How to develop a favorite color

As I was walking to the office this morning, wearing my favorite red coat, I thought about how unfortunate it is that most adults no longer claim a favorite color (at least, not that makes any difference). It's a lot of fun having a favorite color, and it's a great way to improve your mood or sustain a good mood. But for some reason (probably because it seems frivolous and unnecessary), most adults don't really have a favorite color--or if they do, they don't admit it. This study on color preferences is kind of fun, but you have to consider the fact that people were actually asked to identify their favorite color, and apparently were not given an option for "uh, not really".

So, just for fun (and in the spirit of enjoyment of God's marvelous creation), here is my three-step plan for developing a favorite color. For this to work, you just have to pick a color that you don't actually dislike. It helps if it's not too terribly rare and if you have at least some clothes that match it (even better if it's a color that actually looks good on you, as that will always make you smile). I have never never found color preference quizzes or personality tests to be particularly helpful, but if you like that kind of thing, go for it. Or, if you like to be contrary, pick one that you absolutely disagree with.

Then, this is what you do:

1. First, practice noticing your favorite color. Whenever you see it and happen to think of it, say to yourself, "hey, that's my favorite color!" It helps if you can smile a little at the same time (maybe you will be smiling at the sheer silliness of this exercise, but that's a start).


2. Then, start making small decisions based on your favorite color. If it doesn't make much difference one way or the other, but one of the options happens to involve your favorite color...you get the point. This works well for things like what color binder to put your report in or which coffee mug to choose.


3. As you get more confident, mention your favorite color in conversation, just once in a while, as it happens to come up. "Oh, you like my earrings? They're my favorite color!" By the time other people start to know what your favorite color is, it will be pretty well established.

By the time you have made your way through all three phases, you will likely have developed a genuine attachment for your new favorite color, and you will have one more reason to smile every day. :)

*Results not guaranteed. I am making this up as I go along.

~Pastor Sarah