As Simple As A Smile :)

Was It The Winning?...

Mark Cavendish became the first cyclist to win 35 stage wins on the Tour de France.

An unbelievable, superhuman feat.

As he crossed the finish line, he was engulfed by a joyous wave of teammates, fellow riders, and some of his closest family. But what truly captured the hearts of many was the moment Mark saw his wife Peta. The sheer joy that washed over his face mirrored the sentiment he embodies with his love for the sport.

He is no stranger to mental health struggles. Mark has openly discussed his battles with depression, detailing how he went from a winning machine to... a shadow of himself. But here he was, back on top, a testament to his resilience and the unwavering support system surrounding him.

Perhaps it wasn't just the victory that sparked such an emotional response. Maybe it was the culmination of a gruelling journey back from the darkness, the validation of his unwavering dedication, or simply the sheer beauty of achieving something many thought impossible.

Whatever the reason, Mark's emotional response resonated deeply, reminding us that true victory often goes beyond the finish line.

It's 'savage, but so beautiful', a testament to the human spirit's ability to overcome, and the profound power of love and support.

It's more than just the winning. Thank you Mark. xxx

Meee With Ben Harrey...

This month in our latest Just Meee podcast we are joined by Ben Harrey, a young star at Travelodge.

Ben sees the beauty in the unexpected - every day at Travelodge is a new adventure. Here he shares with us his own views on what it is to 'smile':

“I think that by working for one of the biggest hotel chains in the UK, like Travelodge, it goes without saying that customer service is at the forefront of our minds, where smiling and welcoming guests is the foundation to our customers having a stay they can trust.

I also think it’s about being happy, being kind and looking out for each other. Part of the reason why I love working at Travelodge is that the company wants to make sure everybody feels they belong whilst at work and gives equal opportunities to everybody, providing ways for everyone to learn more, earn more and belong.

Travelodge encompasses the enthusiasm and caring nature of their colleagues which allows us to be ourselves and enjoy our time at work, which is a priority for me!

A smile to me, is reflected in all of these things and more”.

Thanks for the infectious positivity, Ben! x

Spark More Joy in Your Day:
Do More of What Makes You Happy!...

Remember that chapter in 'Meee In A Minute' titled 'DO MORE OF WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY'?

Sid was right on point! We often get caught up in the daily grind and forget to prioritise activities that bring us genuine joy.

Here's the good news: happiness doesn't require grand gestures or earth-shattering achievements. It's often found in the simple, every day moments.

So, let's make a smile plan!

Take a Minute™️: Grab a pen and paper (or your smartphone!) and list 10 things that make you smile. It could be anything – spending time in nature, listening to your favourite music, catching up with a friend, or indulging in a delicious hobby.

Happiness Calendar: Over the next week, try to incorporate as many of these activities into your routine. Schedule them in your calendar, set reminders, and make them a priority!

Smile, Spread, Repeat! As your own happiness flourishes, the positive energy becomes contagious. Share your newfound joy with others! What makes them smile? Find out and help them incorporate those activities into their lives.

Remember, happiness grows when shared.

So, take a step towards a brighter you, and inspire those around you to do the same! Let's make the world a little bit brighter, one smile at a time.

Let's Get Infected...With Smiles! (Courtesy of Spike Milligan)

Forget the latest virus strain, there's a far more contagious and welcome epidemic brewing – smiles!

Smiling is infectious,
You catch it like the flu,
When someone smiled at me today,
I started smiling too.
I passed around the corner,
And someone saw me grin,
When he smiled I realised,
I’d passed it on to him.
I thought about that smile,
Then realised it’s worth,
A single smile just like mine,
Could travel round the earth.
So if you feel a smile begin,
Don’t leave it undetected,
Let’s start an epidemic quick,
And get the world infected.

As Spike Milligan reminds us in this wonderful poem, a simple grin can be surprisingly infectious.

The beauty lies in its simplicity.

We don't need grand gestures or expensive gifts to spread joy. A genuine smile, freely shared, is a powerful tool for connection and positivity. It has the ability to bridge divides, lift spirits, and create a ripple effect of well-being.

So, the next time you feel a smile bubbling up, don't hold back! Let it loose and watch the magic unfold.

Together, let's create a global epidemic of smiles, one infectious grin at a time. Because in this case, getting infected is a good thing! So, 

S = Share
M = More
I = Inspirational
L = Lovely
E = Experiences

They cost nothing!

Mark Cavendish Isn't the Only One Riding a Wave of Positivity!...

Just like cycling champion Mark Cavendish, you too can unlock a 'Cycle of Positivity' – and you don't even need a bike!

Introducing the 'My Meee' app, your key to unlocking gratitude and boosting your mood.

How it works: It's all about the power of appreciation. By using the 'My Meee' app to record things you're grateful for, you'll jumpstart a positive feedback loop.

Here's the science:
Gratitude Fuels Happiness: Focusing on the good things in life naturally puts a smile on your face.
Smiling Boosts Gratitude: The simple act of smiling elevates your mood and makes you more open to appreciating the positive aspects of your life.

It's a beautiful cycle that keeps you feeling good, without ever leaving the ground!

Ready to join the ride? Download the 'My Meee' app today and enjoy a free 7-day trial! (links below):