Fire up those endorphins

Cynthia Markert painting, available as a card.

Can the future of civilization be served by a large and artificial red flower? I hear you ask.

Signs point to yes.

We underestimate at our peril the spirit boost delivered by what makes us happy.  What if endorphins actually rule the world?  The Free Dictionary says, " Endorphins reduce the sensation of pain."   Among the endorphin-producing activities suggested in medical overviews of the hormone is laughter.  As one particularly susceptible to visual stimuli, I tend to laugh when I see something that makes me happy.

A few weeks ago, having discovered a brand new bright red cardigan at the bottom of a, um, ahem, pile of clean clothes, my mind began collecting various wardrobe bits with the intention of putting together a few outfits, should any visitors stop by.  I saw a black linen shirt with something of goodly size at the neck, a red bakelite heart pin, which I own, or a red vintage millinery rose, which I do not.  Today in a Box of Surprises from my sister, THE ROSE, as well as another, even larger, in pink and a spray of gardenias arrived.  We are expected to become more eccentric as we age, aren't we?  Whew, I hope so.

Imagining various linen shirts over contrasting tanks and tees as showcases for timeless accessories makes me happy.  Just the thought adds color to my cheeks, light to my eyes, endorphins to my brain.  If more of us were so pleasantly, so easily besotted, what might result?

Addendum:  the Huffington Post offered this tip for heightened oxytocin levels:
 
"When someone receives a gift, their oxytocin levels can rise. You can strengthen work and personal relationships through a simple birthday or anniversary gift."  Sometimes the solution is easy.