing I think is huge, which you touched upon briefly is surrounding yourself with positive people.
I’m smiling!
28. April 2010 at 3:46 am
Great post. As a Zen practitioner I tend to use the more “negative” parts of my life as a lesson to focus on. Rather than seeing it as something that can harm me, I see it as more of a challenge that will build up my pyschological “muscles” to deal with the future.
In Zen, it is the journey that we focus on – the moment of now – and not so much the destination. If we focus and do everything in the moment with mindfulness and concentration, we will naturally develop compassion and ideas of what is right and what is wrong and act accordingly. Because we Choose our responses we are free from being enforced by the rules and regulations of life. We then find ourselves smiling easily and more often, which in turns reinforces the way we are meant to live… in peace and harmony with our environment without pressure. That is the aim anyway…
Derek
28. April 2010 at 8:39 am
Now smiling and giggling, those are two things I’m good at. And jiggling. Whenever you feel sad because you’re thinking too much, walk down the street with a jiggle in your step.
2. May 2010 at 10:21 am
Shade,
I am back on your blog after so many days and I am glad to see you still continueing your job nicely.
I was reading film scripts to improve
my spoken english.
Your post reminds me a poem which I think I read in the script of “My Girl” (I am not sure about the name).
” It’s also about smile.
Smile though your heart is aching,
Smile, even though it’s breaking,
When there are clouds,
In the sky you’ll get by,
If you smile through your fears and sorrows,
Smile and maybe tomorrow,
You’ll see the sun come shining through if you,
Light up your face with gladness,
Hide every trace of sadness,
Although a tear may be ever so near,
That’s the time you must keep on trying,
Smile, what’s the use of crying,
You’ll find that life is still worthwhile,
If you just smile.”
Best Wishes
3. May 2010 at 3:04 am
I find smiles and giggles spread so easily. It just takes one person feeling light and free to let that amazing energy out and others will soon follow and lighten up and feel the great feeling to
Great post !
6. May 2010 at 1:50 pm
@Sibly and I would love to invent just that “Method†if possible … “where we can
we can manage through just about any challenge or issue†Thanks for your visit and time ….. Thanks @One of the Guys like you have mentioned surrounding ourselves with positive people is equally crucial and positively contagious. Thanks @ Derek for your time and visit, I particularly love the point you raised here “Because we Choose our responses we are free from being enforced by the rules and regulations of life†Awesome @NP and a jiggle in our steps will certainly do the trick. Thanks @ PearlTrader for your visit and wonderful poem. Thanks @Richard smiles and giggles do spread easily and contagious in a lovely way.
17. May 2010 at 7:09 am
Hello there Misses
Another positive site….I’m sooo glad I bumped into this. I smile ALLLLLL the time. Even when situations doesn’t merit one…to me, smiling helps me to see the positive in things. I also notice it’s something natural that I do. I enjoy smiling and laughing. I once heard it is good for the soul.
And as you said, it’s a “positive influences [that] can be set into motion that shape your life into a happier existence.”
I completely agree. God bless you.
17. May 2010 at 9:27 am
I am ever so grateful you bumped into our site and glad your enjoyed the post ..Thanks for visiting and look forward to seeing you around again. Just visited your awesome Inspirational site too ..God Bless