I raise dogs, and not one of them will refuse a cookie when offered! I enjoy coming home and greeting each one with a small, yummy goody. They come running when they hear my car pull in and my special girl, Sophie, begins to yodel her beagle version of “Mama’s Home!” It’s noisy, chaotic, and I love it! People often ask me why I give my dogs treats when it should be enough that I’m home. I tell them that even little dogs enjoy a ray of sunshine on a rainy day. And, I have to admit, I enjoy giving it to them!
That simple act means more than people may think. A treat is not just food. It is a hello. It is a sign that I am glad to see them. It is a small way to say, “You matter to me.” Dogs do not need a big speech to know they are loved. They read our tone, our habits, and our care. When I make time for that small moment, it changes the mood of the whole house.
Life can be hard; you already know that. It’s fraught with difficulties and disappointments and there can be a lot of gray days. It’s important for me to show those I care about a bit of happiness when I can. That, in turn, makes me happy.
This idea is not only for dogs. It fits people too. A small kindness can matter on an ordinary day, especially when days are already heavy. A warm greeting. A kind note. A favorite snack shared at the right time. A few quiet minutes with someone who is having a rough day. These little things do not fix every problem, but they can make a day feel less hard.
When we have PTSD, sometimes I think we can lose sight of how important those little good times are. We focus on our safety so much that we forget to help those we love have a touch of sunshine in their lives. In fact, we may be so distracted that we come down too hard on them for minor incidents. I remember my own childhood being pretty bleak, and perhaps that’s part of why I want to do things for my dogs too. I don’t have children to spoil.
I think that matters because pain can narrow our view. When you have lived with fear, stress, or trauma, your mind can stay on guard. You may watch for danger all the time. That can make it hard to notice the good things right in front of you. It can also make small mistakes feel bigger than they are. A dish left out, a door not shut all the way, or a small mess can feel like the end of the world when your nerves are already worn thin.
One thing that has helped me is to stop and ask myself, “Is this worth the energy I am about to spend on it?” That question can give me a little pause. It helps me decide whether I need to speak up, let it go, or handle it gently. That does not mean ignoring real problems. It means saving my strength for the things that truly matter.
Maybe you don’t think that it’s something you need to do, this sharing the sunshine thing. Remember, life is difficult for those around you too, and if you can shine a little light on them, it might even make you feel a bit better.
There are many simple ways to share that sunshine. You do not have to spend much money or make a big plan. You can start small. Here are a few ideas:
- Offer a kind word when someone seems tired or upset.
- Leave a note where a family member will find it.
- Make room for a quiet break.
- Say thank you for a task someone did without asking.
- Give a pet extra attention when you get home.
- Make a cup of tea or coffee for yourself and someone else.
- Notice one good thing in the day and say it out loud.
These are small acts, but small acts can carry a lot of weight. They can change the feel of a home. They can lower the tension in a room. They can help someone feel seen. And when we feel seen, we often do a little better.
For me, the dogs are a daily reminder of this. They do not ask for much. They want food, safety, and attention. In return, they give joy, loyalty, and a welcome that is hard to beat. Sophie’s loud call when I get home may be silly to some people, but to me it is pure happiness. It reminds me that love can be simple. It can be noisy. It can come with wagging tails and cookie crumbs.
Sharing the sunshine is not about being cheerful all the time. It is not about pretending life is easy when it is not. It is about choosing, when you can, to add a little comfort to the world around you. Some days that may mean giving a dog a treat. Some days it may mean giving yourself permission to rest. Some days it may mean being gentle with the people closest to you, even when you are frustrated.
If you live with PTSD or another disability and are trying to keep up with daily life, it can help to have support that makes things less stressful. Disability Network Lakeshore can help with many free services, including information and referral, advocacy, peer support, skills development, and transition services. If you need help finding resources or talking through a problem, you can call DNL at (616) 396-5326. We are located at 442 Century Lane, Holland, MI 49423.
Sometimes the best gift we can give is a little light. Not a flood of it. Just enough to help someone see the next step. For me, that may look like a cookie for Sophie and the others when I walk through the door. For you, it may look different. But the heart of it is the same. A small kindness can brighten a hard day. And when we make space for that, we may find that it brightens our own day too.
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