learned a little, and if we didn't learn a little, at least we didn't get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn't die; so, let us all be thankful. ~Buddha
With all the talk of new year's resolutions, I've been thinking. I'm not much of a resolution maker. I've learned that I am not a goal oriented person. I like to have vague ideas of where I am going and aim in their general direction and then see where life takes me in the process of getting
there. Sometimes, this is good. Like when I decided a few years ago that I wanted to make a gift for a baby and I wanted to knit a blanket. I didn't know how to knit but figured, "how hard can it be?" and taught myself and opened doors that have brought joy into my life. And when I bought spindles and wool for my girls for Christmas and got intrigued by this whole yarn making thing. Good things.Sometimes, this is not so good. Like when you need to get something done and need a plan and a clear path. I can do this but it's not my preferred method of operation. I need to work on these kind of planning skills.
But, I think for the new year, I am going to try to notice the small things that I have to be thankful for. Happiness does not always come in with bells and whistles. Sometimes it comes in with whispers. I want to hear the whispers.
Because, as the Buddha said, 'at least I didn't die'.
We are in for some "winter weather" this weekend. People seem surprised by this. It's winter so go figure. I am going to be busy taking down the holiday decorations and maybe doing some spinning. Pk wore his scarf yesterday and showed it off at work. He tried to explain about it being handspun but they don't get it. (it's that "why would you go to all that trouble when you can buy perfectly good yarn.......")
If you need a shot of summer, check out Bells' photos of her garden. Makes me want to sit outside in the sunshine with my bare feet in the grass. Now if it were only not quite so cold.....
13 comments:
You know, you can hire people who do organization and planning for a living, and let them go all detail specific for you. I like your plan a whole bunch better! When I feel put upon I comfort myself with the words, "At least I'm not pregnant." It's appreciating these little things that keeps the sunny side up.
(And you can always go watch "What's Opera, Doc?")
Yes, the small things are what make it sweeter. Speaking of which, I need to go feed a small thing right now. ;-)
Good luck with the "snow" I'll believe it when I see it!!
You know, I'm pretty good at the organizational stuff. But I agree, it's really the small things that we have to be thankful for. Life is made up of small things, and if we let those slide by, well, there goes life, unnoticed.
I bet you're better at organizing and planning than you think, anyway. You raised three kids while working, for starters. :-)
I don't do new year's resolutions either - I like your 'small goals' idea, and that wonderful quote.
Hope 2009 brings many small joys to you, which all add up to a happy year.
I like the Buddha quote. Every night before we go to sleep, husby and I try to think of 3 good things that happened during the day. Husby often tries to think of "big" things, and I remind him it can be little things, like having a great dinner, or catching up with a friend for a coffee, or whatever, and you know it works - I think we are overall happier and more positive!
I love counting blessings - and I think this year will be less and more (almost put mess - which is always true around here!)
Buy less, eat less,knit more, exercise more, spend more time doing fun stuff with family - no big stop/start resolutions - just a bit less and a bit more.
Happy new year! 2009 will be yours!
I didn't make any resolutions this year. Focusing on the little pleasures in life and appreciating what we have is important.
Thanks for the reminder.
I'm also trying to take time to think every day of the good things - some days are harder than others, but its a good exercise.
Enjoy the snow!
Remembering to notice and be grateful for the small things is an ongoing effort for me. Some times I remember and sometimes I forget. But at least I didn't die. :)
Noticing the small things is such an important and great thing to do. It's a great goal.
oh I think you would get rather chilly feet if you did that!
Some days, the small things are all that get me through. I mean that in all honesty. I think if we wait for only the big things to bring happiness, we often have to wait a long time.
I'm not so good with the resolutions either. I seem to spend more time looking for loopholes than I do actually trying to meet the goal. I'm also much better when I have that nice, vague sense of where I want to be.
And right now, I want to be someplace where there is no snow!!!!!
Donna Lee, I love your life plan--maybe because it sounds a lot like mine, with a little more grace and a (slightly) cleaner house:-)
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