Happy World Smilinggg Day!
Crazy to think it’s 7-years since the Smilinggg mile came to me. It was one of those times where words fail to do the moment justice. A better writer perhaps could articulate such an experience, but for me it was best put; as an eruption of emotion.
Looking back, 7-years on, I realise this moment was my saviour. I had been in a really dark place for a number of months whilst living in Vietnam, and was desperately trying to escape this feeling.
I’ve said it before, someone who is happy doesn’t create a health and happiness movement called Smilinggg. The desperation I felt during that time ended up being my inspiration. When the Smilinggg Mile came to me on Sunday 17th May 2015, it provided a sense of hope in a difficult time, and that hope with time has turned into the deepest meaning and purpose for myself. It’s now my life’s work.
This is where my gratitude comes in. To you reading this. To everyone who has supported Smilinggg since its birth. At the time of writing this with thanks to your generous donations in supporting my annual Smilinggg Ultra Endurance challenges and Smilinggg Merchandise sales, we’ve raised £19,448.47 (inc Gift Aid) for Mind: The Mental Health Charity and since 2018, Samaritans Charity. If that isn’t a reason to smile, I don’t know what is!
I’d like to extend a thank you to everyone who has given Smilinggg a platform, whether that’s inviting me to speak at awards evenings, assemblies, at events or on podcasts and other media outlets or through sharing Smilinggg with their loved ones and community.
Ultimately my goal is to continue to share Smilinggg as far and wide as possible. The Smilinggg Mile is accessible to everyone and the beauty of it is you never know what impact it truly has in this moment or the next. Who knows where your steps and smiles can take you.
I recall my overzealous 2015 version of me wanting to change the world with Smilinggg. But I think Macklemore hits the nail on the head.
Don't try to change the world, find something that you love
And do it every day
Do that for the rest of your life
And eventually, the world will change
Steps 👣 + Smiles 🤗
Keep #Smilinggg 💛
