It is the beginning of November and this is a photo of my front perennial garden as of yesterday, in Minnesota. The shrub roses are still blooming, the red coneflowers survived the original attack of the savage rabbits, and my purple sage seems to be happy. And for all these things I am grateful. I am also grateful for staying connected with friends via Facebook. I did drop off of Facebook after the results of last year’s election because I didn’t want to support the evil owner. However, now that Google, Comcast, Apple, and others all are supporting the evil empire, it is hard to completely disassociate with evil corporations. I still am boycotting Target though. Anyway, a Facebook friend (again, I won’t mention names, but if they read this, they will recognize themselves) reminded me of a site that our alma mater, Cal Berkeley offers. Greater Good In Action offers “science based practices for a meaningful life.” As part of their Big Joy Project and Pathway to Happiness program, they offer a guide to starting a Gratitude Journal. I’ve been keeping a mostly daily journal since I was 16. These journals will never reside in some historical society as they are mostly just a daily reflection and too many years were focused inwardly, not outwardly. And too often when I do go in search of some year to re-read them, I find I completely missed some major event! Or I even failed to report on my being part of a major event. However, I still write, maybe not every day, but I try to include things that have made me happy. OK, I do sometimes vent about what is going on in the world, but again, trying not to dwell on what I can’t control. Just adding my thoughts or actions on those things I can control. So, whatever works for you, the above link may help you get started in a daily practice that may help you find a source of joy. If you try it, come back and tell us how it went.
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