


It started with one building, and it began to spread throughout the city with many brightly colored facades. At that time, it was a run-down and crime ridden city until Edi Rama, the city's mayor, encouraged some painters to paint a nondescript building bright orange. One of my favorite stories in the book is about Tirana, Albania, during the fall of 2000. Most importantly, she reveals how we can harness the power of our surroundings to live fuller, healthier, and truly joyful lives. Drawing on insights from neuroscience and psychology, she explains why one setting makes us feel anxious or competitive while another fosters acceptance and delight. In Joyful, designer Ingrid Fetell Lee explores how the seemingly mundane spaces and objects we interact with every day have surprising and powerful effects on our mood. Have you ever wondered why we stop to watch the orange glow that arrives before sunset, or why we flock to see cherry blossoms bloom in spring? Is there a reason that people, regardless of gender, age, culture, or ethnicity, are mesmerized by baby animals and can't help but smile when they see a burst of confetti or a cluster of colorful balloons? "Bright color operates like a stimulant, a shot of caffeine for the eyes. Joyful: The Surprising Power of Ordinary Things to CreateĮxtraordinary Happiness – Ingrid Fetell Lee
