I've written before in this blog on the topic of feelings of loneliness. However, when I would usually see these unique smiles along the roadside were usually at times when I was physically hurting or quite exhausted. It was almost like the path I was following was telling me through these occasional smiles that everything was going to be okay and that I just had to keep moving forward.
Have you ever had a moment like that? When... out of the blue... you receive a small bit of encouragement that picks you up enough to keep you moving forward? Those are special moments in life, and I had plenty of such moments while running thousands of miles across states and countries.
Did you know that smiling more often helps your body deal with stressful situations more effectively? A 2015 study published in Psychological Science found that smiling can result in a lower heart rate during stressful tasks. Stress generally causes increases in heart rate and blood pressure. So, maintaining a smile when stressed provides you with both psychological and physical health benefits.
Smile, and have a great day!
From Him, Through Him, For Him (Romans 11:36),
Paul J. Staso
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Visit my YouTube channel -- https://www.youtube.com/user/pacetrek
Click on any of the links below to see some of my adventure photos:
- United States in 2006 (3,260 miles solo in 108 days at age 41)
- Montana in 2008 (620 miles solo in 20 days at age 43)
- Alaska in 2009 (500 miles solo in 18 days at age 44)
- Germany in 2010 (500 miles solo in 21 days at age 45)
- The Mojave Desert in 2011 (506 miles solo in 17 days at age 46)
- Various Photos From Mileposts Gone By
- Students Worldwide Who Ran With Me Virtually
- Roadside Sights From My Running Adventures
- Some Cycling Moments From The Past
