I won't apologize.
It seems I'm always saying I'm sorry and really, how often I post doesn't need to be yet one more thing I tell myself I've failed at.
So instead I'm going to tell you that I've been watching the PBS series called The Emotional Life and found it fascinating and yes, hopeful especially as Jerry and I think about our future, the sort of "what's next" on this ranch or in our lives as he turns 80 this year and we're no longer farming.
One suggestion in the PBS section on finding happiness was to list three good things that happened yesterday and then see if one can identify what brought about those three good things, the circumstances. It's a way of gratitude and a part of my prayer life that I've skipped over of late (which could explain why I haven't been feeling so happy of late either, you think?).
So here's my three good things from yesterday:
1) I walked on the treadmill for two miles. What led up to that was getting up and doing it; watching the PBS series while I walked which made the time go quickly and getting a good night's sleep the night before (and copying the series rather than staying up late to watch it.
2)Work went well on my book, I hit 16,000 words! What led up to that was just doing it, sitting in front of the computer, allowing myself to enter and live the story. It was staying focused, taking a lunch break that included a shower and connecting with Jerry and Matt then returning to work and not paying attention to emails until later in the day.
3) I got the bed made up and the guest room picked up. What led up to that was knowing our friend is coming to visit and bringing her dog that is a brother to our cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Jerry has finished the door heads and drawers in that room after all these years so the room for the first time looks completed. I could appreciate his efforts (I did help hang the doors in there :) and that the room looks inviting which is a nice thing to offer a friend when she visits. I also liked telling Caesar about his brother coming to stay and petting his little body.
I think it's possible three good things could snowball into many more if I just pay attention and isn't that part of what makes up happiness, paying attention, being grateful for what is.
I hope you take the time to find your three best things from yesterday and to remember to thank God for the pleasure. Jane
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7 comments:
Have just discovered you as a writer, a blogger, and a sister Oregonian. (Where have I been?) Thank you for an excellent prod - yesterday was a friend's 65th birthday and many good things came of going to the celebration. I need to take note and remember....and apply the wisdom on the dark days.
It's surprising, and inspiring, to read this today, just after going out for coffee with a friend who mentioned the same series. Wonder if there's a message here for me... Thanks.
That sounds like a wonderful series. I wish I would have seen it. Looking forward to March 16th. Linda in Washington state
The wonder of opening a treasure chest - that is how I feel having just received a copy of Aurora...such a beautifully done book. But it keeps getting better - discovering your blog and finding the titles to your other books! I plan to seek out each one and savor them.
I must add your blog to my favorites listing too.
Thank you so much.
Jane, my husband turns 72 in March just after I waltz into 65, Feb. 26. We are just perparing to build a log house on our 5.1 hectares in Latvia. I am an Oregonian, he a Brit. Stories to weave.... Loved this blog will link it to mine. http://ergliangel45.wordpress.com
Blessings,
Kathleen
Jane, my husband turns 72 in March just after I waltz into 65, Feb. 26. We are just perparing to build a log house on our 5.1 hectares in Latvia. I am an Oregonian, he a Brit. Stories to weave.... Loved this blog will link it to mine. http://ergliangel45.wordpress.com
Blessings,
Kathleen
My sister, her daughter, and I do somethine like this every week -- we have thankful Thursday, and list something we like about our appearance (before you think "shallow" remember how often we put down how we look, and forget that how we see ourselves is rarely how others see us -- it's changing that tape that says "I'm fat, I'm ugly, all my clothes look like bags" and on and on and on); one thing we've accomplished that week, and five things for which we're grateful. It's both spritual and uplifting for me, although I'm not sure how the two of them (who came up with it) feel about it. Some days it's hard to say something I like about how I look, or find anything I feel is an accomplishment, or even five things I'm grateful for that I haven't already said. But it's a good thing for us all.
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