Smile. I try hard some mornings. Especially when my hair is a little crazy because then, I just plain look silly staring at myself in the mirror with this overly exaggerated smile. I’ll have to capture one soon, but for now, here’s a funny photo of a forced smile at the zoo.

Quotes on My Mirrors. I have a favorite one taped to my bathroom mirror by Ray Bradbury. I have post-notes all over my desk, and I also have a really fantastic quote about Soul, Love, Hope, and Dreams on my glass patio door. Words are important to me and I love surrounding myself with them as reminders to stay strong and stay positive.

Music. It is a driving force for emotion. When I’m really feeling down, I love Jason Castro. He has a few great positive songs like “You Are” and “Over the Rainbow.” There’s nothing like a rainbow to cure my mood.

Exercise. I always do some of my best thinking when I’m on a machine at the gym. My dad says it’s because you’re pushing a huge amount of blood straight to the brain. I think it also has to do with flushing out the stress and the worry. I know. I’m weird. I like to sweat, too.

Chill. This one doesn’t work for me, not when I’m all worked up. I’m too wired in a moment to let go. I’m too visual and again, the one word I always use to describe myself is energy. It’s hard to channel it when it’s out of control. I’ve tried. I’ve tried to visualize all sorts of things; but, it could be that I still need a bit of practice on this one.

Sing! I turn up the music in my car and I sing so loud sometimes the windows shake. ;0) Never am I on key by the way, so this one doesn’t always work in the summer…or maybe…hehehe

Love. Hugs work. Being at the bottom of a giant dog pile in my household tends to push out the worry. All I have to do is lay down on the floor in the living room, and the rest takes care of itself. ;0)

Dance. I turn on some great tunes on the TV, pull up some music videos and the kids and I dance. Not only does it help me knock a few rungs of stress off my back, but it’s exercise for the kids and it diverts some of their wild energy. I highly recommend it.

Faith. Whatever yours may be could very well help put you in your happy mood. Mine is in God. Sometimes a really great prayer helps me find my peace. Here’s an example of one I sometimes say at night: “God, I know life could be so much worse, but I’m feeling a little heavy about this … Could you help me? Could you help me find the patience, the understanding, and to guide my thoughts so I can find the right words when I speak?” I feel comfort as I’m praying. And most of all, since I believe in the power of prayer, when I open my eyes, I feel happy and I know, I can do it. No matter what it is.