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Would you like to draw more positive experiences and people into your life? It may be much easier than you think.
There I was, leaning against the wall of a soft yellow colored building with happy thoughts in my mind and a smile on my face while James, who was trying to capture just the right pose, shot photos for the cover of my audio book. It suddenly struck me that I was reflecting the expression of a woman who was approaching. She was taking short, deliberate steps due to her walker, but her eyes never left mine. She literally glowed with love of life.
My immediate reaction was to walk over to her, introduce myself, and ask if she’d be willing to let us take her photo. Her name was Anne-Marie Schneider and she’d be delighted. While James continued to shoot several images of us, I explained AgeEsteem to her and my goal to grow a positive attitude toward aging..
She reacted saying, “That’s why you wanted to take my picture, isn’t it? I love living my age. I’m 80. People say that I’m radiant. I enjoy my life.” She then explained that her son owned a small restaurant about 30 feet away and invited us to join her there for a cup of coffee. We accepted with pleasure. Her smile continued to draw us to her.
“This woman effervesces with AgeEsteem,” I thought. “I want to learn more about her. “
“People are always taking my picture,” she continued. “The director of the retirement home where I live wants me to have my picture taken this afternoon for publicity they’re preparing, and last month I was in a fashion show.”
Obviously this is not a woman who lets a walker get in her way. Nor does she keep to herself. My impulsive request to photograph her had not surprised her in the least. She seemed to have anticipated it as she rounded the corner and came into view.
It’s doubtful that I would have approached her if it weren’t for her smile. This same smile continued to glow as we shared conversation over our cups of coffee.
Anne-Marie’s smile projects her genuine sense of well being that grows out of her positive outlook and openness. Her smile is a magnet, full of sincerity and joy that attracts others. It’s what drew me to her. I wanted to share her happiness.
Research shows that we respond to the expressions of others in like ways. When we meet someone who smiles at us, we want to smile too. We don’t even think about it. It’s a natural reflex. The smile also makes us feel good since it releases endorphins, which results in a natural high. Even better, we become self contagious since our smile tricks our mind. Even when we feel low, if we smile we feel better. We may know we are pretending, but our body doesn’t. We actually begin to feel happier.
What a wonderful example Anne-Marie is of the power of AgeEsteem! When you’re confident and feel good about yourself at the age you are, you draw others to you. Anne-Marie is a natural AgeEsteem Ambassador. She’s a living example of the impact AgeEsteem can have on me, on you, and on people of all ages.
To age with pizzazz, smile!
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