There’s a rather lovely story behind World Smile Day.
Harvey Ball, a commercial artist from Massachusetts created the smiley face in the 60s, and it went on to become the most recognisable symbol of goodwill and good cheer on the planet.
But as the years passed Harvey became concerned about the over-commercialisation of his symbol, and how its original meaning and intent had become lost.
Out of that concern came his idea for World Smile Day. He suggested we should devote one day each year to smiles and kind acts throughout the world. The smiley face knows no politics, no geography, and no religion.
He suggested everyone should ‘Do an act of kindness. Help one person smile’.
Harvey Ball passed away in 2001 but the power of the smile continues because of his dream.
Never stop smiling.
