In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, Atwood Magazine has invited artists to contribute essays reflecting on themes such as identity, music, culture, and inclusion.
Today, Miist, who transitioned from accountant to singer/songwriter, shares a poignant essay on the worldwide epidemic of loneliness, the moving story that inspired her song “Could You Lend Me a Smile,” and her goal to foster human connection through music, empathy, and 15 seconds of deliberate kindness, as part of Atwood Magazine's Mental Health Awareness Month series. Miist, who was abandoned at the age of five and survived a terminal cancer diagnosis by 28, defied expectations by discovering her musical talent at 34. Last year, she became the first native Chinese artist to enter Billboard’s Top 25 AC chart, collaborating with music legends such as Santana and Curtis Williams (of Kool & The Gang), as well as esteemed producer Narada Michael Walden.
Miist is a multilingual recording artist who launched her professional music career at 34 after recognizing her abilities in songwriting and performance. In 2023, she caught the attention of Narada Michael Walden, one of the top 10 producers in Billboard history. She began releasing commercial music in March 2024, making a significant impact by charting twice on Billboard’s Pop/AC chart (#21 and #26), achieving the number one indie AC song in the U.S., and ranking number 11 on the Indie Top 40. Furthermore, she became the first Chinese artist to have a Top 25 Billboard Pop/AC hit. A prolific and versatile musician, Miist has composed over 80 original songs in English, Mandarin, and Spanish. Within three months of her debut, she became a voting member of the Recording Academy.
Her music is rooted in a powerful personal narrative. After being abandoned at five and surviving a terminal cancer battle at 28, she now serves as a Teen Cancer America ambassador, using her platform to inspire and uplift others. Miist is the creative force behind the Smile Project, a global musical initiative centered on the single “Could You Lend Me a Smile.” This project features over 60 Grammy-winning artists and nominees, encompasses 15 languages, 15 music videos, 14 performing artists, five Grammy-winning producers, and the UK Breakthrough Producer of the Year. It spans five continents, promoting a message of unity, empathy, and creativity. Additionally, she hosts the podcast Make Me Smile with Miist, which is accessible in over 150 countries on all major platforms. The show combines original music, TED-style insights, and open discussions about resilience, creativity, and transformation.
Miist recently released “Could You Lend Me a Smile,” a new global anthem accompanied by a music video showcasing artists with a combined total of 60 Grammy awards and nominations in 15 different languages across five continents. This includes a moving spoken word and ASL version, released in anticipation of Global Accessibility Awareness Day on May 15 and National Smile Day on May 31, during AAPI Heritage and Mental Health Awareness Month.
Read Miist’s special essay below, and you can find “Could You Lend Me a Smile” on your preferred music streaming service!
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Changing the World in 15 Seconds
by Miist
A few months back, I came across a report about a 20-year-old Japanese man who was discovered deceased in his apartment, where he had been for several months. His passing was attributed to what is now termed “lonely death,” a troubling phenomenon that is on the rise in Asia and globally. The U.S. is not exempt, with the Surgeon General indicating that almost 50% of adults and young adults experience loneliness (ABC News).
This story deeply affected me, leading to the creation of my song “Could You Lend Me a Smile,” which has recently been released in 15 languages across five continents, with contributions from artists boasting over 60 Grammy awards and nominations. The song serves as a global anthem aimed at transforming our interactions with one another, encouraging us to smile again—smiling at ourselves, our families, our neighbors, and even strangers. Can you envision a world where everyone greeted one another with a smile? That was my vision while writing this song. We often remain unaware of the struggles others may be facing, yet many of us feel overwhelmed by the significant challenges in today’s world, leading us to keep our heads down and wish for improvement. I wanted to initiate a movement that wouldn’t overwhelm people but instead present simple yet powerful calls to action that could make a meaningful difference. Together with my family, I concluded that dedicating 15 seconds a day could be transformative. Just 15 seconds—not 15 days, hours, or minutes—15 seconds can alter your world.
Nearly everyone can spare 15 seconds daily. Simple, healing actions such as smiling, expressing gratitude, showing kindness, and reminding someone of your love all take less than 15 seconds
Much more than mere excitement.
Heavenly and spirit-filled.
Interestingly, there is a feeling that this initial four-track release is just a warm-up.
An impressive experience right from the beginning.
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Singer/songwriter Miist presents a poignant essay discussing the worldwide loneliness epidemic, the touching story that motivated her to create “Could You Lend Me a Smile,” and her goal to foster human connection through music, empathy, and 15 seconds of deliberate kindness, as part of Atwood Magazine’s Mental Health Awareness Month series!