I think a smile can make your whole body. Models, they look

Serena Williams, warrior of the court and bearer of wisdom beyond the arena, once declared: “I think a smile can make your whole body. Models, they look fabulous, but they don’t smile, and they look so mad.” In this statement, she unveils a truth that has echoed through the ages: that beauty is not simply in form or posture, but in spirit; not in the curve of the body alone, but in the light that shines from within. The smile is not mere ornament—it is the crown of the soul, animating the flesh with life and warmth.

The ancients themselves spoke of this. The Greek poets praised the “smiling Aphrodite,” for it was her smile, not only her form, that made her irresistible. The body without expression is but a statue—impressive, perhaps, but lifeless. A smile, however, transforms the figure into something divine, breathing humanity into mere appearance. Williams’ observation is both sharp and compassionate: a face without joy appears stern, even angry, no matter how perfect its features. A smile does not simply adorn the face; it enlivens the entire body.

History too gives witness to this truth. Think of Princess Diana, whose beauty was praised not for royal garments or crowns, but for her radiant smile. That expression of warmth made her beloved across the globe, more than jewels or titles ever could. In contrast, portraits of monarchs painted in solemnity and stiffness inspire awe but seldom affection. It is the smile that bridges distance, that turns reverence into love, that makes the figure fully human.

Williams also hints at the paradox of models, those who embody physical perfection on runways and in magazines. They are adorned in luxury, sculpted by discipline, and yet too often stripped of joy in their presentation. Their faces, unsmiling, appear cold, even hostile. What she names here is a universal truth: beauty without joy is incomplete, a shell without fire. The smile is the missing flame that makes the body whole.

Mark this well: the smile is not merely cosmetic, but transformative. It radiates through the eyes, straightens the posture, fills the voice with melody, and softens the heart. One who smiles not only changes their own presence, but alters the atmosphere around them. A genuine smile has healed quarrels, comforted strangers, and disarmed foes. To withhold it is to deny the world a gift more precious than jewels.

Practical wisdom follows: adorn yourself not only with garments and accomplishments, but with a smile. Let it be sincere, born of gratitude and openness, not forced or shallow. Practice it daily—when greeting others, when facing trials, when remembering blessings. This simple act will not only lift your own spirit but will lift those who walk beside you. Remember that a smile is the one beauty accessible to all, regardless of age, wealth, or status.

Therefore, O seeker, take Serena Williams’ words as a torch of guidance. Seek not only to appear strong, or polished, or fabulous, but to be alive with joy. Let your smile crown your body, for it is the truest adornment, the visible proof of an inner strength that no hardship can dim. And know this: while fashion fades, fame falters, and bodies change, the warmth of a smile endures in memory and in spirit, making you not only beautiful, but unforgettable.