Buy a Happy Meal or any fast food restaurant's kiddie meal, take the free toy out and play with it while you eat. Sure, you'll get strange looks from others, but hey...they're just jealous you can let your inner child out!

Get a Dalmatian. Repeat 100 more times. Then, give them all to your aunt, sister, brother or cousin because you heard they wanted "a dog." (Why the extra 100? Claim that it's because they were a family and it would break your heart to break them up! =p)

Watch that secret "guilty pleasure" or "feel good" movie no one knows you love.

Treat yourself...whether it's something small, like an ice cream, cappuccino or cookie...or something more, like an outfit, shopping spree, movie, dinner out, etc. Go ahead, treat yourself! You're worth it, and what's more...you deserve it! No one knows that better than you! And no one knows just what "treats" you more than you!

Go on a "field trip" of thrift stores and try on the most hideous or horrid outfits you can find. Then, buy one and give it to a friend as a joke, but act like you seriously think it's a good gift. Eventually, acknowledge it as a gag gift, but not until you've seen your friend stammer to be appreciative of the "oh so thoughtful 'gift.'"

Spend an afternoon as a cat...lazing about, lounging, slumbering...just "being." And if you have a cat, hug and pet your cat, soothed by the hum of his or her purring.

Order a pizza for delivery. Don't forget the cheese/garlic breadsticks!

Invite a friend over just for fun...drinks, movies, games, gossip...it's your choice!

Pay a stranger a compliment. One phrase can make someone's day; and it'll brighten your own, knowing you made someone else smile or feel good about themselves in some small way.

Take a scented bubble bath. Light some candles to place around the tub and pour yourself a glass of champagne. Take a handful of bubbles and blow them, as if you're a model in some sexy ad.

Make time for yourself. Whether you have the time or not, everyone needs some time for themselves. Don't be afraid to admit that and make time for yourself so you can do something you love.

Pee on the neighbor's poodle. After all, he's probably peed in your yard before. (Not advisable when the neighbor is actually present or awake. =p)

Like to read? Give yourself a break and read that book you've been wanting to read, or even that magazine you've had laying around all month...even if it's the magazine you only "claim" to read for the articles. *wink*

Go away for the weekend, or even a single night. Whether you prefer camping, bed and breakfast suites, hotel stays or maybe even staying with a friend...a change of scenery can do wonders for your spirits. Make it a plan, reservations and all...or take a "spur of the moment" trip, destination unknown.

Use your "phone-a-friend" option, even if you're not on 'Who Wants to be a Millionaire?'!

Leave a long, rambling message on a friend's answering machine or voicemail. The less sense you make in your message, the better. And don't stop talking until you've amused yourself. (This may require numerous calls if the machine or voicemail cuts you off before you were done.)

Get a massage...a facial...a Brazilian wax (okay, maybe this last one wouldn't make you feel better unless you thought I meant that you should buy a wax candle made in Brazil).

Up your retirement savings...it's a smart move that'll lift your spirits years into the future when you're on a fixed income. (Or if you're not into that...up your assets. Can you get a butt lift? Or how about a facelift? Or maybe even just lift a mug or glass of something soothing to your tastebuds!)

Those are just some suggestions. Maybe you have your own ideas.

If it lifts your spirits or someone else's, maybe you should try it.

You could even raise the spirits of the dead if you're so inclined. Séance, anyone?

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