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 15 books about food and home design. She has been blogging about simplicity and sustainable living since 2006.
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What a magnificent idea!
When I was in fourth grade my teacher once sent a note about how great and helpful I’d been in class that day. It meant so much to me that I remember it 30+ years later. So it stands to reason that a file of notes like this would be a priceless treasure. Thanks for sharing this wonderful idea!
What an awesome idea. As a stay home mom of three boys I think that would really help me. I appreciate the idea. Thank you!