Smile Because it Happened

“Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.” – Dr. Seuss

We recently returned from a fabulous summer vacation. We visited beautiful places and spent quality time with friends and family who live far away. It was about as close to perfect as it gets. But now we are home and I am completely overwhelmed by a filthy house, loads of dirty clothes, and a list longer than my arm of back-to-school to-dos. Ugh!

It is so easy to fall into the post-vacation blues. But I’m not going to let that happen. One of the reasons spending money on experiences makes us happier than spending money on things is that we not only enjoy the experience, but we get a boost of positive emotions while anticipating the experience and we also enjoy positive emotions as we remember the experience. So I am making a conscious effort not to let the stresses I have returned to cause me to forget about the wonderful time I just had.

I am following Dr. Seuss’s suggestion to smile because it happened, rather than cry because it is over. Savoring happy memories is a great way to stay positive. So last night at the dinner table I asked the kids what their favorite part of our vacation was. We had a fun conversation remembering little details and special moments. Right now I’m drinking coffee out of a mug from the beach where we stayed that my grandmother gave me. Each time I pick it up it makes me smile. And I am making time between orthodontist appointments, haircuts, paying bills, and back-to-school shopping to download the pictures I took. I will pick out my favorites and put them in a digital album to send to my family so they can also savor the happy memories.

It can be hard to return to reality after being away on vacation. But you can avoid the post-vacation blues. Don’t feel sorry for yourself that the good times are over. Feel blessed for having had the experience and savor the memories.