This Friday October 1st is World Smile Day.
The bright yellow smiley face symbol that we have all come to know and love is credited to Harvey Ball, a commercial artist from Worcester, Massachusetts. He designed the smiley in December 1963 to help boost staff morale. But who could have imagined how popular it would become? It has been used in lots of different ways including on clothing, comic books, coffee mugs, pins, and of course emoticons. It's very recognisable, and I think the idea was just to create something that would cheer people up whenever they saw "a yellow circle with black dots for eyes and a simple curve for a genuine and pure smile".
Harvey Ross Ball (July 10, 1921 – April 12, 2001) was an American commercial artist. He is recognized as the designer of a popular smiley graphic picture, which became an enduring and notable international icon. He never applied for a trademark for the iconic smiley image and only earned $45 for his efforts. Ball later founded the World Smile Foundation in 1999, a non-profit charitable trust that supports children’s causes. Wikipedia
What it's all about
World Smile Day originated in the United States and became an official holiday in 1999. Now there are events to celebrate it taking place all over the world. (In France the smiley face is called 'sourire', and in Japan it's called the 'peace love mark'). The theme for the day is very simple - just smile, because smiling really is contagious. To celebrate the day they suggest that you perform a small act of kindness that will hopefully make someone else smile too. I think I can manage that and if you read on, then hopefully you'll find something that will make you very happy.
But first, here are a few interesting facts about smileys.
When you smile, endorphins are created that cause feelings of pleasure.
Yellow is used for the smiley face background because it's a bright, cheerful colour
In 1999, 470 iterations of smileys were created for internet emoticons
The Smiley Company office in London is worth around £40.5m per year.
And I bet Harvey Ball's descendants wish that he'd registered it as a trademark back in 1963.
What you can do to make people happy
There are lots of things we can all do that can raise a smile on people's faces. For Hot Tubs In France every time we deliver a new hot tub we see happy smiling faces. And it makes us happy when we receive wonderful feedback from our customers. However, I'm not suggesting that you go out on Friday and buy your family and friends a new hot tub. Although if you are feeling extremely generous, please remember who it was that gave you the idea. Here are some less expensive suggestions for you.
Volunteering
Perhaps there are any local organisations that might need some extra help from willing volunteers. Animal refuge centres are always crying out for people to help exercise the dogs. In the Parthenay area, I know that the Chats de Chatillon cat refuge that we support, regularly ask for volunteers and people willing to act as temporary foster families.
Indulge yourself
If you work hard sometimes it can be difficult to find time for yourself. So why not use this day to indulge yourself? Dust off your guitar, pick up a paintbrush, or relax in the hot tub with a glass of fine Cognac. Do anything that will put a smile on your face.
Random acts of kindness
Keep an eye open for ways in which you can brighten someone’s day. Even something as simple as complimenting a person on the way they look can have a really positive impact. You’d be surprised how much it can mean to someone.
Something to make you smile
So I said earlier that if you got to this point then I would hopefully make you smile. I mentioned in my previous blog that I pre-ordered a number of Burford Deluxe tubs to build up our stock levels. As predicted we have already had orders and several enquiries from holiday business owners. So as of today, we only have left 7 Burford Deluxe tubs with insulated covers for the discounted price of 5500€. In addition, we have 4 Supreme Steps on order, due to arrive in November. These are available for 400€, which is a saving of 86€. Unfortunately, I can only hold down the prices of these items until the end of October. So if you are thinking of ordering a surprise wedding anniversary or Christmas present, then you'd be wise to order before the 31st October.
We are also looking for a venue for an open day event at the end of October. So if you or someone you know might be interested, please let us know as there might be a little bonus in it for you.
And if that has made you smile then I'm smiling too. Happy World Smile Day hot tubbers ! 😊
To contact Hot Tubs In France, call direct on 0749 19 46 84.
Or email hottubsinfrance@gmail.com
#hottubs #hydrotherapy #autumn #fall #hottubheaven #relaxation #holidaysinfrance #worldsmileday #makesomeonehappy