Tiny Wins, Tiny Cheers: Celebrate Yourself Every Day

How to Stay Positive: Appreciate the Little Things (and Maybe Even Compliment Yourself!)

by Monstera via Pexels

#Gratitude #SelfCompliment #FindHappiness #ThankYou #YouDidGreat

Hello everyone! Good morning, good afternoon, good evening! I am MMPP.key-_-bou.

I realized that while I often say, “Let’s stay positive!”, I haven’t really shared concrete ways to actually become more positive.

Honestly… most of the time, I just enjoy a drink and go, “Yum!”
But if you frame it as a reward for yourself—like dangling a carrot in front of a horse—it can actually have a small positive effect.

Of course, drinking too much can lead to negative outcomes, but if you enjoy it responsibly, it’s perfectly fine. And hey, sometimes it’s okay to let loose and have fun!
(Just make sure the people around you are aware and okay with it. Usually, they’ll let it slide at least once… probably… maybe…)

Anyway, let’s put alcohol aside for now.

The Main Point: Appreciate Small Things and Compliment Yourself!

Negative thoughts usually stem from negative emotions. So how can we cultivate positivity?

Gratitude and compliments are simple yet powerful tools—they create positive feelings.

Even ordinary things can be opportunities to say “thank you” or “well done!”

• When you wake up: “Thanks for another day of life! Good job getting up this morning!”
• If someone made breakfast for you: “Thank you! This is delicious!”
• If you finish your meal: “Great job finishing your food!”
• If you don’t finish everything: “Good job listening to your body and making the right choice for yourself!”

These small gestures not only make you feel good but also give you a sense of accomplishment. And don’t forget—you can do this for others as well.

Small actions add up. They’re easy ways to boost your mood and find joy in everyday life.

Of course, you don’t have to force gratitude or over-pamper yourself. Start with a comfortable level that works for you.

Gratitude can increase self-satisfaction and happiness, and it also helps you notice little moments of joy.

The beauty is, you’re in control. You decide whether to show gratitude or give compliments. And that choice itself can be empowering.

You may notice that people who constantly complain can bring the mood down, while those who naturally express gratitude and positivity can lift everyone around them. Maybe words really do have power after all.

Even if you tend to overthink or focus on negatives, try complimenting yourself for being thoughtful. Perfectionists might enjoy experimenting with these small steps and seeing how they accumulate into a bigger change.

No special skills or tools are needed. Anyone can start anytime.

The rule is simple: Appreciate even the smallest things, and if you can, give yourself a compliment!

A Bonus Tip: Pair Gratitude with a Small Gift

If you want to express your gratitude more concretely, giving a small token can make your appreciation even more effective. Here are a few examples:

• Soap Flower Gift Box – Perfect for birthdays, Father’s/Mother’s Day, or just because
• Kakitane Assorted Snacks – Great for sharing and gifting
• NEKO-SAN Cookies – Cute cat-shaped cookies with a postcard
• Mini Fruit Tea Sets – Fun and tasty for tea lovers
• Special Drinks like Kanpachi Shochu or Louis Roederer Sparkling Wine – Unique and memorable gifts

Small gestures, whether verbal or tangible, go a long way in spreading positivity.

Work Feels Different When You Think Positive | Part 2: Imagine a Cat Boss: Transform Your Team & Leadership 

Sometimes I Like to Imagine…

Sometimes I like to imagine… what if my boss were a cat? 🐱

I’m currently a middle manager, so I have both a boss above me and team members below me. Occasionally, I think: “What if my boss was actually a cat?”

If that were the case, imagine the kind of boss a cat would be. Cats bring comfort, make our hearts lighter, and brighten our days. So how would we, as team members, respond to a cat boss? Most likely by giving our very best!

What Makes a Cat Boss…🐾

Independent and Free

A cat boss would do things at their own pace and let us work freely. Under such leadership, we’d likely perform at our best naturally.

Playfully Unpredictable

Some days, the cat boss might be fully engaged, other days… not so much. But this unpredictability isn’t bad—it can stimulate creativity and even boost motivation.

Benefits of a Cat Boss 😺

Working under a cat boss could be surprisingly fun. Even during busy workdays, the cat boss’s presence would bring small moments of joy and relaxation.

Little Perks That Matter

• Freedom to work at our own pace, even if occasionally interrupted.
• Mood boosts from watching the cat boss’s whims—suddenly you feel lighter and more motivated.
• Psychological benefits—studies show that interacting with cats can increase self-esteem and happiness.
• Praise feels extra delightful, and even “scolding” is charming rather than stressful.

by Willi-van-de-Winkel via Pixabay

How to Work with a Cat Boss 🐾

Tips for Thriving

• Understand their communication style: Cats don’t give verbal instructions, so you need to read their moods and intentions.
• Expect unpredictability: Their behavior may be inconsistent, so adapt to changing “directions.”
• Respect their independence: Cats value autonomy, so support team members’ individual strengths and approaches.
• Adjust motivation methods: Cat bosses are driven by their own interests; sometimes creative ways are needed to inspire the team.
• Don’t stress over mistakes: Even if the cat boss misjudges something, it’s best to let it slide.
• Observe their preferences: Understanding what the cat boss likes helps maintain harmony.

In Short: Why a Cat Boss Rocks

A cat boss would bring joy, inspiration, and gentle challenges. To work well with them, you need to understand their habits and pace, and match your work style accordingly.

So next time you feel stuck at work… try imagining a cat boss watching over you. You might just find yourself a little lighter, a little happier, and maybe even a bit more motivated!

Bonus: Book Recommendation 📚

”Cat CEO” by Tom Funder

A funny webcomic turned book about what happens if your CEO were a cat.
Even across countries, cats are still… well, cats.
A hilarious and heartwarming read for anyone curious about creative leadership—and of course, cat lovers! 

Want More? Read Part 1!

If you enjoyed this, don’t miss Part 1: How It Transformed My Workday — it’s a quick read and will give you the full story!

How My Favorite Pen Boosts Work, Focus & Creativity — A Gentle Dive into the Fountain Pen World

🖋️ My Current Obsession: The Pilot Kakuno

So yeah, I figured it’s about time I finally got myself a fountain pen. I mean, I’m not getting any younger, right? 😅
After some Googling and a bit of digging, I stumbled upon the Pilot Kakuno — a simple, inexpensive fountain pen that somehow stole my heart.

It’s nothing fancy — around $12 or so — but once I started using it, I just couldn’t stop. I even picked up two more with different nib sizes.

Now, I’ve swapped my usual ballpoint pens for these little wonders. I use them so much that some nib sizes need a new cartridge in less than a month! 😳

💡 Small Tools, Big Impact

Here’s the thing: little everyday tools can quietly make a big difference in your work.
Using a pen you love can turn writing into something enjoyable, and it actually helps boost creativity and focus.

The smooth glide of the Kakuno feels amazing in your hand and even helps ease stress a bit.

🧠 Handwriting Boosts Memory

Writing by hand is more than just putting words on paper.
When I jot things down with my Kakuno, ideas and important info stick in my mind longer.
Moving your hand while processing thoughts is a surprisingly effective way to remember things.

🌈 Motivation, Confidence, and Colors

Just picking up your favorite pen can lift your spirits, spark motivation, and even make you feel a little more confident.
And the best part? That energy tends to rub off on people around you.

Ink color matters too — switching it up can help organize notes, match your mood, or simply make writing more fun.

🖋️ Standing Out in a Digital World

Let’s be real: offices are mostly paperless these days. But pulling out a fountain pen can make you stand out.

Imagine this:

I’m in a meeting with a big client. Between serious talks, my Kakuno comes up. They’re curious, I get to brag a bit about the nib and colors… and suddenly, they ask, “Mind if I try it?”

And before I know it… contracts get signed. 😉

🔧 The Magic Between Work and Tools

Even a single pen can impact how you work and feel. Tools — pens, notebooks, planners — are more than objects; they’re allies in productivity and creativity.

Efficiency

The right tools make everyday work smoother. A notebook or planner that suits you can streamline tasks and ideas.

Creativity

Writing by hand sparks new ideas and helps organize thoughts. A pen you love makes the process enjoyable.

Professional impression

Quality tools leave a tidy, polished impression and subtly showcase your style.

Communication

Handwritten notes or cards build warmth in relationships — something digital can’t always capture.

Stress relief

Writing by hand is surprisingly relaxing. The flow of pen on paper calms the mind.

🌿 Final Thoughts

Stationery is more than just tools. It reflects how we work, think, and express ourselves.
Finding a pen that feels right for you can make work more enjoyable and meaningful.

Just like my encounter with the Pilot Kakuno, your perfect pen might be waiting to brighten your day. 🐾

🛒 Recommended Gear

• Pilot Kakuno Fountain Pen
• Pilot Kakuno Family Series 💙 My favorite: Kakuno Papa Blue!
• Pilot Ink Cartridges
• Pilot “Iroshizuku” Cartridge Ink 💙 My favorite: Fuyu-shogun (Winter Commander)
• Pilot Ink Converters (CON-40 / CON-70) Refill from bottles — sustainable and fun!