Best Day Ever

As I've been "dejunking" closets and cupboards, packing my suitcases, and mentally preparing for an extended trip to Oregon, I keep coming across "notes to myself", tucked away in art books, journals, photo albums, cards, etc (can you tell, I'm easily distracted?!!). Some have brought a laugh, or a chuckle, sometimes a few tears, always a memory - some poignant, some joyful. And some stuff went straight into the circular file...there's a place for everything.

Anyway, when I read over this particular note, I felt it worth sharing, because it's such a good exercise. (No, you don't have to hit the floor.) I keep an off-and-on gratitude journal, which is often a just-before-lights-out reminder of how blessed I really am. This little exercise falls into that category. And exercising your "attitude of gratitude" is ALWAYS a healthy thing! Here we go:

Round up a nice pen (no pencil; no over-analyzing and erasing things), a nice piece of paper or your favorite little journal, pour a cup of fragrant tea (or cocoa!) if that relaxes you, put on your favorite soothing music and take five deep Buddha breathes (clear to your tummy and out again, S - L - O - W- L - Y), and smile. That's mandatory.

At the top of your page, write:

Adding Joy to My Day

Then make a list of the small, ordinary everyday things that bring joy to your life. It doesn't have to be a long list, just go with the flow. You may be surprised at how many things keep popping into your mind once you get going.

Here's one of my lists, from a couple of years ago:

*watching birds out my kitchen window

*scent of the essential oils I use
*listening to favorite music

*warm wet wash cloth on my face first thing in the morning

*cup of herbal tea

*walking outdoors, rain or shine

*wildflowers

*playing piano or guitar

*reading to the grandpunks

*sketching

*breathing meditation

*sharing fresh baking

*holding my cat, stroking my dog

*nap

*soft blankie

*being present - listening with eye contact

*re-reading favorite books

Notice none of those things cost money, or demand much time, or require anyone's permission - except my own. How often do we deprive ourselves of the simple joy of living because we don't give ourselves permission to simply live? That "TO DO " list will still be there after you refresh yourself with this recess.

OK, here's my list for today - first, picture me, I'm sitting in my favorite arm chair, a glass of kombucha at hand (don't ask unless you really want to know...), the flames glowing and flickering in the window of the pellet stove which is blowing comforting heat through the cabin on a cold breezy day, the ambiance of Bronn Journey's Christmas album in the background.

TODAY'S JOY:

*sturdy old log walls to keep out the wind
*a body-and-soul warming fire
*cat in my lap
*memories, emerging from storage bins and tattered envelopes
*three bags of clothes ready to go to GoodWill
*crisp greens in my salad
*nuthatches in the bird feeder
*T-Tapp
*avocados
*snuggy wool slippers/clogs
*sourdough rising
*red limbs of osier dogwood
*Christmas music - thank you, Anne Murray and El Divo
*turkeys running to greet me at the gate
*sandhill cranes and Canada geese calling overhead
*apple walnut cookies
*farmhouse windows glowing in the dusk

I could just keep on going, the list is actually endless. And each day is the same but different.

I really love doing this little exercise in mindfulness, it is such a positive affirmation of my Heavenly Father's love and my place in the grand scheme of things.

It brings me comfort, and joy.

Now go and write down YOUR joy!