Neuropsychologist Rick Hanson describes how our brains hold onto negative experiences like Velcro, while positive ones slide off like Teflon. Blame evolution. Our ancient ancestors had to be on high alert—spotting threats and remembering dangers was essential for survival. A rustle in the bushes? Could be a predator. Miss the warning signs? Game over. So the brain evolved to prioritize what might harm us over what might help us.

But what about today? Yes, our modern world can feel like a jungle with changes affecting our jobs/identities and social connections, kicking our nervous systems into high gear, hyper-focusing on what’s threatening while dismissing what’s promising. The stress of modern life feeds this ancient wiring, leaving us anxious, reactive, and exhausted.

But what if we could change that? What if, instead of passively accepting that our brains default to the negative, we made a conscious effort to rewire them for the positive?

Research on neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to change and adapt—tells us we can. We can strengthen the neural pathways for joy, resilience, and gratitude, just as we once reinforced those for fear and vigilance. Hanson calls this “Growing the Good.”

So I ask: Is it our job to be joyful?

If our outdated wiring is sabotaging our well-being in an era of nonstop change, maybe appreciating the good isn’t just nice—it’s necessary. Could learning to savor the sound of birdsong, a tender glance from a loved one, or the small triumphs in our day be a modern survival mechanism? Could we make it a habit to pause and fully experience moments of beauty and connection instead of charging ahead to the next problem to solve?

Neuroscience suggests that when we focus on the good—even for just a few extra seconds—we help our brains encode it, making joy more readily accessible. And if our positive experiences become a little stickier, a little more Velcro-like, that helps build resilience. It helps us change. It helps us evolve. And beyond that—could it help us connect more deeply with ourselves and each other?

So if you’re like me, feeling like your comfort zone is shrinking while your anxiety zone is expanding, this might be something to try. And if, like me, you need a reason beyond just personal well-being, consider this: Maybe savoring joy isn’t just for you. Maybe it’s for all of us.

Here’s to holding onto your joyful moments just a little longer today—and doing your part for humanity!