When I lived in NYC, I walked around unconsciously listing out everything that made me angry. I was able to get a decent amount done by piling up the chips on my shoulders.
Recently, friends’ lent us their Venice, CA home. They were generous and it was lovely, with an open courtyard and perfect water pressure. Outdoor space & a good shower is so inspiring.
It led me to something I think I will make a seasonal ritual:
List out what MAKES YOU HAPPY never allowing more than 30 seconds to transpire between additions. When 30 seconds lapses between ideas, you are done. Try to stick to generalities and don’t get too stuck on the granularity. I got to 26 things and feel good about things… again.
Here’s mine (I kept it appropriate):
- To be appreciated by my family and friends
- Recognizing my family’s love
- Generosity (given or received)
- Kindness (given or received)
- Having a good idea.
- Being in a beautiful place in nature with my wife
- Witnessing my son’s maturity or growth
- A good night’s sleep (i.e. no waking up in the night)
- A good first cup of coffee in the morning
- Strong water pressure in the morning shower
- Free time (non-accounted for).
- A good meal.
- Naturally delicious (fruit)
- A smoky scotch at the end of a day
- Experiencing something remarkable that someone made
- Knowing someone struggled over adversity to achieve something they wanted.
- Experiencing doing more than was necessary so that we are all lifted higher.
- Incredible spaces
- Feeling connected to folks who feel strongly about things I feel strongly about.
- Discovering there is a whole lot more of something I really enjoy.
- Feeling we/I are on the right path; feeling it is getting better.
- Recognizing I made the right choice.
- Putting aside the fact I made the wrong choice.
- A positive outcome from something I had negative expectations around.
- Fixing something.
- Completing something.
