Dopamine Decor - It is right inside you!

We all want to shine, to be noticed to be loved.  We want some sort of hint that in fact we are in some way special.  We look for confirmation, validation.  Many times we look for these things in the wrong places.  We try many things, make many mistakes.  

We give social media way too much importance.  Those likes, oh man o man those likes - they can mean everything to us.  But are they really so important.  Should we give them so much space in our brain, so much weight in our lives.  

We often look for love in all the wrong places.  We allow the need for approval to hold too much importance in our life.  We post, we comment, we share, but do we get the results we want?  Do we feel satisfied?  Do we feel joy?  Happiness? Peace?  Do we feel closer to others as a result? Even though sometimes we can get lucky and make a connection online with a complete stranger, the odds are not in our favor when it comes to making true friends on social media.

It is true that family can disappoint.  Yes family members can hurt us more than any stranger can.  And yes, sometimes friends can: betray, disappoint and/or disappear.   But even so, in my opinion, the secret to life is in our immediate circle.  The secret to joy, to being loved is close to us: in real life.  It is in our families, in the people close to us.  

My advise?  Get out there and put effort in real life, really getting to know people.  Spend time in person, have real conversations, look into peoples eyes, enjoy their company, feel their smiles, hear their laughter.  Nothing beats real.  Real and in person relationships are priceless.

Is it hard?  Sure it is.  So many times we need to give the benefit of the doubt, so many times we need to overlook and forgive.  Other times we ned to say good bye and move on.  But let me tell you this, the effort is always worth it.

Today this is the challenge I give you:  get out of your home and go meet some real people.  Ask an old friend to go for coffee, or take the time to meet someone new, there are still many great people out there.  Put time in relationships within your family.  Make a phone call, or a video call, bake a cake and go visit a family member you haven't seen in a while.  

Most of all don't sweat the small things, and always give the benefit of the doubt.  Perhaps somebody was not so pleasant, not because they don't like us, but because they were having a bad day.  Maybe they hurt us, lied or betrayed us - not because they are a terrible person but because the temptation at the moment was too big.  

Today don't take things so seriously, forgive , forget and move on.  It will be worth it!  

Best dopamine? It is inside you.  It is reaching out, it is making time for people in your life , in person.  It is  forgiveness. 

Best dopamine?  It is Love.