The Story Behind the Smile

A smile is worth a thousand words.

The next time you think that it's not what you say, but how you say it, I ask you to consider that even more so, it's what emotion you reveal before you even say a word.

Are you aware of the message you send from the expression on your face? Are you aware that the person in front of you can receive a clear message about how you feel, before you even say hello?

The power of your silence is incredible, but it isn't just the silence alone, it's what you do in that silence. Are there certain people in your life that make you automatically smile? Have you ever thought about how that person feels when being received that way? Probably not, though you might be surprised to find that a smile sends more of a message than the message itself.

One day I had the opportunity of watching this up close, similar to a fly on the wall, as a father and daughter came in to the coffee shop where I was writing. Normally only distracted by loud children, I was surprised by my inability to keep my eyes on the computer screen. The distraction was not their noise, though; it was something about their silence that created a dynamic that kept pulling at me. In between each sentence I wrote, I would look up to see them interact with one another. By the time they sat down with their donuts, I couldn't do a thing but watch.

She looked to be about five years old, with her dark curly hair pulled back loosely in a ponytail. She had a little jean mini skirt on, teeny little sandals that swung back and forth in time to the music and a smile that told a story all of its' own.

Her father was a handsome guy in his thirties, who was smiling just as easily as they savored their glazed donuts.

What was astounding was the way they related to one another, as if no one else were around. The father leaned in close over a table that was hardly two feet across and must have been talking, though I ABAcouldn't hear a word of it. She would laugh freely after most of what he said, seeming to be thrilled with his company and his attention. In return, I would see her lips move and he would laugh too, happy to be with her as well.

The way their eyes stared into one another made me wish I was part of their circle. Their love so clearly present for each other, making them totally unaware of anyone else around. Even more fascinating, though, was the way their body language spoke. If she would move her shoulders in time to the music, he would do the same and then they would both let out a laugh. On top of that, they had a language of their own that involved high-fives and knocking fists across the table...

The point was that they didn't need words at all in order to express their love for each other or how happy they were to be together. It was so obvious to me as I watched from across the room and clearly not a hidden secret for either of them. I was so captivated by the energy they created, I wished they'd see me and invite me in, but they were so captivated by the energy they created...they didn't even see me staring.

It was a moment in time that sent a very clear message: The next time someone smiles at you, think about the story their smile tells before they even say a word, and then, give them the same story back!

Lesley Geller is a Business Coach. She helps successful professionals exceed their expectations of growth. She works with small business owners, as well as individuals in large corporations looking to reach the next level. Lesley graduated from the University of Maryland and is certified as a Coach through the Coach Training Alliance, which is recognized by the International Coach Federation. She is also a Freelance Writer and co-author of: 101 Great Ways to Improve Your Life. For more information about how to reach the potential you're capable of, visit her website at http://www.LesleyGeller.com or e-mail her at Lesley@LesleyGeller.com

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