New Year’s “Better than Botox” Resolution

I guess it’s time to think about the New Year. Every year I try to join the crowd and make a resolution because, hey, who doesn't want to be a better version of themselves? Sometimes it’s a spiritual improvement and sometimes it’s random.  I try to make my New Year’s resolution something I can actually do. Like one year’s resolution was, “Learn to like jello.”  I never want to turn down a sugar free dessert just because I don't like it, This year I decided to go to Proverbs for some resolution inspiration.

 I was thinking about a goal and noticed that I was frowning as I was thinking. I looked in the mirror and saw that the frown lines between my eyebrows were getting deeper and permanent. No, no, not good. So I’m going to try not to frown so much (2013 resolution.) The easy way (and most expensive way) is Botox treatments. No, no, not paying for it. So I happened accidentally upon a solution… (a cheap one)…invisible cellophane tape.

I don’t know how I stumbled on this. One Saturday that I wasn't going anywhere I put a piece of tape between my eyebrows as I was wrapping Christmas presents. I had the tape in my hand and, Bingo, I had the idea. The tape on my forehead caused enough tension that every time I frowned I felt the tug of the tape.  I never realized I frowned that much. Frowning has become a habit. OK, so it was a little weird but it got the point across to me.

Most psychologists will agree that facial expressions indicate what is going on in the emotions. But studies also show that changing your expression will help to change your emotion too. Botox patients who cannot frown have expressed that they are happier. There are all sorts of “break the frown habit and feel happier” web sites. None that involve tape however. I guess it is a vicious cycle that can be broken (maybe) with a smile.

Anyway, breaking the frown habit is going to be my resolution. I think it’s going to be harder than learning to like jello.

Even though I thought of the tape idea, I didn't stumble on anything new in the change the heart change the face area,

 Proverbs 15:13 “A joyful heart makes a cheerful face …” (no frowny lines)

Proverbs 17:22 “A joyful heart is good medicine…” (no Botox)

Yep, The Bible says that I can break the frown cycle with a joyful heart.

So here goes. I plan to make a habit of putting the tape between my eyebrows (in the privacy of my home, of course.) Maybe not frowning will become such a habit that I forget I have the tape on. If that happens, just whisper to me, “Psst, tape.”

Hopefully I’ll say, “Oops, sorry” with a smile on my face.

No Botox

No frown

Happy face

Joyful heart

Habakkuk 3:18 “Yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!