I have a message that I use as my screensaver on my PC and as my welcome message every time i turn my mobile phone on: Smile! Each day is a blessing!

Somehow, that short message jump starts my day more than a boost of strong espresso! LOL. You see, it’s very easy to get down, feel sad or even downright depressed about something or someone. And when push comes to shove, you need to be able to rely on a few staples to ensure that you give yourself that must-needed ‘happy boost’.

Here’s a short list of some of my personal, ‘happy-boosting’ things (not in any particular order).

A four-leaf clover.

I don’t know why but I’ve always been dazzled by four-leaf clovers. Since they are rare to find, I guess it really means great luck to me. I have since then placed a picture of a gold four-leaf clover in front of me whenever I work.

A picture of me and my partner.

I’m not talking about a wedding picture or a studio pose. I have a picture of us that’s completely candid and captures one of the happiest days of our lives. Every time I look at it, I can’t help but smile.

A fortune cookie message.

“There is a strong prospect for thrilling times ahead.” This is the first fortune cookie message I ever had the pleasure of reading. I kept it and have it in my wallet. Now, many years later, I look at that message and I DO NOT wait for those thrilling times promised. I look at it and am filled with tremendous awe at just how many thrilling times have come my way already… and at the prospect of others still to come.

My ‘relaxing place’.

At the corner of our attic is a single lounge chair in sky blue. Beside it is a white coffee table, with nothing on top of it but a vibrantly green plant. The chair and table are position under a skylight. This spot is what I call ‘my relaxing place’. Everyday, I try to spend at least 10 minutes on that chair, just being quite and thinking of all the POSITIVE things that are in my life at that moment.

These are just some of the things that give me a boost whenever things don’t seem to go the way I want them to go. Maybe some of these will work for you too. If not, don’t you think it’s time to make your own ‘happy boosting list’?