When you’re in a bad mood, it’s hard to remember the things that make you happy. That’s one of the pernicious effects of negative emotions – they cloud your memory of the positive ones. But most of us have at least several things that would put us in a better mood almost instantly, if only we remembered to employ them.
So mark them! When something makes you very happy, note it in some way other than just relying on your memory. Make a list, or send a thank-you note, or srcawl it on your wall. Keep little reminder trinkets. Whatever it takes to keep a “happiness list” handy for the rough moments.
When you’re in that mood, don’t fight on its behalf. Don’t sulk and say, “Well I don’t want to call my best friend or listen to my favorite song, because I’m in a bad mood.” That’s the mood taking you over! But you are not your negative emotions. You have free will, and you can choose to dip into that happiness well any time.
The Opportunity Machine 