The Power of a Smile: Lessons from Christie Brinkley

Imagine growing up with a mom like Christie Brinkley. Sounds like the dream, right? Well, her daughter, Sailor Brinkley Cook, has shown us that it’s not just about having a famous mom—it’s about the lessons she passes down. At just 21 years old, Sailor recently opened up about the most valuable advice her mom ever gave her: the power of a smile to boost confidence. It’s one of those simple but profound life hacks that can change the way you approach the world.

In an exclusive chat with Closer Weekly, Sailor shared this nugget of wisdom while attending American Eagle’s Skate the Yard Fall ’19 Preview Event in New York City on July 15. “She’s mostly just told me to smile—that’s like her No. 1 advice, especially for confidence,” Sailor said. “To, you know, ‘smile and you’ll feel it.’ I honestly believe that too.” It’s more than just a smile—it’s about the way it can shift your mindset and how others perceive you.

From Skeptic to Believer: How Smiling Works Its Magic

When Sailor was younger, she wasn’t exactly buying into the whole "smiling makes you happy" thing. “No, that’s so stupid! Smiling doesn’t make you happy,” she recalled thinking. But as she grew older, her perspective shifted. “If you just put a smile on your face and put your best foot forward, it’s easier,” she explained. “It’s easier to get through all the tough stuff.” It’s not just about faking it till you make it—it’s about creating a positive feedback loop. Smiling can genuinely change the way you feel, and that’s something we can all benefit from.

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Christie Brinkley: More Than Just a Supermodel

At 65, Christie Brinkley isn’t just a legendary supermodel; she’s also a role model for her three children. Alongside Sailor, she’s raised Alexa Ray Joel, 33, with ex-husband Billy Joel, and Jack Brinkley-Cook, 24, with ex-husband Richard Taubman. Sailor’s dad is Peter Halsey Cook, whom Christie has been married to since 1996. It’s clear that Christie’s influence extends far beyond the runway—she’s instilling timeless values in her kids that will serve them well in life.

Sailor had her first big adventure in the first minute of her life! As the Doctor handed her to me for her first hug… the bottom half of the table we were on broke… turning our bed into a slide!!!! I held tight to my baby girl as we slid off right onto the Doctor! Talk about comedic timing and a memorable first entrance! That’s my @sailorbrinkleycook 💕
A post shared by Christie Brinkley (@christiebrinkley) on Jul 3, 2019 at 6:53pm PDT

A Mother's Love: Celebrating Sailor's Milestone

With Sailor recently turning 21, Christie didn’t miss the chance to celebrate her youngest child with a heartfelt poem. “21 years around the sun you’ve learned a thing or two. It started with little you, wanting to do everything your brother and sister could do!” Christie wrote on Instagram. It’s a beautiful reminder of how far Sailor has come and the impact she’s had on the world. “Yes, in 21 years you have learned a thing or two,” Christie concluded. “Especially how to make the world a better place just by being you! Sail on, Sail on, Sailor! I love you soooooo much!”

We couldn’t agree more. This mother-daughter duo is truly something special, and their bond is inspiring. Thanks for sharing your wisdom, Sailor, and for being such an incredible role model, Christie!