The other day there was an article in the paper about improving one’s happiness. A motivational speaker who thought she pretty much knew the drill about techniques in that vein was challenged by a new one. The idea was this: before going to bed, think about three good things that happened during the day, and consider what it was that made them good things for the person in question. She claimed that in practicing this techniques the quality of her dreams changed (for the better), and so did her outlook. 
By the time my head is hitting the pillow the last thing I want to be doing is thinking, never mind trying to analyze portions of my day! But during the night last night, while I was awake between segments of sleeping, I decided to think of three good things from the day. Fortunately they were easy!
In sequence:
1) I got a phone call in the morning from a friend whose son is newly engaged, and he and his fiancé would like me to perform their wedding next spring/summer. They will fly Ken and me out to Napa for the event! As I said to her, that’s an offer I can’t refuse!
2) I had a great shopping day on my way home from church, narrowing down the list of gifts to get to a mere handful
3) We received a wonderful wedding present from a group of friends (you know who you are!!) that will allow us to take a honeymoon—finally!!
Kip would call this a big biscuit day (as would I), and future days won’t have such obvious “goodness” happening from which to glean my three good things. But what a wonderful way to start a process of reflecting on what is good, to improve dreams (and sleep!), and increase my joy. I’m on the lookout now!
By the time my head is hitting the pillow the last thing I want to be doing is thinking, never mind trying to analyze portions of my day! But during the night last night, while I was awake between segments of sleeping, I decided to think of three good things from the day. Fortunately they were easy!In sequence:
1) I got a phone call in the morning from a friend whose son is newly engaged, and he and his fiancé would like me to perform their wedding next spring/summer. They will fly Ken and me out to Napa for the event! As I said to her, that’s an offer I can’t refuse!
2) I had a great shopping day on my way home from church, narrowing down the list of gifts to get to a mere handful
3) We received a wonderful wedding present from a group of friends (you know who you are!!) that will allow us to take a honeymoon—finally!!
Kip would call this a big biscuit day (as would I), and future days won’t have such obvious “goodness” happening from which to glean my three good things. But what a wonderful way to start a process of reflecting on what is good, to improve dreams (and sleep!), and increase my joy. I’m on the lookout now!
4 comments:
It would be nice to take that feeling into our dreams. :c) Glad you all will get to take that honeymoon! Hugs!
The odd thing is that I heard about this yesterday on the radio. I had the afternoon show on and the two people who are on were chatting about it in between interviews, music, etc. I thought it was such a good idea but last night after I came home from seeing the Messiah (and staying afterwards with another member of the property committee to lock up after the orchestra left)I was so tired I forgot all about it. I will be trying that approach as well.
Pam
The book Simple Abundance has the idea of gratitude in it heavily and I must say that that simple act of writing down 5 things to be thankful for that day (and not the obvious all the time, like health, etc.), but to really think them through changed my life. It took about a month, but it was after I started doing this that I really began to see the blessings I have, etc. It boosted my self-confidence and made me the person I am today. I encourage everyone to give it a try.
P.S. Glad you had a big biscuit day!
I shall have to give this one a try! It sounds very good. Miss you madly!
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