Elevating our moods
Oh the mood of Venice, there’s nothing like it. Beautiful villas, the soft sounds of the canals, the gentle way the light illuminates the city.
Let’s bring it home a little.
What about the mood of Spring.
The mood of a birthday party.
The people you live with have moods.
Just look at the photograph of this beautiful city. And yes, its really hard to not take a good photo in Venice. Every corner is an altar, the old walls looks like piece of art, a sunset hits different in a city that’s built for beauty.
Mood affects everything. From the mood of our homes, to our own personal moods, to the mood of the day. There’s a reason that people feel good when the sun is out. Can you feel that? I wont be getting into the science of this, you can go down that rabbit hole if you like, but its stands on its own feet. Our environment affects our mood.
But how can we affect our mood, if our environment is not 100% what we dream?
Lets work this from the inside out.
Let’s lead with this perfect spark; what puts you in a good mood? Is it a song (any song by the Queen Olivia Dean), your favourite food, what about that one amazing dress, a cute pair of heels. Does sitting at your desk and doodling, dusting off your sewing machine, Marie Kondo’ing your skincare?
You actually know, as you are you, what puts you in a good mood.
I remember listening to a podcast by Cody Cook-Parrot and they suggested just putting watercolours by the TV. It can be as simple and fun as that.
We want to make creating our mood a daily act of devotion.
An offering of devotion to ourselves.
Honestly if there’s one thing that elevates my mood, its photographs! I love sitting with them, looking through my collection, remembering moments (often local), filing them by theme (often doorways, dresses, signs, holiday spots), printing them on our home printer, or if I really love them ordering prints. As I’ve aged I’ve worked out how to reverse engineer myself out of a bad mood, or a rabbit hole of worry, into a better space. Its taken 5 decades of living, but my process is pretty refined now.
I have also known, probably like you; heartache, anxiety, worry loops, intensely stressful situations. The cup isnt always full, but I reach for simple things when the steaks are high and it always helps.
My go-to’s are:
a cup of Rooibos Tea
any song by Olivia Dean
any British Detective Show
Jasmine; perfume oil, essential oil (a few drops in the bath), or tea
reading something motivational
going for a walk, solo (or with my doggies).
There are things in life we simply cant control, but we can gain some sense of order and mood by knowing & offering ourselves a change.
What works for you?
Can you have those tools by the ready? Tea bags topped up, walking shoes by the front door, oil in the diffuser.
🌼
