I love the Olympics. I love the energy of people who are passionate about life and what they do. I love the diversity and kinship of people from various countries connecting and competing. And I love the smiles that you see on the faces of fans and athletes. (It’s actually even befitting in the Midwest to have snow during the Olympics – like we share the same frosty air and sparkling surroundings!)

We speak different languages, eat different cuisines, have diverse skills. We are different, yet all the same – all striving for the best we can be. We all share the same response to achieving our goals and reaching for our dreams. We react to pleasure and humor in the
same way – we smile.

And through those smiles we connect. We pass along happiness. And, research confirms, we look younger and feel healthier when we smile.

Your girlfriend challenge for the day (should you choose to accept it!) is to SMILE. Abundantly. Silly-ly. Joyously. At friends, at strangers, at dogs and people in the grocery store. Make them wonder what you’re up to. Entice them to smile too and perhaps to strike up a conversation, or perhaps a friendship, with you.

It’s our universal language. It’s what we share with humans (and some funny dogs) all over our big ‘ole planet. And it’s what brings friends together. Because we know … life really is better, together with your girlfriends!

Olympic Gifts