By Lois E. Wilson
When you greet people, do you do it with a smile or a frown? With a smile the mouth’s corners curve upward.
A smile can light up another person’s face or a room. Frank Sinatra sang, “When you smile the whole world smiles with you.” It is inviting—a magnet to attract. You are demonstrating your optimistic side, your goodwill, and the joy in your life. Some have said “You are not fully dressed without a smile.”
When we use our facial muscles to frown, first there is a wrinkle, then a crinkle. A permanent crease of the brow can form with downcast corners of the mouth. You may develop a scowl which indicates displeasure and disappointment. That is not a good way to approach others; it may seem threatening to them.
It is safe to say most Americans and many around the globe have seen a Smiley face. It is a yellow circle bordered in black. The facial features are black—two oval eyes and a mouth with a big grin. The Smiley face has no politics, no religion, and no geographical boundaries.
The Smiley was created in 1963 by commercial artist and Worchester native, Harvey Ball. He had been hired to design a symbol to ease employee tension after the merger of two companies: State Mutual Life Insurance and Guarantee Mutual of Ohio.
In 1971, Franklin Loufrani took credit for the face and made a fortune from its use. In 1998 at age 76, Ball found out about it and said to the Associated Press, “So much for Smiley and happiness.” Ball could have sued Loufrani, but he did not. He accomplished positive deeds.
Ball had the concept of World Smile Day during which people were to smile and do acts of kindness. After his death in 2001, the World Smile Foundation organized to promote the day and license the use of Smiley.
His son, Charles, said of his father and his legacy of not caring about the money he could have had: “He was not a money-driven guy. He used to say that he could only eat one steak at a time or drive one car at a time.”
Harvey Ball could have frowned at everything the rest of his life. He could have turned the grin on Smiley to a frown. If he had projected a frown, people would not have the uplifting reaction and feeling of happiness whenever they see Smiley. Remember to always try to turn your frown upside down into a smile. Others are likely to smile back. The world will be a more joyful place—thanks to you and Harvey Ball. In 2022, World Smile Day is October 7th.
Keep smiling!