I recently bought these iridescent orange running shoes. I just love them. The color is bold, bright, and downright audacious.

Every time I put them on I feel happy. How could you not?

Is it possible to understand and practice joy through a set of orange sneakers? For me, the answer is, “yes.”

Anything can serve as a clarion to gratitude. For me, these sneakers remind me that I have a choice in how to look at myself, other people, and the world around me. My mood can be orange or blue. What do I choose to focus upon?

I’m wearing them right now and have felt my mood improve. It’s much like smiling. If we smile, even if we don’t feel like smiling, it sends a signal to the brain. The brain can’t tell the difference at some level (at the deeper emotional levels) between the real and the fake smile (although a keen observer could tell the difference). We just feel better if we smile versus scowling.

Try it. Sit down, close your eyes, connect with your body and then lift the corners of your mouth. Feel any different? Studies have demonstrated this finding.

When we smile we also influence the people around us. They are more prone to smile and to feel good when we are smiling. And likewise, we are prone to smile when we are around people who are smiling.

I smile every time I see these kicks. Thanks Pearl Izumi for making such cool kicks and thanks to the Skirack for having them (and on sale too!).