THE SMILES PROJECT
The Smiles Project is a series of dolls celebrating personal transformation.
These dolls reflect transforming moments in my life:
from wounded-ness to healing;
from brokenness to transformation;
from pain to joy;
from desolation to consolation.
This series explores recovery;
rediscovering joy;
learning to smile again.
The starting point was a duvet
cover bought during a traumatic period in my life.
Past its 'use by' date, I cut out the smiles and stuffed them.
Then using mainly recycled, re-purposed and donated materials,
these dolls demanded to be created.
Some are pensive, contemplative, profound.
Some are lively, energetic, creative.
Some push all the boundaries of etiquette and good behaviour.
These dolls reflect transforming moments in my life:
from wounded-ness to healing;
from brokenness to transformation;
from pain to joy;
from desolation to consolation.
This series explores recovery;
rediscovering joy;
learning to smile again.
The starting point was a duvet
cover bought during a traumatic period in my life.
Past its 'use by' date, I cut out the smiles and stuffed them.
Then using mainly recycled, re-purposed and donated materials,
these dolls demanded to be created.
Some are pensive, contemplative, profound.
Some are lively, energetic, creative.
Some push all the boundaries of etiquette and good behaviour.
SUSHASINI
"Most smiles were started by another smile."
I find that if I make the effort to smile,
my demeanor changes,
my self-esteem grows,
my heart quickens.
BEATRISA
"A smile is always in style."
A smile enhances any outfit,
no matter how shabby.
A smile beautifies any face -
there is no need for make-up.
A smile helps me leave the critics behind.
CAROLE
"Smile:
it is the key that fits the lock
of everybody's heart."
A smile is a key that conveys a range of emotions:
joy, affection, sorrow, empathy.
A smile is an invitation to relationship, conversation, identity.
it is the key that fits the lock
of everybody's heart."
A smile is a key that conveys a range of emotions:
joy, affection, sorrow, empathy.
A smile is an invitation to relationship, conversation, identity.
TABASSUM
"There are hundreds of languages around the world,
but a smile speaks them all."
Have you smiled today?
Have you received a smile today?
Have you returned a smile today?
Have you passed a smile on today?
I love to receive a smile.
It gladdens my soul, like an angel kiss.
but a smile speaks them all."
Have you smiled today?
Have you received a smile today?
Have you returned a smile today?
Have you passed a smile on today?
I love to receive a smile.
It gladdens my soul, like an angel kiss.
ADRINA
"We shall never know all the good a smile can do."
A smile is like a prayer:
we pray because it is good to do so;
we pray because it builds relationship;
we pray because we are grateful;
we pray because we know we are loved.
So it is with a smile.
SO
"The most beautiful smile
is the one that struggles through tears."
When I have been most desolate
is the time when I choose to smile -
with gratitude;
in remembrance;
with empathy;
with hope.
JASMITHA
"Smile -
it is the key that fits in the lock
of everybody's heart."
A smile seems to be able to
calm the angry spirit;
charm the petulant soul;
open the resistant heart.
Mine especially :-)
it is the key that fits in the lock
of everybody's heart."
A smile seems to be able to
calm the angry spirit;
charm the petulant soul;
open the resistant heart.
Mine especially :-)
CHARA
"The world looks brighter from behind a smile."
The simple act of smiling is alchemy.
Dark is lightened.
Storm clouds pass.
Hurts are tended with compassion.
Ice melts.
Harsh words dissipate.
Promises appear.
The sweet fragrance of hope pervades.
Life appears as a welcome companion.
SMITA
"A laugh is a smile that bursts."
There is an amazing ripple effect when we first make the decision to smile.
Our heart is changed.
Our countenance is radiant.
Our attitude is improved.
Our walk is jaunty.
Our smile is captured by all ...
truck drivers
buskers
shop-keepers,
librarians,
bus drivers...
and their lives are changed.
RISA
Charlie Chaplin said,
"I have many problems in life
but my lips don't know that.
They always smile."
Those lips chose not to be overwhelmed
by life's problems.
Those lips chose to smile as an act of will.
What a wonderful role model :-)
"I have many problems in life
but my lips don't know that.
They always smile."
Those lips chose not to be overwhelmed
by life's problems.
Those lips chose to smile as an act of will.
What a wonderful role model :-)
FARAH
It takes courage to smile -
when you are tired or angry or
depressed or anxious or sad -
but the rewards are infinite.
"When life gives you a hundred reasons to cry,
show life that you have a thousand reasons to smile."
Because smiling reflects our attitude;
our attentiveness;
our gratefulness.
Smiling is an act of will:
we choose to count our blessings,
not to harbour regret or stockpile our anger.
We choose to see the good and gracious,
not the petty and spiteful.
when you are tired or angry or
depressed or anxious or sad -
but the rewards are infinite.
"When life gives you a hundred reasons to cry,
show life that you have a thousand reasons to smile."
Because smiling reflects our attitude;
our attentiveness;
our gratefulness.
Smiling is an act of will:
we choose to count our blessings,
not to harbour regret or stockpile our anger.
We choose to see the good and gracious,
not the petty and spiteful.
AASHI
Sometimes it is hard to smile -
the difficulties of daily living overwhelm us;
the tragedies of the world sadden us.
Mother Teresa said,
"Peace begins with a smile".
This peace is not a generic 'world peace'
(although this is something we all fervently desire)
but an internal peace -
a peace that quietens the restless soul;
re-orientates the depressed spirit;
enlivens the saddened heart.
When we smile -
at a sweet memory or a fragrant rose or a silly cloud formation -
we are changed;
gratefulness floods our being;
we are at peace.
And it is that peace that can change the world -
one smile at a time.
the difficulties of daily living overwhelm us;
the tragedies of the world sadden us.
Mother Teresa said,
"Peace begins with a smile".
This peace is not a generic 'world peace'
(although this is something we all fervently desire)
but an internal peace -
a peace that quietens the restless soul;
re-orientates the depressed spirit;
enlivens the saddened heart.
When we smile -
at a sweet memory or a fragrant rose or a silly cloud formation -
we are changed;
gratefulness floods our being;
we are at peace.
And it is that peace that can change the world -
one smile at a time.
MAB
"Keep smiling.
Life is beautiful.
There is so much to smile about."
This smile reflects a grateful heart,
and a grateful heart reflects love,
and love reflects the divine.
Life is beautiful.
There is so much to smile about."
This smile reflects a grateful heart,
and a grateful heart reflects love,
and love reflects the divine.
HASANA
"You are not fully dressed until you wear a smile."
A smile is more than a fashion accessory, though.
It reflects the essence of your soul -
a deep abiding love for every human being;
a recognition of the divine indwelling in each person;
a response to knowing we are loved.
TESHI
"When a new day begins,
dare to smile gratefully".
Steve Maraboli
We begin our days in many ways -
a salute to the sun;
meditation; and prayer
exercise and food;
but gratitude for a new day, continuing life,
is an umbrella over all our activity.
dare to smile gratefully".
Steve Maraboli
We begin our days in many ways -
a salute to the sun;
meditation; and prayer
exercise and food;
but gratitude for a new day, continuing life,
is an umbrella over all our activity.
CHARUSMITA
Smiling changes our own perception of the world -
even momentarily.
"The world looks brighter from behind a smile."
Receiving a smile is an invitation to smile ourselves.
There is something contagious and uplifting and encouraging about a smile.
Try it today
and you will be blessed.
AMURA
Rediscovering joy;
learning to smile again.