Inspiring you to train your ‘happy’ brain
Your brain is basically Instagram.
Whatever you give attention to, it runs off to tell all its neurone friends.
“Oh, she’s/he’s into this
Lets give her/him MORE.”
That’s called value tagging.
Meltdown over that teeny weeny puppy or pussycat vid. Congrats, here come 5 more. Swoon over that perfect coffee? The Universe is now a barista.
New Flash – our brains – all different.
Sit in a café with an arborist? They spot the trees.
With a vet? Every bird, dog and stray ant gets clocked.
With a nutritionist? They’re micro-inspecting the menu.
Same café. Same coffee. Totally different view.
The science bit (cause I’ll know you’ll ask):
It’s your reticular activating system (RAS) – your brain’s bouncer. It (alias you) decides what’s important – worth noticing. If you tag joy as important, it will let more joy through the door.
You’re training your brain to fetch joy like a golden retriever.
Here’s how to mess with it.
Spot the Joy
The green light just as you pull up.
Fresh socks – yes the pair – straight out of the dryer.
Someone saving you the last piece of cake – chocolate a must.
Tiny, random, ridiculous joys
When you notice any golden moment, say
“Yes, please. More of this.”
Anchor the Feeling
While you’re in the moment, press the tip of your thumb to the tip of your index finger. Or hand on your heart. Whatever feels good.
You’ve just set up a shortcut.
Next time you feel flat as a pancake?
Fire the anchor (repeat that move – with a side of attitude)
Boom – instant joy spike.
Bonus Points
Start thanking the crappy stuff.
“Thanks, flat tyre – now I get to meet the cute tow truck guy/girl.”
“Yay, burnt toast – excuse to eat pancakes instead.”
“Thank you, traffic jam – podcast marathon it is.”
It’s not Pollyanna. It’s a Jedi mind trick for your nervous system.
You’ve nailed the hack.
Rewiring your attention.
Reshaping your whole life.
Way to go!
Joy’s contagious. Spread it.
x Judy
