Every Little Thing by April Jeppson

Last week I wrote about the six best doctors: sun, water, rest, air, exercise and diet. Upon reflection, I would like to add a few to the list. I’m a very sensitive extrovert with a creative nature, so what I need may not be what you need – but maybe they are.

When I described myself in the previous paragraph, I only used seven words. Two of these words were very sensitive. I have known all my life that I am sensitive and that my feelings hurt me quite easily. However, what I am talking about is another kind of sensitivity.

When I first moved into our home, the walls in the family room were a pleasant beige with hardwood floors. We were given a brown leather sofa and my mother had bought us neutral beige curtains. I needed a rug for the space and found a really cool one for a reasonable price. I wasn’t tickled by the color (it was brown), but I loved how soft it was under my feet.

Six months into this setup, I found myself not enjoying my time in this space. It took a while to realize that the colors in the room were literally depressing me.

I started looking at rugs online and was drawn to a certain style. I loved the bright flowers that almost looked like they had been painted in watercolor. In fact, looking at this rug made me happy. I bought it and almost immediately enjoyed the space more. I got lighter curtains and eventually painted the lower half of the walls a gorgeous raspberry hue. It is now my favorite room in my house.

Since then, I have been very aware of my surroundings. It’s not just the color of the room. This is the background music and the volume at which it is set. It’s the conversations people have and the tone of their voice. Smells, textures – it all touches me. Since I can’t control how other people decorate, their style of music, or even the things they talk about, I try my best to control what I can.

Music is a huge mood changer for me. Upon closer inspection, I’m actually surprised that he wasn’t on the original list of doctors. If I have a day off or need a pick-me-up, music is the first thing I go to. I have multiple playlists on my phone for different moods I’m in or trying to get into. Happy, energetic, party, get ready, sing loud, shower songs. Sometimes I need to listen to a cheesy 90s pop song to reverse my frown. Other times I need to sing as loud as I can without worrying that someone will laugh at me.

Another element that helps is having a creative outlet. Sometimes that means I actually have to draw or paint something. Other times I have to keep a diary. Having this weekly column is actually really therapeutic for me. It forces me to regularly use my creative energy and sometimes that’s exactly what I need. I found something as simple as rearranging the furniture or polishing my fingernails.

Finally, time with friends and loved ones. I have individuals in my life who fill my cup. When I feel exhausted, these relationships always help me replenish my soul. It may be a phone call or lunch, but the result is the same. I feel better.

Albert Lean April Jeppson is a wife, mother, coach and dream maker. His column appears every Saturday.