I say it, you read it each time, but is it really possible to “keep smiling” through all the trials that life throws at you? If you’ve been following me for a while, you know my signature phrase is “keep smiling,” but you may not know why I chose it or what it really means to me. Ever since I was five years old and in ballet class, my bubbly personality gave me the nickname “smiles.” Why change that carefree spirit when we have so much to smile about? My goal is to always be ready to conquer each day and any challenges it may bring with a smile! In collaboration with all of my wonderful followers, I’ve asked my friends to share their own reasons to keep smiling. My dear friends who have lifted me up and encouraged me, I dedicate this post to you.
Regardless of your circumstances, you can always find reasons to power through any trial with a smile on your face. I know from experience that the times I didn’t feel like smiling were the times I needed it the most. Even when you don’t feel like it, you’ll be thankful you did, because of the many benefits it brings to yourself and to others. That very smile you felt reluctant to give could be the very thing that someone else needed to brighten up their day. It all begins with a smile.
1. Remember, a smile is a beautiful way to shine.
Keep smiling because…
- It’s beautiful!
–Xcape With Linh - You can and should! –Janna Doan
- It’s free and the best accessory to wear! –Palate For Style
- You should pass it along. It is highly contagious. –Fanciers World
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Happiness is contagious! –Kylen Everywear
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A smile is your best accessory. –@anthronista
When smiling becomes harder than it should, I am reminded that all I need is a little perspective change. By staying positive and putting my situation into perspective, smiling becomes much easier.
2. Change your perspective.
Keep smiling because…
- Although not every day is good, there is something good in every day! –Seamless Sea
- Life is just too short to worry about we should smile every minute –@shades_of_shoes
- Life will always surprise you with beauty! –Classic In Gray
- Positivity helps you live longer! –Inspiration Indulgence
- Every day is a blessing! –Cream to My Coffee
Finding the little things that make you smile and pursuing it more is sometimes just the motivation you need to keep you smiling throughout the day. Write down a short list of what makes you smile and make it a point to enjoy one thing of it every day. It could be as simple as a hug from a loved one or an activity you rarely make time for. Life is indeed short, but by taking the time to enjoy it to the fullest will be worth it in the end!
3. Enjoy the little things.
Keep smiling because…
- My little girls giggle! –@trendytntch
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It makes your baby smile back. There is nothing better than a baby smile that might just turn into a chuckle! –The Blonde Giraffe
- My students –Apparel Junky
- Life is short! –Modish Memoire
Staying positive can be difficult to do especially when you are going through a tough time. However, every day has something positive if you choose to seek it out.
4. Look for the positive.
Keep smiling because…
- There is something in every day we can laugh about. –Hot Dress Hot Mess
- There’s always something amazing happening in the world! –The Daily Luxe
- We have inspiring women in our daily feed –@beigebrunette01
- All the hope and possibility in life! –Patsy Wintorine
Personally, life has been tough for me lately. Really tough. I can’t seem to catch a break from everything that is coming my way. One thing that helps me get through this defeated mindset is realizing it’s only a season and my trials won’t last forever. These trials are only making me stronger!
5. Realize it’s only for a time.
Keep smiling because…
- It’s the easiest and simplest way to cross any barrier. –@glickmyster
- The best is yet to come –Mrs. Clifton’s Closet
- It keeps you young! Besides, it’s much prettier than crying! –@beautyatanystage
- This adventure called life is worth it. –The Soul of a Poet
Many of my faith-based friends and followers shared that God is what helps them smile no matter what. I’m in complete agreement. God is my rock and I’m so thankful to have Him to rely on when times are tough.
6. Keep your faith.
Keep smiling because…
- God is good and you never know who may need a smile! –Maple Leopard
- God is amazing. -@itaysa.garcia
- I am grateful and I know that God is in control. He’s got it. –The Style Therapy
- God is good. –Love Haight Blog
It’s true, not every day is perfect, but an attitude of thankfulness can easily rid any feelings of negativity that bring you down. Having an attitude of gratitude should not be limited to the holiday season, where Thanksgiving provides the tradition for so many to give thanks. Wake up thankful, practice it throughout the day, and go to bed remembering all of the days blessings. Personally, I love to reflect and keep a gratitude journal so that I never miss an opportunity to express what I’m thankful for.
7. Express gratitude.
Keep smiling because…
- There is so much to be grateful for!! –Polished Avenue
- I have my family. At the end of the day, they are all you have. –Eastside Fashion
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Every day is a gift!–Gabriela Vera
- There are always a million things to be grateful for! –Wear and Back Again
Whether or not you realize it, you have the capability of changing your view of a negative situation with just a simple smile on your face. Finding those reasons to smile, no matter what, will carry you through anything you face throughout the day. If I can do it, I know you can too! Thanks to all my friends who helped contribute to this post. I’m so thankful for you and I keep smiling because you fill my heart with joy!
I’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments below and finish this sentence, “Keep smiling because…”
Keep smiling!
Join this amazing community of readers from around the world and you’ll discover that Style Miss Molly is much more than pretty pictures. I promise I’ll try my best to bring a smile to your face!
You can find me on Pinterest to see things that “pin-spire” me, Twitter to learn more about what makes me smile, and of course, Facebook because let’s face it, I’m on it too much, and Instagram, which is basically my favorite place to hang out with you all! “See” you there!
Shirt: “All Is Well” Forest Green Blouse
Only $42, but use code MISSMOLLY20 to get 20% off this top plus EVERYTHING from HER. Boutique.
Photo Credit // Samantha Weissbach Photography
I’m Molly Lawson! I live in Seattle and am an optimist, adventurer, and bold lipstick wearer. I created this space to inspire and empower women with words of encouragement known as #MollysWords and share inspiration through my personal style. I always want my readers to leave with a smile and I hope you do!
Well this post definitely had me smiling! I absolutely love that you included quotes and reasons and all that from so many other bloggers and Instagrammers. What a unique idea, babe! Thanks for putting a smile on my face today. I needed it! 🙂
Stephanie // SheSawStyle.com
Author
Thanks Stephanie! It was from an Instagram shoutout I did a while back and finally put the quotes together! Hugs to you babe!
Molly, I know we all have ups and downs, but in whatever state of mind I’m in, reading your posts always make me happy! 🙂 You tell us to keep smiling and honestly, I keep smiling much because of you. So thanks for making me smile when I needed it the most, again! 🙂
xoxo
Thomas
http://www.thomasfalkenstedt.com/2016/11/16/all-these-layers/
Author
You know how to put a smile on my face Thomas! Thanks for being you! You’re awesome!
What a beautiful post – it definitely brought a smile to my face! 🙂 I love the quotes you included from other fellow bloggers and IGers. Simply beautiful!
Author
I’m so glad Sapana! You have a lovely smile!
Well you have an absolutely grogeous smile… so thanks for sharing!
This post was just so refreshing and positive…what a welcome reminder to keep smiling!
xo,
Lauren Ashley
brownpaperdoll.com
Author
Well that is so sweet! Happy to spread the positive vibes your way!
YES, YES and YES! Smiling is my favorite (just like Buddy the Elf 😉 ). The world definitely needs more love, smiles and hugs!
-CarleeMcDot.com-
Author
Haha what a great quote from that movie! I totally forgot about it! Thanks!
Love this. Smiling is ESSENTIAL. ANd you do a hella good job of smiling through it all, Miss Molly!
Coming Up Roses
Author
And you have the BEST Smile girl! Love you!
I think people underestimate the power of a smile – especially when things aren’t going so smooth. I love smiling and I love being surrounded by smiley people! Such a heartwarming post, this one <3
http://www.luna-lupus.com
Author
I think you’re so right! We both can make efforts to spread the smile love 🙂
This made me smile. Love it!
Author
I’m so glad! Love making people smile!
Awe I loved this! What does you tattoo on your wrist say??
Rachel | The Confused Millennial
Author
Thank you Rachel! It says fearless. I got it a couple months ago to remind me daily I can get through anything fearlessly!
I love that!
Hi Miss Molly can you tell me the sunglasses you are wearing on this. Thanks a lot.
Love this positive post! These are all such great reminders, and your professional outfit is too cute!
Chelsea
Chow Down USA
Instagram
Author
Thanks Chelsea 🙂 Let’s spread the positive vibes more!
I love all the reminders to be happy and positive in this post Molly! You’re always such a ray of sunshine. We all have days that we feel less than wonderful but there are always reasons to look for the good. Love that your nickname at Ballet was “smiles”! Keep that smile and positivity! It’s always so joyful!
Ellie
http://Www.Maplesyrupandteacups.blogspot.com
Author
Aw Ellie, thank you! We all need to spread that powerful positivity a little more 🙂
Yes! Smiling is so important. I find that changing perspective is especially helpful! This is a wonderful post and I love this look!
http://www.stylebymemory.com
Author
Really pleased you enjoyed reading!
I love this post, especially appreciating the little things in life! That’s so important.
Author
It’s so important and we all need that little reminder sometimes 🙂
I can’t even start telling you how much I LOVED this post, gorgeous!!! You’re just so beautiful, inside and out. I am so happy we share the same faith and I can relate to each and every point up there, beauty.
Not only a smile means the same thing in every language in the world (how awesome is that?!) but also we have SOOOOOO many reasons to smile and be thankful every single day. It starts with the moment we get to open our eyes in the morning. What a blessing it is on its own 🙂
Love ya girl & thanks for this fab post <3
Hope you're having a lovely week!
xox Nadia
http://www.mielandmint.com
Author
Nadia, I am so appreciative of your kind words! I love that we share the same faith 🙂 It’s really important to me. Such an exciting concept that smiles mean the same thing in every language! Love your perspective so much! Have a great weekend!
You look radiant, Molly! So happy to have seen you at the Northgate event.
Author
Aww thanks babe! So great to see you too! Can’t wait for the next event 🙂
Great tips!! I absolutely love this professional look!
XoXo,
Tamara – LoveofMode.com
Author
Thank you so much Tamara! I love what a pencil can do for some professional vibes! Have a great weekend!
You are always too cute!! So good seeing you last night girl! You sure make a broken wrist stylish and love that it’s not stopping you!!
xoxo,
Sarah
Author
Aw thanks Sarah! That’s such a sweet compliment! I can’t wait to see you again. You always look amazing and bring my heart so much joy with your smile!
This post makes me soooo happy! first, you look soo amazing and two your smile is beautiful and because it is beautiful to smile! Thanks for the tag Molly. Keep on smiling because the world can use your precious smile! This is such a beautiful post.
Linh
http://www.xcapewithlinh.com
Author
I’m so happy that it’s made YOU happy!
Your smile is contagious babe! I love your spirit – no matter what life throws at us, keep on smiling!!! you have presented others perspective so beautifully through the post.
xx, Kusum | http://www.sveeteskapes.com
Author
Thanks so much for the kind words!
Such a lovely post and a great reminder to always stay positive! A smile is definitely the best accessory anyone could wear 😉 Thanks for sharing babe xo, sharon
http://www.stylelullaby.com/fashion/holiday-shopping-shoprunner/
Author
Thanks Sharon! I completely agree with you! Smiles are the greatest accessory. You wear yours well! 😀
Babe! First of all thank you for the feature. I think this was great idea – loving it! As always, these words put smile on my face! Thanks for making my day better! Keep shining my love and stay postive!❤
Author
So pleased to hear 🙂 Keep smiling, as always!
Aw! Thanks for including me, sweet girl! I love you and ALWAYS have your back! XO
Author
You’re welcome! Thanks for always sharing your wisdom and insights with the world. Love you!
What a FANTASTIC post Molly!! Really enjoyed reading your friend’s quotes too! It’s so true, I love always trying to look at the positive side of things, and writing down what I’m grateful for! Thanks for sharing!!x- Mitra xo
http://leopardcouture.com/2-ways-to-style-green-cargo-pants/
Author
Writing the little things down always helps me massively! It’s so easy to forget sometimes! Thanks for reading 🙂
This is so true!!! Smiling can do wonders for yourself AND others.
xx
outofofficeny.com
Author
Absolutely! I am a strong believer in that 🙂
Aw so flattered to see you included my advice! I need to read this post every day because I could use some reminding myself lately!
Lindsey
http://www.seamlesssea.com
Author
We all need a little reminder sometimes! Thanks so much for helping out!
Molly this is so lovely and inspiring! Thank you for sharing my comment.., so kind of you ! I hope the load gets lighter … and life brings you great things! Xo
Valerie
Author
Thanks again for your contribution! Glad you enjoyed the read 🙂
Molly this post is seriously inspired! It makes me smile how you support your fellow bloggers. Thank you for sharing this! Hugs, Kait
http://www.baskinginburgundy.com
Author
It’s always so lovely to hear when my posts have truly inspired someone, so thank you Kait!
LOVE this post, babe!! It definitely put a smile on my face! & You have such a gorgeous smile!
xo Abby
http://www.marblelouslypetite.com
Author
Thanks so much, glad you enjoyed!
Great post babe! Thanks for sharing these smiling tips with us!
Xo, Shaine
Bad Habits
Author
Thanks so much Shaine!
You do have the most beautiful smile! this was such a beautiful posts and thank you for featuring all of us 🙂 Have a wonderful day!
Monika | http://www.palateforstyle.com
Author
Thank you Monika, glad you enjoyed the read and thanks again for your contribution 🙂
Such an inspiring post!
Such gorgeous photos, you look amazing!
xo.
http://www.itswhatsin.com
Author
Thanks Taylor, I’m glad it put a smile on your face 🙂
Author
Aw glad it put a smile on your face!
Author
Thanks Iliana! I would totally wear this to the office!
This truly brought a smile to my face.
What a fun and unique idea for the post. Loved reading all the comments.
Keep sharing the joy dear!
Richa | Fancier’s World
I’m behind on commenting on this post, but I loved reading it. Thanks for including me friend! 🙂 keep smiling ! Xo
Those are great ways to smile and always be positive! Molly this is terrific really appreciate this. I find it energetic and such delightful! Like your smile thank you
This site that I read a for a minutes ago made me feel happy. Is an important change for every day, hour and minute, so it is a gift what we learn during the days. This falling of hope made me smile to understand how it feels.
Thank you for making me smile and will continue in the future.