today

Today, I made a deadline.

Today, I remembered to stop and take some pictures.

Today, I bought myself a yummy lunch.

Today, I gave myself permission to veg... just a little bit.

Today, I stopped myself from going overboard on a new (unnecessary) project.

Today, I got through a difficult conversation with not too much difficulty.

Today, I stood in a blue tube. Because I could. Because it made me smile.

it was enough

It was my first day back from vacation. I wasn't entirely enthused about going into work. Mornings seem to be especially difficult this time of year. Darkness makes it hard for me to feel motivated to do anything but crawl back into bed.

However, it was a good day, and I'm grateful for that. Grateful that I saw some smiling faces. Grateful for the sushi lunch I bought myself. Grateful for the studded tires on my car, making my drive safer and easier. Grateful that my inbox, voice mailbox, and email inbox weren't too overwhelming.

It wasn't a fabulous day, but it didn't suck. Some days that has to be enough. Today, it was.

It's Sunday and I'm glad that...

... a friend called to update me (and check up on me).

... I had lunch and a great conversation with another friend.

... I'm having dinner (and hopefully a good conversation) with yet another friend.

... I have lots of energy today.

I am grateful for smiles big and little

a new year and some gratitude

I don't make New Year's resolutions. Why put all the pressure on one day, when you could make a change at any moment?

Of course, I resist making a change around a new year, as most people attribute it to the new year. I'm contrary like that.

One goal I'm thinking about making (even though it is close to the dreaded new year) is doing more things that directly relate to my happiness and satisfaction with life. I'm already doing a lot of this, but making it a clear goal seems important right now. And one specific goal would be being more appreciative of the good things that happen in my life, noticing the small moments of grace, and appreciating life in general.

To that end, here are two small, yet important, moments from a recent trip:

• I couldn't get the key out of the rental car, no matter what I did. I did, however, have friends and family to call. People that were supportive and helpful. They didn't help me get the key out or start the car (roadside assistance finally did), but they were an important part of my emotional support at the that time... and always.
  
• When my flight was diverted to another town, I unexpectedly had to spend the night away from home. I also, unexpectedly, needed $5 for a ferry ride. Except that I had only $3 in cash. As I walked up to the window, I asked the person in line in front of me how much it was, said something about not having cash... and before I could get to the window to ask if they took checks or credit cards, this stranger paid for my ferry ride. And he refused to take money from me the next day.
  

I think the reminder I got from these events was that, even when things aren't going exactly my way, there are still people in the world, friends and strangers, who are here to support and help me along the way. And that's an invaluable thing to have. Especially when travel plans go awry.