At Shelly’s talk last night at the library I learned that it is a good thing to wear rose colored glasses, and that people who do, are happier, and that there is data to prove it, thanks to practitioners of the relatively new field of positive psychology. Shelly said the experts have proven that 50% of the way we view the world (happy, sad, just fine thanks) is genetic. Some of us are born on the right side of the bed, 10 % is circumstance, and a whopping 40% can be learned by intentionally practicing a realistic form of optimism. To do this there are a few guidelines– be grateful (keep a blessings journal or write down daily gratitudes on scrap paper and drop it in a basket to read later) be present (quit checking the phone and texting. Pay attention to the moment and the task at hand), and enjoy the process more than the product. (All those training runs are what make the marathoner happy– the ribbon around her neck at the finish line only confirms that.) Oh, one more thing– Shelly said that studies have proven that people who smile even when they are feeling low, become happier simply by pretending to be, and they make other people happy as well– smiles beget smiles, you know? Kind of like yawns. Well, it’s a tad blustery and wet here– although I’m seeing some blue sky– so why not do yourself a favor (you’ll be happier for it) and provide a community service (hey, Haines is a nice town who cares about the weather?) and smile at a tourist to today?
(It may be cool and damp but just look at all those wild strawberry flowers– the berries can’t be far behind.)