petits bonheurs

For some reason, it felt easy(er) to be mindful today. I did my usual hike and experienced the sweet sounds of the various Thrush, my favorite bird, which you can only hear around wooded areas as a general rule. Later on, I saw a few couples holding hands while on a walk; that also put a smile on my face and I felt happy for them, for they seemed happy together. I also noticed a family has moved into a house I once considered buying, and I wished them happiness in that house, as I passed by (in my head of course). I call all those moments mentioned "petits bonheurs" (little happiness). They are jewels in my mind; little diamonds of joy one can experience every day, if we are mindful. 
What were YOUR petits bonheurs today?

Finding what works for me and the writing life

I've read so many books about writing, attended conferences, workshops, you name it. I've heard about writers who write every day without rereading the last day's draft, writing straight through to the end of the first draft of a novel. Another way to do it of course is to write a few pages on day 1, review those pages the following day (edit), print those pages, then move on to the next few pages, and so on...I like that method. The perfectionist in me needs to correct a bit, feel a sense of completion with the printing of a few pages at a time, then the creation can continue. This way I don't feel like I'll want to scrap the whole thing at the end because I find it's all s...
How do YOU go about it? Tips?

High on Life

Is it possible that my recent increase in physical activity has had such a positive impact on my moods? Today, I felt elated, to put it simply, as if I was high. Nothing had the power to bring me down, to bother me, to irritate me...now that is not me, believe me. As a general rule, I can become irritated quite easily (ask my kids). I was able to perform chores slowly this afternoon, mindfully, without letting my mind go wild with the next thing needing to get done. That felt sooooo good. I'm actually wondering if something is wrong with me. I do hope it's just a healthier level of serotonine or something of the kind that is the cause of this "mood". I sure hope this lasts and that tomorrow is as amazing. I am truly happy today, content, thankful, peaceful. Wouldn't it be wonderful if this feeling could last? Why not, right? 

Indeed Life Is Good

Getting ready for my usual strenuous hike...I feel blessed to have the health to even perform this hike on a regular basis...I don't have knee problems, I am able to sustain 40 minutes of maximum heart rate for my age, therefore I am so very fortunate. I embrace this each time I go up that hill.
Namaste

simplicity rules

Simplifying one's life is this day and age is not an easy task, but it's absolutely possible. Anytime I feel the urge to purchase an item, I ask myself, "do I really NEED this, or do I just want it?". More often than not, it's a want, not a need. At times, I give in to the impulse, especially when it involves a cute journal at a low price. Other times, I say NO to myself. A few things I've allowed myself to purchase recently, without any guilt attached, is hiking shoes, running shoes and proper fitness clothes. Before, I'd sabotage my goals by belittling my need for comfort, now I embrace my new items which help me get out there and be active. I feel funny sharing this, in a way. I'm probably not the only one who sabotages her health in order to save money,  right? More and more I'm giving the much needed attention to my physical and mental health...are you doing the same? Any comments?

What did you learn in high school?

That is the subject on CBC radio at this very moment. I'd like to think that as a teacher, the one thing I'd like for students to get from high school is a thirst for learning. Once I stop learning anything new, I get bored and depressed! I love to learn, and this passion is what makes life so interesting to me. I feel helpless to help students when I don't see this spark in their eye, when some seem to have no joy in them...I think joy comes from the present moment, and how can a moment be filled with joy when apathy is present? What do YOU think?

peace of mind or a piece of my mind

In the end, it was one or the other....I don't like to fight with companies who don't want to be held accountable, who blame the product instead of their possibly faulty installation. So, I made the decision to forget about my energy efficient, supply on demand tankless water tank. After spending an initial 2400$ for a Takagi unit, including the installation by a company that shall remain nameless (unless you really want to know), I'm now in the process of waiting for a regular electric water tank to be installed this coming Monday...that will have been more than 2 weeks without hot water...not a huge deal really. That will now cost me about 1400$...am I finished with spending money to finally get hot water, no leaks, no more problems? I certainly hope so.
To get back to the title, I could have sent the faulty part to Ontario, gotten a new part, had it installed (at my cost), to find out later that they won't cover the part for some reason, even though it is less than 2 years old (did I mention the first company "fixed" a leak two years ago at a cost of 477$?) OK, since I wasn't too sure which would end up costing less, I opted for peace of mind. Tired now...you make up your own mind about what else I could have done, and not lost "it".
Peace to all.

A good read

I just finished reading The Writing Circle by Corinne Demas...I enjoyed it, especially in the middle of the night when insomnia hits. As usual when I find a novel that appeals, it makes me want to write, but at the same time makes me anxious...I can't imagine writing anything remotely as good as any book I've read, even the not so great ones...I yearn for self-confidence, trying to shut the editor on my shoulder every time I put words down...it's so hard, but then again why worry about if it's good or not? What is wrong with me!? I've read lots about writing, about anxiety, but still it haunts me...I have to get back to whatever lines I've read that made me feel ok about me writing...enough said...if you enjoy reading about writing groups, this one's got a few twists in it. Enjoy, and peace.

eminent problem becomes source of joy

OK, so this morning I'm about to wash my hands, but the hot water won't work...so panic sets in quickly, as I now think that for sure my tankless water heater is capout...I worry about it, I leave a phone message with the plumber, I worry some more...

Later on, after talking to my dad who suggests I check the breaker, I finally decide to check it, even though I don't think that is the problem.....and yes, that was the problem. Since it was the first time in 4 years that a breaker "skipped", I thought for sure that wasn't the issue...

Imagine the relief I felt, having imagined all day a bill that would take 5 to 10 of work to cover....I ended up celebrating by taking my son to Kibo, our best sushi place in town.

Funny how you can start the day feeling normal, then head into panic mode in 2 secs, then back to being even happier when the source of  a possible headache is solved....

Moral of the story...it takes a close call to realize how happy you are and how things are actually going quite smoothly in your life....

I love my life, and I'll try not to forget that hot water is bliss...

about writing...or reading about writing

I know, I know...I say I want to write, but instead of writing, I'm actually reading about writing...well, there's a logic to it. If I can get really neat tricks, incentives, and motivational talk about the writing life, I might actually finish this novel I've been working on for more than two years now!!!! By the way, the title of this really good book is "Coaching the Artist Within" by Eric Maisel. I've read a book or two by him, and I like his style, his approach...
Time to go write, I guess...or maybe I'll just play some word games on Facebook and wait 'til morning to tackle my novel...how about that? I know, there's nothing like the present moment, BUT, morning is a better time for me...
Cheers,
J