This Friday, October 3rd, is a special day. It’s a day for kindness, for cheer, and for one of the simplest yet most powerful expressions we have: the smile. It’s World Smile Day!
Here at Smiling Faces Worldwide, a day dedicated to smiles is right up our alley. We believe in the power of a smile to connect people and spread positivity across the globe. But have you ever wondered how this wonderful day got its start? The story begins with a now-famous symbol.
The Man Behind the Smile
In 1963, a commercial artist named Harvey Ball was hired to create a symbol to boost morale. In just 10 minutes, he drew the simple, cheerful yellow smiley face that we all know and love today. The symbol was an instant hit, spreading across the globe.
However, as the years went on, Harvey became worried that the original intent of his creation was being lost in commercialization. He wanted the smile to remain a pure symbol of genuine goodwill.
A Day for Kindness
Out of this concern, Harvey Ball had a brilliant idea. He declared that the first Friday of every October would be World Smile Day—a day for everyone, everywhere, to devote themselves to smiles and kind acts. The very first one was celebrated in 1999.
The motto of the day is simple but profound: “Do an act of kindness – help one person smile.”
This message resonates deeply with our mission at Smiling Faces Worldwide. We are dedicated to building a global community founded on the simple, universal act of smiling.
How You Can Celebrate with Smiling Faces Worldwide
Participating in World Smile Day is easy and can make a real difference. Here are a few ideas to get you started and join our movement:
- Share Your Smile: The easiest way to celebrate is to share a smile! Take a picture of your smiling face and upload it to the Smiling Faces Worldwide app or post it on social media with the hashtag #SmilingFacesWorldwide to join our global collage of happiness.
- Perform an Act of Kindness: Live the motto of the day. Buy a coffee for a stranger, leave a positive comment online, or simply offer a helping hand.
- Wear the Mission: Check out our online store for merchandise like t-shirts, hoodies, and more. Wearing our logo is a great way to be a visual reminder for others to smile.
- Spread the Word: Tell your friends and family about World Smile Day and our mission to unite the world, one smile at a time.
This Friday, let’s honor Harvey Ball’s vision together. Let’s spread joy, kindness, and countless smiles across the globe.
