What face are you wearing?
I was late to my exercise class this morning so I couldn’t work out in front of the mirror. However, from my vantage point, I could see the faces of the other women in class. There seemed to be three faces the women could wear:
1. A grimace. These women were working hard through their pain. They scowled and grunted. They were determined to tough it out.
2. A blank. Their brains were somewhere else. They were not in the zone. They were zoned out. They were determined to do what was minimal so they could say they completed the class.
3. A hint of a smile. The trainer would occasionally remind us to smile as we worked out. This seemed ludicrous. Yet when I found reasons to smile, to appreciate that I am strong and committed, my mouth would turn up toward a smile. Funny, the workout wasn’t so painful after all.
I have read that when we activate our “smile muscles” we release dopamine which makes us feel better, even when the smile is faked. Before long, the smile is real.
You are an achiever. You will have tough days. When your day gets hard, do you grimace through the pain? Instead, try focusing on what strengths and gifts brought you to this moment and what reward you will get in the end. Maybe the corners of your mouth will turn up on their own.
As a group exercise instructor I cannot help but post a reply to your article. Some participants smile, others frown, and unfortunately, as you write, some are simply going through the motions (why do they even bother to show up, I often wonder).
Usually my command “Please do not smile or have fun now!” will get even the most dour participant to lighten up, and suddenly the class is more enjoyable for all.
Maybe, as you suggest, I should tell myself this more often. Then at least my drive for greatness will seem more enjoyable, and like the toned and fit body I’ve achieved from decades of consistent physical exercise that I see and feel on a daily basis, I’ll become more aware of the great things I have already achieved, as opposed to looking for that next mountain to tackle.
Fabulous post! You are so wise.
Boy I needed this today !! I have had an interesting week and I am putting on those exercise clothes – yet another time – and I am afraid I was grimacing before I even got there. Thanks for the well written wisdom.
Marcia, Thank you for your encouragement. Now I have a reason to smile.
Great post and oh so true, I have at times been each of those faces.