Remember those mood rings from the 70s? They were big finger rings containing a thermochromic element or “mood stone” that would react to your body temperature and change color accordingly. In 1974, American jeweler Marvin Wernick read a magazine article about the use of liquid crystal elements in medical thermometers and created the very first mood ring. Wernick called the jewelry “magical” and his promotional materials claimed that the color of the ring was an indicator of the warmth of the wearer’s character. The market eventually got oversaturated and mood rings fell out of style.
I try to surround myself with like minded people. Commonalities are optimistic, positive people who want to experience life, look on the bright side, offer help and support, and spread joy. And I love the part about actively spreading joy specifically because it creates a bit of a ring around the central person– in this case me. So I consider it a ring of positivity– a good mood ring if you will. And my circle is always expanding.
I think it’s true that life is really what you make it. A happy person doesn’t have the best of everything, but she makes the best of everything even if mood swings are involved. And yeah, we know they are! It’s always ok to feel what you feel, but returning to a baseline of good feelings is ideal to maximize happiness.
So with a good mood, invariably comes good mood food. C’mon. You knew at some point calories might be involved, right? After all, it’s me! To me, good mood food is best shared with those that you love around a casual table celebrating nothing in particular.
It doesn’t have to be at a five star white tablecloth restaurant, but hey, I’m open. It could involve pulling up stools to a dive bar with great late night burgers and beer. Medium well with American cheese please! Or happening upon a stellar ramen place you were dying to duck into after an active Central Park walk with a pal. Yum! And yes, I think the mood certainly affects the food. Doesn’t birthday cake just taste better at a party? Or chicken wings at a Super Bowl celebration? I think so too.
So whatever mood you’re in today, think about expanding your inner circle with a little joy and watch your mood ring glow.
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