I got a disdainful look this morning that kept me thinking all day. I was walking down the street, carrying a gorgeous little plant full of flowers, when I crossed paths with an unknown woman. I was having a tiny moment of joy just looking at my newly bought little beauty, oblivious to her gaze and probably smiling.

As she approached, something made me look directly at her. She looked upset and tired, carrying two bulky trash bags, and that’s when I got the glare. I immediately recognized it. I’ve been there, my dear unknown lady — hating people just because they breathe or exist. Any reason would do for me to hate other human beings.

Later, at home, I thought: life is sometimes really hard, and even in times when it in truth isn’t, we go in search of happiness — shots of dopamine that help us overcome whatever comes. But how do we get those rushes? I’d get a good one if I won the lottery, but that’s totally out of my control, so it's better to look for something affordable, healthy, and not too abstract. In my case, that’s creativity. Whenever I’m able to create something nice and useful at the same time, my dopamine skyrockets every time I look at it — even if I suffer in the process, because I know what will come next if I’m lucky. It doesn't happen often, but it's definitely worth trying. That's how we survive, by winning little victories.

🎧