I have a little Totoro figure on my desk, next to my laptop, which I catch glimpses of during the day as I work. He has his arms out as if he’s embracing life and whatever is in store for him today.

It always makes me smile when I notice him sitting with me on my desk – and it gives me a little boost of happiness and energy. The things in my space and around me have an impact on how I feel, so I try to be mindful of what I keep around me – and add some things that brighten up my day!

Having things around us that inspire and uplift us can make all the difference. Whether it’s in our workspace or more generally at home, what’s around us can influence our mood, motivation, and productivity. The things around us can drain our energy or help us feel more motivated; that’s why it’s important to be intentional about our environment and what we choose to keep around us.