So, I just saw a Distractify list: “The 30 Most Photogenic People of All Time”.
Naturally, it was fun to thumb through (or thumb and pointer finger – because: laptop mouse); I mean, who doesn’t like looking at pretty people? But as I was visually flipping through these candid snappies capturing grace under pressure, something occurred to me. Well, a few things. First, most of these images were taken at competitive sporting events. Second, most of them were smiling. And third, I need to research Ian McCall a little more thoroughly after I finish this blog.
The unclear point I’m trying to illustrate by pointing all’a that out is not only that these otherwise possibly plain Jane people are prettier (or more photogenic) when they smile and seem pleasant-faced. But also that that the exterior pretty from channeling a gleeful face spasm must accompany enough inner pretty to do things like win. Because a lot of these folks were kicking some serious ass when the shots of them cheesing were taken.
Like while reaching second base:
Hurtling toward the end zone:
Jumping over a thing in the Olympic whateverwhocareswhoISthishottie?
I dunno if she did the jump right, but this landing deserves a medal of some sort:
Granted, some of ‘em were receiving the ass kicking too.
Like this guy. He’s not winning. Which is even worse when there’s no sentient opponent involved.
But you wouldn’t know it!
“What? No, I’m planking. I paused to plank.”
Or this guy – who looks so enthused about being bodily pummeled that I’m pretty sure in between training, he spends his downtime either burning himself with the stove top or loitering in an underground basement with Edward Norton and Brad Pitt:
Or this insipid-romance-novel-cover blonde Gaston whose face says:
“I’m letting him do this. Out of pity.”
But you know what? The lot of them – winning, losing, whatever – are all at a professional level. MMA. Olympics. NFL. Everyone is at a winning level. And they got here by losing a good amount but having the grace to carry on till they had more wins than non-wins. So, I suppose, in a way, it might jibe with that piece I wrote on how “forcing a smile can make you happy”. The sequitur to that is that if you’re happy, you’re more relaxed, less tense, and probably in a better state of awareness which lets you access all your training undistracted. (And win, duh). That’s tougher when you’re agro and anxious and thinking about how disappointed a whole nation’s gonna be if you miss this goal. Too bad my middle school volleyball coach never listed this along with screaming “hustle!” or “MOVE YOUR ASS”. Then again, he was more the “throw-a-folding-chair-at-twelve-year-olds-after-they-lose type’a guy. (Did I mention he also taught the wrestling team?)
Anyway, for those who refuse to fake facial bliss till it’s real (even though science suggests it), I totally understand. But this little list may’ve just provided a new solution for us all: find a sport you love and let it hack your happiness for you. My argument for this method comes not only from experience, but also takes you looking no further than most of these gladiators outta Canon captured competition context. I’ve seen a few. They seem more grim and flat of affect than they do in the heat of battle. Put ‘em in the ring, rink, or arena, though – and it’s like casting a Harry Potter level happiness spell.
So that even when they’re losing, it’s with a winsome smile.
The real win is that it’s genuine.
Yep. More…research… needed. Even with the Marilyn Manson nails.