Joy is a Choice

I recently learned that it takes 7 seconds for your mind to capture/remember a negative experience or emotion. It takes 14 seconds for a positive one to leave a lasting impression on the brain.

The next time you experience something positive, heart-warming, your soul crying out “yes!”, stay there for 14 seconds. Be present in the moment. Breathe slow. Look around you. Take a mental picture.

When you recall this positive memory it will release the same blissful chemical in your brain days, weeks, years later. That feeling can be conjured up again.

Joy is a choice. It is scientifically proven that negative emotions, memories, experiences are half as easy to remember than the positive ones. This season may we focus on the good. Write a gratitude list. Write a letter to someone you love. Drive a little slower. Linger a little longer. Soak in your soul’s yes. Let’s choose joy. The moment may only last a few minutes but can stay with you for a lifetime.