Tag Archives: Positive Psychology

HGTV’s “Property Brothers”–The Psychology of Dreams Fulfilled

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Recently, I began watching HGTV’s “The Property Brothers” upon the recommendation of a friend. As a Licensed Psychotherapist, I was fascinated by the theme of “dreams fulfilled” that threads through every episode.

There is always a happy ending. Usually, a couple sets out on a journey to find the house of their dreams, to find that they cannot afford it. Lo and behold, “The Property Brothers” are able to negotiate the sale of a fixer-upper, and then embark on a renovation. Often, the predictable drama that unfolds ranges from unexpected mold, to termites, to a threatened budget crunch issue or some other disaster.

Yes, always a happy ending, as “The Property Brothers” are able to overcome all odds, and give the couple the house of their dreams. On a psychological level, what is the reason that this show is so magnetic to viewers?

There are likely multiple reasons: The education that is provided about home renovation, design ideas, real estate negotiation, and learning about different parts of the world are just a few reasons.  However, I think that a major reason that the show is so successful is that the viewers always get to see happy endings every hour!  Like a Norah Ephron film, the couple walks into the metaphoric sunset, delighted with their new home and their romantic new life.  Like “Sleepless in Seattle” and “You’ve Got Mail”, viewers of “The Property Brothers” get to see couples with happy endings every episode!

I think that in this stressful world, people are craving stories of happy endings. News reports are mostly about bad news rather than “feel good” stories of philanthropy and kindness.

I wonder if  some day, there will be a show on how to deal with unscrupulous contractors, cheating handymen, home-makeover disasters, and the trauma of real life home remodeling. For now, however,  viewers can delight into the comforting world of “Happily Ever After”, and hope that their own home renovation projects go as smoothly.

Ellen Anmuth, Psychotherapist: Find A Child’s Joy in Adulthood

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 How can we, as adults, feel the joy of children more often?

Yesterday, I was in a few different stores, and I noticed children beaming at me and smiling. These kids were likely under 5 years old. One child was actually walking backward quickly, trying to keep up with the large stride of his mother, grinning ear to ear while “speed- walking backward”.

Another child, in a food store, seemed to have a sling on her arm. From a distance, I glanced and perceived that she had hurt herself. As I got closer to her (at Whole Foods Market, produce department), I smiled and asked, “How did you hurt yourself?” She beamed back with a big smile, and said, “I am not hurt, I am just pretending”.  Then I noticed that her “sling” around her arm was actually a plastic bag from the produce department that she fabricated as a pretend sling.

She skipped away with her siblings and mom, having played “doctor” in that moment, creatively taking a prop, using a plastic bag that could hold apples or bananas, turning it into a joyful game in the moment.

Yes…joy in the moment. Do you recall a time when a moment could be joyful, in the most mundane of circumstances?

Today I need to drive about 20 miles north. It is sunny and beautiful, and I live a mile from the ocean. Rather than drive quickly up the highway, I plan to bring lots of my favorite music CD’s, and take a slow and beautiful ride up “A1A”, the scenic drive by the water. Yes, that will bring me lots of joy in each moment. The drive will take twice as long, and bring me much more joy in the moment.

ACTION QUESTION: What can you do each day to minimize your world of adult worries, live in the moment, feel more peace and celebrate simple joys?