We can choose what we think about as well as how we think about it. In the further words of Wallace, this is one of life’s “great and terrible truth[s].” In each situation we encounter, we can choose whether we view it as mundane or extraordinary. We can decide whether it’s frustrating or amusing. We can elect to see our circumstances as oppressive or inspiring.… Continue reading
Each day we have the chance to start again. Yesterday has passed and is now gone. Today is our opportunity to begin anew with the life we have set before us.
There are days when it feels really good to think about starting with a clean slate. Let us make the most of our new day.
Each morning we are born again. … Continue reading
Our lives are full of things to be thankful for. This little list brought a few everyday items to mind that we frequently overlook. It also suggests a perspective that the world has shrouded everything in love.
“It is a kind of love, is it not?
How the cup holds the tea,
How the chair stands sturdy and foursquare,
How the floor receives the bottoms of shoes
Or toes.… Continue reading
A friend recently pointed me toward Gretchen Rubin’s The Happiness Project. (You can find Gretchen’s website HERE.), saying it reminded her of my little efforts and endeavors.
I took a look, felt very flattered by the comparison, and then sat musing on how – while we can’t always control our circumstances – we can create our own happiness, or lack thereof, within our life circumstances.… Continue reading
Today is the one day we have. Yesterday is past. Tomorrow isn’t yet here. We have today. And today can be anything we choose to make of it.
Today is THE day. Let’s embrace it fully, and live it with intention.
“What day is it?”
“It’s today,” squeaked Piglet.
“My favorite day,” said Pooh.
― A.A. Milne
What are you planning to do with today?… Continue reading
“No kind action ever stops with itself. One kind action leads to another. Good example is followed. A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees. The greatest work that kindness does to others is that it makes them kind themselves.”
-Frederick William Faber
While my life is generally filled with the kindness of others, for the last few weeks it has felt especially so (see HERE).… Continue reading
Do my choices bring happiness to myself?
Do they bring happiness to others?
Do my choices alleviate suffering for myself?
Do they alleviate suffering for others?
Everyday we’re faced with a myriad of choices. These seem like good metrics with which to consider our options. They seem like particularly good criteria to use for assessing our reaction to something or to someone.… Continue reading
So often we rush through tasks and in our haste to simply get all of our commitments or obligations off of our to-do list we fail to see what is lovely and good in them. We can often find that sense of wonder or calm in the everyday simply by slowing down whatever we’re doing.
Instead of rushing through the dishes, take the time to feel the warm, soapy water on your hands.… Continue reading
I came across this quote today and it rang true with me. The most interesting people I know are those who are curious. Curious people are always exploring new ideas, learning new things, and discovering new facets of the world around them.
I watch the natural curiosity innate in my two boys, and I love that I have the opportunity to learn and explore and grow with them.… Continue reading
Being full present with those you love is the best gift we can ever give to them. It’s also a very difficult gift to give when there are so many other things vying for our attention. However, if we sit for even a few minutes and place our full attention on our child or partner or friend or parent, we are rewarded with a glimpse into the beauty of that person.… Continue reading