Keep It Real This Thanksgiving: The Power of a Smile

Hey LinkedIn Fam,

Thanksgiving’s rolling around and it’s got me thinking about this poem I memorized way back in the fourth grade – “Smiling is Infectious” by Spike Milligan. You know, it’s funny how those school lessons stick with you, especially when they’re about something as simple and yet as powerful as a smile ??

Smiling is infectious,

you catch it like the flu,

This year, as we’re prepping for the festivities, the unknown questions from friends and family (we all have them), and maybe stressing about the ideal way to make potatoes (mashed, hasselback, roasted or the other 60 techniques), let’s try something a little different. Let’s focus on something small, but mighty – our smiles.

When someone smiled at me today,

I started smiling too.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. Smiling? That’s it? But hear me out. Smiling is like the unsung hero of our daily lives. It’s a universal sign of happiness, a bridge builder, and let’s be real, it’s contagious (in a good way). And in our current world, where everyone’s hustling, sometimes struggling, a smile can be a game-changer.

I passed around the corner and someone saw my grin.

When he smiled I realized I’d passed it on to him.

Think about it. In the office (or Teams call), when you flash a genuine smile, it’s like you’re saying, “My soul sees your soul. We can do this.” It’s a small gesture, but it can turn someone’s day around, make that meeting a little less tense, or just spread some positive vibes. And let’s not forget how it makes us feel – a little lighter, a bit more connected.

I thought about that smile, then I realized its worth.

A single smile, just like mine could travel round the earth.

So, this Thanksgiving, let’s start a smile wave. Whether you’re with family, friends, or even having a solo celebration, let your smile shine. Share it with your neighbor who might be feeling lonely, your co-worker who’s dreading the holiday rush, or even a stranger at the grocery store.

So, if you feel a smile begin, don’t leave it undetected.

Let’s start an epidemic quick, and get the world infected!

And let’s bring this back to our LinkedIn world. Networking, career building, challenging ourselves – it’s all important. But so is the simple act of acknowledging each other, sharing a moment of human connection. So, smile at your connections, your mentors, your mentees. Let’s make our professional world a bit warmer.

Call to Action: This week, I challenge you to join me in the Thanksgiving Smile Wave. Share a smile, see where it leads, and let’s make this holiday season a little brighter. Drop a comment about your smiling experiences. Let’s spread some joy and keep it real, just like we always do ??????