Around 2 o’clock this afternoon, after a day in the house doing laundry, sorting bills and writing, I stepped out on my back deck for a break. May is finally here. The April rain is gone. And I needed a fix for the vitamin D deficiency my doctor just told me I have. Take a supplement, he suggested. But being the outdoors girl I am, I asked if I could just spend some extra minutes in the sun. He said yes.
As I sat on the deck and turned my phone on, the rays of sun beaming down felt more like July than May. I tried to ignore it, but sweat beads soon started forming around the edges of my baseball cap. I don’t know where you live, but here in Georgia, it feels like summer is here – 90 degrees in fact. And that reminds me of all the fun stuff that is ahead.
My favorite happiness trigger is anticipation. If you want to boost your happiness in a major way this spring, start creating some things to look forward to this summer. Think about how you want to feel, then pinpoint the activities that will bring that feeling. Want more adventure in your life? Perhaps it’s time for a road trip with your girlfriends? Want to feel totally relaxed. Perhaps it’s time for a full vacation – not just a couple of days, but a week or (gasp!) two.
Ready to feel healthier and more energetic? Maybe it is a daily morning walk now that it won’t require a jacket and gloves. Want to satisfy your creative genius? Plan to take a class that interests you or embrace a fun hobby.
And if you want to multiply the effect of anticipation as a happiness trigger, invite others to join you in the planning. Whether your family or your friends, start talking to the people you want to spend more time with about the plans you want to make for this upcoming season. Remember, happiness doesn’t find you. You find it – by making intentional choices that lead you there.
My challenge to you:
Activate the happiness trigger of ANTICIPATION!
Journal about it:
What do you want to feel this summer? What would enable that feeling? Who do you want to do something fun with? Leave your comments below; I’d love to hear from you!
