Do You Have a Happy File?

Years ago, I was having one of those days at work. Perhaps you know the kind, where you wonder if you shouldn’t have chosen a career in, say, raising dachshunds. It was a period of time when I couldn’t seem to get any traction with my projects, and everything seemed doomed to fail — have you ever felt like that? On a whim during that grim afternoon, I decided to create a file folder in my office that would someday, eventually, hold good things.

I took out my yellow highlighter, drew a big smiley face on the folder, and made a label that reads, “HAPPY!” Over the years, whenever I received a note of praise or encouragement, I tucked it in the file. The result is an astonishing collection of heartfelt thank you notes, letters from happy clients, sweet cards from friends — and wonderful e-mails from some of you.

My Happy File is nearly overflowing since I first created it.

If I’m feeling discouraged, or if I find myself aimlessly Googling “breeding dachshunds,” all I have to do is take a look at the contents of my Happy File and I instantly feel uplifted.

How About You?

Do you have a Happy File? Perhaps you’d like to try this idea. If you prefer, you could create a Happy File on your computer or mobile device and scan or photograph the good stuff that comes your way.

Over time as you watch for positive messages, I predict you’ll see how often you are making a difference. Sometimes we just have to remind ourselves that people notice and appreciate the good things we do.

And if we fail, I hear that dachshund puppies are in high demand.

Hugs,

About Eliza Cross

Eliza Cross is a full-time writer and the author of a dozen books about food and home design. She has been blogging about simplicity and sustainable living since 2006.

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