My mindset coaching clients may chuckle when they see this line, “Now, give yourself a pat on the back.” They know that this suggestion is meant literally. This action often makes them laugh and, at the very least, smile. This smiling, in itself, changes your mindset.

Smiling actually boosts your mood. It induces feelings of happiness and also the opposite occurs; happiness can cause you to smile.

Just try this simple and quick EXERCISE: If you are with someone else, you can have them (or vice versa) close their eyes. Then, you say a phrase one time without a smile and then, another time while you’re smiling. Then, have the other person open their eyes. Ask them if they heard or sensed a difference. They will, no doubt. When you smile, your facial musculature changes, your voice is different, and your tone and your demeanor, too. By the way, there is a biological explanation for this. Your vagus nerve connects your brain to your gut. On the way, it goes through your throat and affects your vocal cords, to your ears, affects your facial musculature and also passes through your heart. This is your scientific ‘proof’ of your mind/body connection. We all know that when we’re relaxed and feeling safe, the tone of our voice changes, we smile more, we hear more ‘positive’ feedback and more. It becomes a loop.

If you are by yourself, you can always record yourself, both smiling and not. Hear it for yourself!

 SMILING: FUN TIPS:

-Try smiling with your whole face, not just your lips.

-Feel your facial muscles, cheeks and eyes change when you engage in a large smile, which is associated with positive emotions.

-Smiling helps create: improved health, increased beauty and a more positive mindset.

So, smile WIDE and even, SILLY. Btw; this is some free advice from a former ‘smile expert.’ Yes; I was a dentist for more than 30 years……

A PAT ON THE BACK:

Let’s get back to the idea and action of giving yourself a pat on the back. This starts as a symbolic gesture-----to pause and take the time needed to appreciate your WINS, whether big or small, personal or professional.

Each tiny (or bigger) accomplishment, whether personal, professional, learning to change your thought patterns to more helpful and positive ones, etc., whether you presently realize it or not…….is a vital step on your path, for learning and growth. In this way, step by step, with consistency and courage, you become (or get back to) the TRUE YOU.

Many of us do not pause, breathe and/or take the time to appreciate ourselves, just as we are, right now. These decisions we make and steps that we take, and the awareness, recognition and gratitude we then have for ourselves for having made these choices, cause and allow us to move ourselves forward! Yahoo for us!

One step at a time, one small step added to another, then another; these add up to the direction your life will take and, eventually, your destiny.

To repeat (which we must do to allow things to change over time; ie: new habits, routines), it is important to take the time to give yourself credit. This literal pat on the back, besides making you smile, allows you to: pause, breathe and absorb your success, even a tiny one; one big or little success at a time. You can even say thank you; to yourself and to what life offers you. The fact that you’ve taken a step, no matter how easy or hard it may have been, must be commended----------first and foremost, by YOU. You did it (whatever ‘it’ is) and you will benefit from it, with success and learning. If this step works to your immediate benefit----yahoo. Sometimes, a step can feel like a ‘failure’ to you. These are the steps we learn the most from and those that increase our inner strengths. What you may consider a ‘failure’ is just a success waiting to happen.

No matter……You’ve racked up another ‘win’ or ‘success’ in this chapter of your life story.

Keep moving your story forward and make it YOUR greatest life!

Hoping to see you on the road….

With smiles and love,

Dr Gigi

PS: Ready to start or continue your amazing journey? I’m here for you! You can sign up for your free mindset coaching DISCOVERY session and get your FREE guide: 3 Essential Mindset Exercises………. to get you on your way.

Bon voyage!