“And your smiling in the face of your brother is charity” - Prophet Muhammad SAW.
I know that I’m always betraying my age here – but hey, I don’t feel old, so that’s okay, right? When I was a child, my mom bought the video (beta) of Little Orphan Annie. This was the 1982 Broadway style one and I watched it forever, loved it to pieces. 26 years later, I can still sing the songs from it (but don’t ask me to unless you want a big ear ache – singing is not one of this queen of sheba’s strengths 
).
This little orphan girl had a rough life, but she was brimming with optimism for the future, while still living as happy as can be in her present. There are some great messages in it – and one that was really nice and has stuck with me all these years is the power of a smile. Here are the words:
You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile
Hey, hobo man, hey Dapper Dan,
You both got your style,
but brother,
You’re never fully dressed without a smile!
You’re clothes may be “Beau Brumelly,”
They stand out a mile,
but brother!
You’re never fully dressed without a smile!
Who cares what they’re wearing
On Main Street or Saville Row?
It’s what you wear from ear to ear,
And not from head to toe
(that matters)
So, Senator, so, janitor, so long for awhile,
You’re never fully dressed,
Though you may wear the best,
You’re never fully dressed without a smile
So, I’ve been smiling alot, despite the warning that it may cause wrinkles known as laugh lines. And everybody would agree that the benefits of smiling are many. I found an article stating the top ones – and here they are reproduced for your benefit (you can thank me later )
1. Smiling makes us attractive and draws people to us.
2. Smiling changes our moods. Try playing this trick on your body the next time you are feeling down.
3. Smiling is contagious. See how it can bring instant happiness to others at a gathering.
4. Smiling relieves stress, boosts your immune system, and lowers your blood pressure. Scientific studies have proven it.
5. Smiling releases all the ‘feel good’ hormones and helps you stay positive.
And I ask you now – how will smiling make you a better Queen of Sheba?
