SMILING THROUGH THE PANDEMIC

by Richard P. Johnson

The best medicine for healing the emotional
and spiritual “insult” of our current pandemic


Day Twenty-Two

When I smile, irritation and frustration begin to drain away.

I feel irritated and frustrated because I give myself thoughts that are not totally whole.

I get a distorted picture of reality because I can only see through the glass darkly.

Consequently I can form distorted thoughts from this distorted reality, which in turn generates irritation and frustration (and so many other paralyzing emotions).

When I put on a smile, I break this morbid cycle.

My smile soothes me; it calms my ragged emotions and lets me see through the glass clearer.

Smiling releases me from noxious emotions that contort my life, and lets me embrace uplifting emotions that animate my life.

Smiling gives me the freedom to be more than I thought I was.

Smiling lifts me up above the distractions of the world to a new emotional space of peace and calm.

A smile confuses an approaching frown.

Author Unknown

From The Power of Smiling: Using Positive Psychology For Optimal Health & Healing by Richard P. Johnson, PhD

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About the author

Dr. Johnson is nationally recognized for his pioneering work in Healing and Medical Behavioral Sciences. As Director of Behavioral Medicine at a large teaching medical center, Dr. Johnson was responsible for teaching medical interns and residents the “art” of medicine. He has taught hundreds of persons interested in healing. His fresh ideas and enthusiasm for the spiritual aspects of adult development and healing have inspired scores of maturing adults to follow their hearts and live more abundant lives. He is a dynamic, engaging, and compassionate teacher who delights in seeing his students grow personally and spiritually. He has written many articles and over 40 books all focused upon God’s expansive grace. Dr. Johnson is a devoted Catholic Christian; he and his wife Sandra live in St. Louis, they have three grown children and six grandchildren. Dr. Johnson holds a doctorate degree in clinical counseling from the University of Florida; he was also awarded an honorary doctorate from Holy Cross College, Notre Dame, Indiana in 2010.

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