Page Chen, G10, RDF International School One day, I was reading a book at the café, feeling content, when the coffee in my hand suddenly spilled all over me and onto the floor. In an instant, my pleasant day turned into frustration as I contemplated the mess. The café was serene, with a soothing ambiance and soft lighting, and I was the sole patron there. After pausing to take a deep breath and reflect for a moment, my negative emotions began to dissipate. I reasoned with myself that it was only an accident; no one was at fault, and it was no big deal. It is remarkable how we can react emotionally to minor setbacks in life. Upon reflection, it seemed illogical and unreasonable to be upset with myself over a cup of spilled coffee. This raised the question: why was I feeling angry? Is there a way for us to better regulate our emotions? Evolutionary psychology posits that emotions have developed as responses to our survival instincts. When we experience anger, our bodies release additional adrenaline, boosting our capacity to confront threats. Our ancestors found joy in consuming high-fat foods as it increased their chances of survival. Likewise, our natural unease in the presence of enclosed tigers and lions stems from our predecessors’ safety concerns. Emotions serve as signals generated by our brain’s neural network, and we interpret and respond to these signals accordingly. Neuroscientist Lisa Feldman Barrett, in her TED talk, suggests that we have more control over our emotions than we realize. Rather than simply reacting to our brain’s signals, we interpret them based on our thoughts. Altering our thought processes can modify our emotional responses. This realization became my key to overcoming the negative mood that had enveloped me. Recognizing that anger was unproductive, I decided to refocus on my reading and relish the solitude. Finding happiness can be straightforward; by adjusting our perceptions of the world, we can shape our overall outlook. Our mindset plays a crucial role in determining our perspective on life. | 