On any given day, how many people do you come across? Really think about it! The barista at your favorite coffee shop, the gas station clerk, your waitress at Waffle House, the people you work with…not to mention your family. Every individual is an opportunity for you to appreciate someone the way you’d want to be appreciated. It’s as small as a compliment, but it’s as big as being the one thing to make someone’s day. Then, watch how their responses (verbal or physical) can positively affect your day; It’s truly science!

When you are selfless and intentionally focus on others, you invoke an involuntary release of oxytocin in a perfect stranger. Oxytocin is one of the four natural “happiness chemicals” our bodies produce. Oxytocin is what allows you to feel an emotional connection and gives you that “warm feeling”. You intentionally make this happen in another individual. Due to their reaction, you also get one of those “happiness chemicals” released for yourself. You release your own Serotonin; this is the chemical that gives you a rush and makes you feel AWESOME…it’s a great kick start to any day. For me, knowing that I can feel awesome when I make others feel amazing, is better than any prescription drug for depression. I just have to intentionally get outside of myself…and it still comes back to me!