When chanted to oneself repeatedly serves to conjure a positive memory, either fictional or real, that inspires
optimism and hope during a time of
despair, fear, or
general malaise.
Peach, the starfish in Finding Nemo says hurriedly, "Find a happy place, find a happy place, find a happy place!" as a coping mechanism when the
heavy-fingered niece of the
dentist, Darla, taps on the glass of the aquarium.