The other night, I was sitting by a duck pond watching the sun set (I know… living in a small town can be quite idyllic). As I sat, a couple of ducks got curious and swam over to say hello. One of them, particularly brave, walked right up to about 2 feet in front of me and started cleaning herself! This was fascinating to me, as I had never paid much attention to how ducks operate. I've seen them swimming or waddling around, of course, but somehow I had never noticed-- they don't have any hands! They waddle around on their two feet and they use their wings to fly, but when it comes to cleaning, they do so using only their beaks! Whether warranted or not, I gained a newfound sense of admiration for these creatures. I saw them now as lacking arms and I wondered-- if I woke up as a duck tomorrow (yes, my mind works in unique ways), how would I ever manage to survive without my arms? Many people do, in fact, manage to survive-- exceedingly well, in fact-- without limbs (pro surfer Bethany Hamilton, for one) and with countless other physical challenges. |
And then I thought: why wait for these 'it could be worse' moments to wholeheartedly appreciate my life? I should be doing this ALL day, EVERY day! We all should! And then it hit me: people facing post traumatic stress experience trauma triggers. People battling addiction face relapse triggers. Why not create positive triggers-- what I'll call 'happiness triggers--' in our everyday lives?
The idea is simple. Strategically surround yourself with things that will make you happy. I'm talking in the smallest, simplest ways. For me, the color pink has always made me smile-- it seems like such a cheery, friendly color. So I have several pink picture frames on a shelf in my closet, so each morning as I'm getting dressed, I see them and smile. I have a beautiful, dreamy-looking piece of artwork framed outside my bathroom that reads "We are living our adventure," to remind me to love my life. I have a purple pen that I write with at work just because it makes me feel like I am bringing a bit of fun into what can sometimes be monotonous.
There are so many ways you can create a happiness trigger in your life. Stash a couple of your favorite music CDs in your car so you can sing along on your way to work or while running errands. Stick a photo of a pet, loved one or best friend on your desk or in your wallet so you feel love even when you're having a bad day. Do you have a favorite scent? Treat yourself to an air freshener or a candle in that scent so your whole living (or working) space brings you a little whiff of comfort.
Or, if you haven't tried it already, use a random act of kindness as a happiness trigger! When I'm feeling a little down or know I need a pick me up, I do something simple for someone else. Leaving a positive note out in public for someone to find, putting a quarter in someone's expired parking meter, or saying "good afternoon" and smiling at a stranger on the street. Spreading cheer can't help but give your mood a boost!
What do you say-- will you join me in creating happiness triggers in your life? As you walk through your day today, ask yourself: what small thing has the potential to make me happier right at this very moment? Make a note of it, and then place a happiness trigger so tomorrow at the same moment, you will be uplifted! I can't wait to hear all the simple ways we lift ourselves up simply by surrounding ourselves with things that make us smile!