The Jelly Bean Effect

I’ve talked a lot about the days that go poorly and drag me into the depths of sorrow and misery. What I haven’t talked a lot about is the days that are just good. Those days where a streak of unusually cooperative circumstances follow me around as if I took a swig of Felix Felicis potion.

The best way I can describe these days is the feeling you get when you grab a handful of jelly beans from an assorted bunch and get all your favorites without cherry picking! That feeling seems to last all day and makes all the small little distractions not so jarring.

For me, ironically, today is one of those days. You’d expect, if you are superstitious at least, that seeing as today is Friday the 13th it would be the opposite. Today should be Murphy’s holiday where all the chaos reigns down unabashed. Yet, Murphy is no where to be seen (knock on wood just in case!).

You see, historically Friday the 13th has always been a lucky day for me if you will. My mom instilled a sense of defiance when it came to luck. If it should be lucky, it’s unlucky and vice versa. She is the epitome of chaotic good when it comes to alignments and I love her for that. As such, I woke up assuming today would be awesome and it has been!

The best part is today hasn’t been perfect. My toddler still fought getting dressed, I still woke up slightly later than planned, and I still have to work. The difference is my attitude. I feel impervious to these usually draining events. I was even able to appreciate how cute my stubborn kiddo was while she fought me.

I can’t help but think that maybe just maybe because I expected to be lucky today, the energy I am putting out is coming back to me. I’ve decided to call this phenomenon the Jelly Bean Effect. In short, I’m coming to believe that because I assumed today would be a great day I am more resilient, patient, and optimistic!

If it is indeed true that life is 10% occurrences and 90% how we choose to react then I feel this must be the case. Seeing as I use that particular mantra 20 times a day, it only makes sense that I embrace the Jelly Bean Effect fully.

My biggest pondering is how to cause the Jelly Bean Effect intentionally. Today, it just seemed to happen on its own where everything felt easier to handle and in general better. I think that there must be a way to induce this level of positivity on a regular if not daily basis. A way to make the Jelly Bean Effect into a Jelly Bean Life.

I’m going to try a few things and see if they work this weekend and into next week! Let me know if you’d like to hear about the attempts!

Intentional gratitude. I tend to get stuck in negative thought patterns and overlook the silver linings if situations. I’m going to try harnessing gratitude to instill a sense of positivity and happiness even when I’m getting frustrated or downtrodden.

Assuming the best. When I woke up this morning I couldn’t help but think today is going to be a great day. Most mornings I think uuuuugh I do not want to get out of bed or go to work. I have a feeling this immediate negativity is keeping me from feeling fantastic. I’m going to start challenging myself every morning. When I inevitably think getting out of bed sucks I’ll instead say you know what, no. Today will be fantastic.

Sharing the awesome vibes. I’m a talkative person who loves sharing emotions to the point of probably over sharing. I usually indulge my closest friends with complaints about the weather, the line for coffee, or whatever else bugged me. I’m going to start purposefully not sharing those things. Instead, I’ll share what made me smile. What made me happy. What is good today.

I don’t expect every day to be Jelly Bean status yet but I’m hoping with some dedication and optimism I can at least make most days better!

Do you think the Jelly Bean Effect holds merit? How do you maintain positivity and a good attitude?? I’d love to hear about it!

Here’s to a bright and sugary Friday the 13th!!