I am a very upbeat and positive person.
But I too have days when its a struggle to pull myself out of my blue mood and back into the light. I don’t know if this is universal, but I’ve had lots of people tell me they can relate to that feeling over the years. I seem to have had a bumper crop of things come up in life lately that felt less than stellar. During these hectic times, I know I need to take baby steps forward in any positive, healthy direction and work in ways to help ease the blues in little ways.
So, why does it sometimes feel hard to choose “JOY” when I’m in a crummy mood? Possibly because I am trying to shake my funk by myself. We all need friendship, companionship and a shoulder to lean on occasionally. I have found that, by reaching out to a friend or confiding in my husband, I am more likely to bounce back quicker and see the world in a better light.
Even reaching out to one friend is easier and feeling 25% better than struggling (usually unsuccessfully) to get 100% better on my own. A slight improvement is still an improvement. And if one friend makes you feel better, imagine what two or three could do to chase away the blues!
Making it a Party
Last year, I went downtown to see the Happy Place that Jared Paul created. The premise behind this initiative was to use a wide variety of artists, creators, influencers and brands to raise help visitors to raise their Joy Quotient. Jared’s HAPPY PLACE welcomed people of all ages; “if you’re old enough to smile, you belong inside.” I completely support and encourage this sort of interaction because I have witnessed first-hand how effective it can be to use physical, audio and virtual elements to heighten moods and perspectives. I’ve been creating Happiness Rooms and JOYFESTIVALS (link to kits,) but this was new and fun and got us to experience a different take on things.
The beauty of my Happiness Room and JOYFESTIVAL tutorials and kits is that they can be customized for YOU and your friends, family, schedule and living situation.
When You Need Just a Little Nudge
If you are in a solitary mood and would like to try to chase your funky and worries away on your own, start with low hanging fruit; what you love or used to love when you were a kid and haven’t had a chance to do recently (as long it’s healthy and great for you!) 😊
Example: I was feeling a little frustrated and stifled this week so I went to the ocean, saw some dolphins, and read a good book. For you, it could be sipping some tea or putting on some joyful music.
The point is that the hardest step is the first one. Once you’ve done that, move towards “the good.” The next steps will follow and build on that.
If all else fails…phone a friend. 🙂
Helping people make joyfestivals in their own spaces helps me get outside of my funk too. And even if there are bumps along the way of planning, you’re planning for something good.
It’s a great way to collaborate on ideas for fun and happiness and helps you to feel connected to others.
