--:-- Mel Robbins: Hey, it's your friend Mel, and welcome to the Mel Robbins Podcast. I have a really weird question for you. Have you ever thought about portals? You know, like doors to a different world? Don't think I'm nuts, but I am reading this book right now. I'm so hooked. It's a fantasy novel. I literally cannot put it down. It's called *A Court of Thorns and Roses* by Sarah J. Moss, and it's just captivating. I mean, I'm transported to this other world called Prithian. It's like a realm of fairies. I'm so lost in the book. I'm listening to the dramatic read with all the sound effects. It's almost like having a movie in your ears. It's so cool.
--:-- And I was just talking about it this morning at our team meeting before we were going to brainstorm the episode we're taping for you right now. And it turns out the entire staff here at 143 Studios is reading this book. I'm not kidding. Who knew everybody was into fairies? And before you think this is an ad, this is not an ad. This is just your crazy friend Mel sharing her latest obsession. It's trending on TikTok, this book. It's flying off the shelves everywhere. And I know why. It's magical. And it got me thinking about something. What if there was a whole other world you could tap into, kind of like a portal to the fairy world that you could pass through, only in this world, you would be happier? What if I told you it's possible to tap into this other happier world, and all you need to open that portal is a pen and a piece of paper?
--:-- Oh my gosh, I was so caught up talking to you about this book that I didn't even introduce myself. So let's back up a little bit and step into the here and now. It's Mel. I'm so glad you're here, whether you're listening for yourself or because somebody you love shared this episode with you. Welcome to the Mel Robbins Podcast family. And thank you for making this podcast one of the most popular in the world. It's an honor to spend this time with you. And I want to acknowledge you for something before we jump into today's topic. You could be listening to a million things right now. You could be listening to this juicy fantasy audiobook I'm addicted to, but you chose to listen to something that can help you create a better life instead of trying to escape yours by disappearing into a world of fairies. And that brings me back to this idea of two worlds. Just imagine there are two different worlds: the one you're living in right now and the world I want you to tap into. What you're going to learn today is that there's a portal to a happier you, and I know how to open that portal. I have an exercise that will give you the clues to be happier, not a year from now, but happier day to day. This exercise has helped thousands of people and me over and over again to pass through that portal and bring back clues to be a happier me here.
--:-- You're thinking, "Mel Robbins has lost her mind," but keep listening. If you think about it, when you're reading a fantasy novel like Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings, the main character can pass between worlds. They learn something they need to bring back. That's what we're going to do today. If you're questioning what I'm saying, that means you're listening with intent. We're not doing woo-woo stuff. This is based on science and your own life experience. If you're thinking, "I'd like to be happier," let's pass through the portal and find some clues. Share this episode with the people you love. It could change their life.
--:-- So let's talk about this exercise. I've been doing it for years. It was my secret magic trick. One day in 2020, my husband and I were in the kitchen with our daughter Sawyer. She walked in with swollen, red eyes. She'd been crying all day. She was stuck, lost, miserable. She'd graduated college during COVID, her service trip to Cambodia was canceled, she was stuck at home, drinking, sedentary, hating her life. She said, "I don't know what to do." I said, "Take out a piece of paper, draw a line down the center. On the left, write 'Happy Me.' Close your eyes and imagine a world where you were happy. Describe a week of your life then. On the right, describe your world now. Compare them." She remembered being happy in high school: waking up at 6:30, being with friends, playing lacrosse, having a great relationship. Now she sleeps till noon, drinks, doesn't exercise, spends time on social media. The clues were clear. She knew how to be happy; she just needed to bring those things back.
--:-- This exercise works because you already know how to be happy. You just need to remember. If you can't find a happy memory, that's okay. Even pain teaches you what not to do. The little things matter. Happiness is built on small, daily things. Let's do this exercise. Imagine a piece of paper, draw a line, write "Happy Me." Close your eyes, travel back to when you were happier. What did your days look like? What clues can you bring back? Share what you find. Tag me so I can repost. You have the power to change your life. I love you, and I believe in you. Go do it.
--:-- [Disclaimer]
This podcast is presented for educational and entertainment purposes. I'm not a licensed therapist. This podcast is not a substitute for professional advice.
--:-- I'll talk to you in a few days.
