I don’t know about you, but 2020 has been an emotional rollercoaster for me. In my most recent rollercoaster, I went from the “high” of enjoying spending time with family on July 4th, and then came barreling down to a “low” with the cumulative effect of not being able to hug my loved ones, worrying about their health and safety, and being frustrated with the current political climate.

So how do I manage this rollercoaster ride? One of the tools I use is “joy triggers.” When I’m feeling low, I lift myself up by looking for the simple things in life that trigger joy in me. And I mean really simple, basic stuff. I get up and go outside to physically change my perspective. I look in the sky and laugh at a cloud that looks like a rabbit wearing a cowboy hat riding a tricycle. I listen to my neighbor’s toddler giggling while her dad chases her. I smell the fragrance of fresh-cut grass. I feel the gentle breeze blowing my hair and the warmth of the sun on my face. No matter what is going on in the world, these simple pleasures bring me joy and help me reset to a more optimistic perspective.

My challenge to you this week, spend 5-minutes every day to stop and look for your joy triggers!