The $4 Happiness Hack Everyone Needs
- Barbara Stratte
- Apr 2, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 11, 2025
Some mornings, you do everything right. You wake up early, move your body, take a deep breath, and set your intentions. You check all the boxes for a great start to the day.
And then, life happens.
For me, it was my mom’s cat. Seventeen years old, eight pounds, and somehow capable of turning my kitchen into a disaster zone before I even finished my coffee. The kind of mess that makes you stop and think, how is this even possible?
Just like that, my morning energy was gone. I could feel the frustration creeping in. The spiral started—Why? Why now? Why this? This is too much.
But in the middle of it all, my eyes landed on something small but powerful—the fresh flowers I bought for myself the day before.
I paused. Took them in. The colors. The beauty. The reminder that no matter how chaotic things feel, there is always something good to focus on.
I sipped my coffee. I breathed. I let that tiny piece of joy do its job.
A Simple Yet Powerful Shift
When you’re caring for an aging parent, the days are full of unpredictability. One moment, things are peaceful, and the next, you're handling an emergency, a mess, or an unexpected emotional weight. It’s easy to feel drained, like you’re constantly giving without much left for yourself.
That’s why I started buying fresh flowers every week—for myself and for my mom.
It might sound simple, but here’s what I’ve learned: small moments of joy add up.
Harvard research has shown that fresh flowers can decrease anxiety, boost mood, and create a lasting sense of well-being. But beyond the science, I see it firsthand—when I walk into the kitchen and see them, when my mom’s face lights up at the sight of a new bouquet, when we both pause for just a moment to appreciate something beautiful.
Bringing Joy to Those We Care For
Caregiving often means thinking about someone else’s needs before your own. But what if something as small as a $4 bouquet could bring both of you joy?
Every week, I bring my mom fresh flowers. She lights up when she sees them. She comments on the colors, arranges them just so, and enjoys their beauty all week long. It’s a simple gesture, but it shifts the energy. It makes the day feel just a little brighter.
It’s a reminder that no matter what else is happening, there is still space for beauty. There is still room for joy.
An Invitation for You
If you’re in the thick of caring for an aging parent, I see you. It’s hard. It’s exhausting. Some days feel like too much.
But small joys matter. And sometimes, one small act—like picking up a bouquet of fresh flowers—can be a quiet, beautiful rebellion against the overwhelm.
So this week, I invite you to do two things:
🌸 Buy yourself the flowers. You don’t need a special occasion. You don’t need permission. You deserve beauty in your space, just because.
🌸 Get some for your parent, too. Even if they don’t say much, even if they don’t seem to notice, trust me—it makes a difference.
A $4 bouquet won’t solve everything, but it will create a moment of joy. And in the middle of everything else, that moment matters.
If you want a clear, step-by-step guide to help you through every stage of this journey, get my eBook: When Roles Reverse: A Roadmap for Caring for Aging Parents.
This eBook is packed with time-saving, practical advice that will help you:
Know when and how to step in
Have the hard conversations without tension or guilt
Make a plan that respects their independence and ensures their care
Avoid the stress of last-minute decisions
Get your copy here: When Roles Reverse
You are AWESOME
You are APPRECITAED
You are NEEDED
Big hugs,
Barbara
I hope you find this helpful, and please know you don’t have to figure this out alone. If you ever need support, I’m always here to help. The fastest way to reach me is on Instagram @BarbaraStratte, where I share daily tips and guidance.
When the roles reverse, having a plan makes all the difference.
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