I’m Amazed By The Huge Effects of These Small Things On My Mental Health
The smallest items can have surprisingly large impacts on our moods
This stuffed pink octopus is one of the small things that make a big difference in my life. It lives on my nightstand and smiles at me every evening as I get in bed. I can’t help but smile back. Even my worst days end on a happy note.
And if my husband Steve goes to bed before I do, he moves the octopus to my pillow. That playful gesture gives me another reason to smile.
People who say you can’t buy happiness must not own smiling pink octopuses. I purchased mine for $5.99.
Do you own a small item that brings you great joy? If not, is there one you could buy or make?
Another small thing that has a large effect on my mood is the stickers I put on my laptop. These encouraging words motivate me to persevere when I’m tempted to give up. They help me believe that at some point I will be financially successful as a writer and mental health peer guide. They remind me to celebrate the progress I’ve already made and enjoy life now.
Last but not least is my favorite animal, the sea turtle. I lived on Maui for ten years and often saw turtles when I snorkeled. As a Hawaii Wildlife Fund volunteer, I got to watch a turtle dig a nest and lay her eggs. I also saw hatchlings emerge and crawl from the sand to the sea. A state wildlife official let me hold one of them in the palm of my hand.
So sea turtles will always have a special place in my heart. And I see them even more often now. They are artistic images instead of live animals, but I’m still happier because I get to admire their beauty every day.
The sea turtle on this shower curtain is one of many in our home.
We have a bathroom floor mat and comforter on our bed that match the curtain. There’s a framed poster of an underwater scene that includes a sea turtle. When I traveled to Mexico, I came home with a metal sculpture of one.
Among the many other sea turtles, these two are my favorites. The one on the left is the art print on our bedroom wall. It’s one of the first things I see when I wake up. I love to start each day with an inspirational message that I can get through hard times and reach a new and better place.
The one on the right is the ankle tattoo I got when we lived on Maui. It’s a permanent and powerful daily reminder to savor happy memories and create new ones.
Small things can make a big difference. I hope you have small things in your life that give you as much joy as these give me.
P.S. To see my underwater photos of sea turtles and other awesome marine animals, go here.
I agree! I like your octopus with such a cheerful expression. I have a Polar Bear - stuffed animal that my husband purchased for me in Anchorage, my home town from junior high and high school years. I "hug" my bear to relieve sadness, or anxiety. I have learned to do deep breathing exercises during hugging my bear. I usually feel better afterwards. I am going to journal more often after hugging my bear, because sometimes I can forget these vulnerable moments. Hugging my bear does lead me to call up friends, my boyfriend, or my sisters if I need to process feelings more. I have been a widow for nine years. My therapist has been excellent in reinforcing listening to my feelings , whether I am feeling sad or happy.