Here is where I will keep an open journal of my 21 days to happiness journey.
You can read the full article on my blog. Below is what I'll write about each day. Scroll down to find the date, deeds, and notes or reflections as I continue my journey.
- Each day write three words of gratitude for the day, either in the morning for the day ahead or in the evening for the things you were grateful for that day.
- Write one journal entry of a positive experience for the day.
- Find 10 to 20 minutes each day to exercise, whether that is a walk, yoga class, or all-out workout
- Meditate for 5 to 10 minutes a day, increasing to 20 to 30 minutes a day. Use an app on your cell phone or combine the meditation with a morning walk (exercise and meditation)
- Complete one random -- or conscious -- act of kindness everyday. Shawn Anchor proposes writing a thank you note via email or social media to someone in your social circle. I believe you can practice a random act of kindness almost anywhere. But, if it's easier, write a thank you to someone you know.
January 27, 2018
Day 17
Words of Gratitude:
Johnny Cash
Tripod
Superfast
(see FB post)
Positive Experience of the Day(s):
I had a very stress-free day. I love those days when nothing goes one way or the other. I also love those days when I can detach myself from what is going on around me.
Exercise:
Running up and down the ski slope.
Meditation:
Twenty minute before bed meditation.
Random Act of Kindness:
I sent an email to my parents wishing them well -- they've been sick!
January 26, 2018
Day 16
Words of Gratitude:
Limited traffic
School
Assertiveness
Positive Experience of the Day(s):
Oddly enough it was when my windshield wiper fluid un-froze, un-stuck, or whatever it did to begin working again. I didn't have it in me to bring my vehicle to the repair shop for non-working wiper fluid!
Exercise:
Very little...I did get a short walk in with Theodore late in the afternoon.
Meditation:
I don't think I truly meditated today.
Random Act of Kindness:
When filling up with gas, I had trouble swiping my card, so I went to the "island" to pre-pay for my gas. I thought I had paid for my gas, but when the pump shut off at $15 I knew I had not paid for my gas. The man at the pump next to mine told me I hit the gas jackpot! Of course he was joking. I went into the store and we sorted things out. The woman who did pay for the $15 of gas was extraordinarily grateful. I like to think that all of us would make sure to pay for what we take, but I can see how this situation could have played out differently. I really liked the lady -- she was eccentric. I love eccentric!
January 21 - 25, 2018
Days 11 - 15
Guess what? I'm not perfect. Here's some catch-up
Words of Gratitude:
Time
Freedom
Theodore -- I know it's a repeat
Thankfulness
Forgiveness
Positive Experience of the Day(s):
I'm in a really good place right now. I feel that I'm doing my part in my part of the world to make it better, brighter, and freer. Things just happen. I've met some amazing people. Learned of new places in my little town that I never knew existed. I'm getting stronger everyday. I'm happy.
Exercise:
My "regime" is swimming two times a week for 2500 yards, working out with the class I'm teaching two times a week, skiing 2 to 3 days a week. And, of course, walking Theodore. He's still loving this!
Meditation:
I've been doing the Breathe app meditations morning and night. I'm definitely not into the emails from the app creators, but they've found their place in my spam box. Two days ago, I did the 4-minute morning intention meditation. The word that came to mind was forgiveness. I'm sitting with that word now.
Random Act of Kindness:
Selfishly, it's all about me. Last year I had five surgeries. I was "down" more than six months. The remaining months I was traveling mostly for work. Yes. I traveled to some AMAZING places. But I feel so broken. My body doesn't work. I'm limping a lot. My stomach's been sucked clean and my abs are still in shock. While the muscles in my chest are recovering and doing really well, I have little feeling and often a bit of stabbing pain. I believe that being kind to ourselves is where we need to start. I'm a really incredible person. I can do anything. I once attended a seminar where we were each given a candle. In an interior conference room without a single window, each candle was lit and the room was full of light. We were asked to blow out our candles, except for a handful of pre-selected people. The room went dark with just flickering light where a candle still burned. The speaker said that we walk in a world of darkness if we are not doing our part -- holding our light. The lesson I'm learning during these 21 Days to Happiness is that my light has been extinguished for so long I forgot how to light the candle. So when I say "it's all about me", it is and it isn't. I'm finding that the people around me are so much brighter when I'm brighter. I'm finding that when my random act of kindness is being kind to myself it penetrates through unpenetrable walls. My food for happy thoughts is to take care of you.
January 19, 2018
Day 10
Three Words of Gratitude:
New snow
Soft moguls
Phone support
Positive Experience of the Day:
I got an "on the house" beer from a new friend.
Exercise:
Skiing moguls for 1.5 hours, walking Theodore 4.1 miles.
Meditation:
Breathe app for 5-min meditation.
Random Act of Kindness:
I found out it was my old neighbors birthday. I knocked on his door and asked if I could buy him a beer (or kombucha) :)
January 18, 2018
Day 9
Three Words of Gratitude:
Jelly Beans
Slow-ness
Kindness
Positive Experience of the Day:
I finally figured out how to work the page builder on my WP site. I had a wonderful phone support tutor who was over zealous to help me out! I really appreciated her.
Exercise:
"Speed" walking Theodore 2 miles.
Meditation:
Walking meditation while walking Theodore -- by the river.
Random Act of Kindness:
I formed a single line at the grocery store instead of the usual choose-the-"fastest"-line method. It was much more efficient, however a break from what was usual. After about five of us were in line, a woman came to the front and looked at all of us and said "you don't mind if I just start a new line?" I said to the lady that we were all waiting in line -- she would be cutting in front of five people who were all clearly ahead of her. She went to the end in a huff.
So where's the act of kindness? Maybe some would say that the act would have been to let her cut in front. I argue that the act of kindness was being true to myself and the other five women already waiting in a single line. Yes, it was different than what is normally done at that store, but in the end the amount of time waiting in cue was the same. There were only two registers and each of us got a turn.
I believe that a Random Act of Kindness begins with you and emanates outward. I also believe there is a very big difference between sticking up for yourself and being stuck on yourself.
January 17, 2018
Day 8
Three Words of Gratitude:
Jelly Beans
Slow-ness
Kindness
Positive Experience of the Day:
I thought I needed to purchase a new hands-free device for my phone while I was driving. I went to the local Verizon and was basically told I was stupid for owning an iPhone. I purchased a headset anyway. On my way back to the car, I thought about how I connect my music on my phone to the speakers in my car. I tried this out and placed a call. I discovered I have built in hands free! Yippee! I returned the headset immediately. The same sales clerk asked why I was returning it. I said because I didn't need it, which is the truth.
I then went to my local health food store, New Moon. I found Urban Moonshine bitters and met a lovely lady in line.
Exercise:
Swimming 2500 yards, walking Theodore 3 miles.
Meditation:
Breathe app for 5-min meditation.
Random Act of Kindness:
I sent a miss you FB post to a friend that I honestly miss. Colorado was not my favorite state, but I met some amazing people. I wish that I could see all my friends in person and just make continuous loops around the globe doing so.
January 16, 2018
Day 7
Three Words of Gratitude:
Hope
Promise
Future
Positive Experience of the Day:
For date night I went to the movies. Instead of buying popcorn, I opted for a burrito from the local Northstar Village burrito shop. My burrito "mixologist" was so nice. I highly recommend the shop and will fill in the name of the shop soon ;)
Exercise:
Five mile walk with Theodore. Did I tell you he really is loving this?
Meditation:
Five-minute meditation using the Breathe app.
Random Act of Kindness:
Today my random act of kindness was for myself. I have been beating my head against the wall trying to make a WP theme work because I really wanted it to work. Today, I asked for a refund. That made me very happy...and relieved.
January 15, 2018
Day 6
Three Words of Gratitude:
Exercise classes
New friends
Signs of spring -- I know, odd. it is actually January
Positive Experience of the Day:
Definitely my exercise class. I have not trained like that in awhile. It was really great.
Exercise:
Swimming 2500 yards. Cardio, Strength, Core class for an hour, 3.7 mile walk with Theodore on the Legacy Trail and to the fire lookout.
Meditation:
Walking meditation with Theodore up to the fire lookout.
Random Act of Kindness:
I don't know as that I had a random act of kindness, but it I did, it was putting Theodore on a sit stay on the Legacy Trail as these two ladies walked by. They were appreciative and even commented on how well behaved young Theo was. I guess the lesson here is that when you begin a journey like this, random acts of kindness take a new form and become a habit, rather than an actual conscious thought.
January 14, 2018
Day 5
Three Words of Gratitude:
Electricity (my was out this morning)
Indoor plumbing (although I do like a good tree with a view)
Tiny House Living on Pinterest
Positive Experience of the Day:
Many years ago I worked for a ski area in Tahoe. It was a rough time in the history of the resort and a lot of us were affected by what happened. During that time, I think we all said and did things that we otherwise may not have wanted or meant to say and do. We turned on each other when we should have turned towards each other. But then riding in bullet-proof cars was an experience I never thought I'd have! Today, I ran into one of the people from that time. It was actually really good to see him and catch up. Today's experience taught me that the past really is just that -- the past. And, because of our chance meeting and conversation I learned something super valuable. As we get older we shrink so that it's easier to pick things up off the ground! I always loved his sense of humor.
Exercise:
Forty-five minute walk with Theodore. He really is loving this :)
Meditation:
Twenty-minute meditation using the Breathe app.
Random Act of Kindness:
I don't know how to do this any other way but through this blog, but my random active of kindness is saying thank you to the people that have come into my life, stayed in my life for a short while or for a lifetime. I have learned so much from all of you.
January 13, 2018
Day 4
Three Words of Gratitiude:
Sale!
Ski Racing
Blue Cheese
Positive Experience of the Day:
There were several today, but I'm sticking with selling my couch and dinette. I'm in the middle of a tiny house conversion project and now that those things are sold, I can move to the next phase of the project!
Exercise:
Skiing and walking up and down the ski slope filming ski racers. Short -- very short -- walk with Theodore :)
Meditation:
Five-minute meditation using the Breathe app.
Random Act of Kindness:
Wrote a Yelp review (my first one!) for Village Market in Incline Village, NV. They have amazing customer service, a great selection. I love going there!
January 12, 2018
Day 3
Three Words of Gratitude:
Work
Play
Technical Support
Positive Experience of the Day:
I'm building a WP website which can make for a lot of frustration. Technical help was AMAZING!
Exercise:
Two walks with Theodore :) He's loving this challenge!
Meditation:
I used the Breath app "Sweet Dreams" 20 minute meditation before bed last night. I fell asleep and slept very soundly and comfortably using the app.
Random Act of Kindness:
Sent email to Jeff thanking him for spending his time with me. We have a choice who to spend our time with and I do appreciate his kindness.
January 11, 2018
Day 2
Three Words of Gratitude:
Snow
Skiing
Free time
Positive Experience of the Day:
Today was amazing in the pool. It was hard, tearful, and beautiful all at the same time. I know that if I will ever get back to where I once was it will start where it all began -- in the water. I love swimming.
Exercise:
Swimming for one hour, skiing for three hours, walking Theodore for one hour+.
Meditation:
Admittedly still a challenge. Today it was more about being in each moment fully. Cooking Theodore's food, skiing without falling (not allowed to fall), listening to music.
Random Act of Kindness:
FB message to my friend in New Jersey for being my biggest cheerleader for swimming. She believed I was an amazing swimmer and today I was an amazing swimmer.
January 10, 2018
Day 17
Words of Gratitude:
Johnny Cash
Tripod
Superfast
(see FB post)
Positive Experience of the Day(s):
I had a very stress-free day. I love those days when nothing goes one way or the other. I also love those days when I can detach myself from what is going on around me.
Exercise:
Running up and down the ski slope.
Meditation:
Twenty minute before bed meditation.
Random Act of Kindness:
I sent an email to my parents wishing them well -- they've been sick!
January 26, 2018
Day 16
Words of Gratitude:
Limited traffic
School
Assertiveness
Positive Experience of the Day(s):
Oddly enough it was when my windshield wiper fluid un-froze, un-stuck, or whatever it did to begin working again. I didn't have it in me to bring my vehicle to the repair shop for non-working wiper fluid!
Exercise:
Very little...I did get a short walk in with Theodore late in the afternoon.
Meditation:
I don't think I truly meditated today.
Random Act of Kindness:
When filling up with gas, I had trouble swiping my card, so I went to the "island" to pre-pay for my gas. I thought I had paid for my gas, but when the pump shut off at $15 I knew I had not paid for my gas. The man at the pump next to mine told me I hit the gas jackpot! Of course he was joking. I went into the store and we sorted things out. The woman who did pay for the $15 of gas was extraordinarily grateful. I like to think that all of us would make sure to pay for what we take, but I can see how this situation could have played out differently. I really liked the lady -- she was eccentric. I love eccentric!
January 21 - 25, 2018
Days 11 - 15
Guess what? I'm not perfect. Here's some catch-up
Words of Gratitude:
Time
Freedom
Theodore -- I know it's a repeat
Thankfulness
Forgiveness
Positive Experience of the Day(s):
I'm in a really good place right now. I feel that I'm doing my part in my part of the world to make it better, brighter, and freer. Things just happen. I've met some amazing people. Learned of new places in my little town that I never knew existed. I'm getting stronger everyday. I'm happy.
Exercise:
My "regime" is swimming two times a week for 2500 yards, working out with the class I'm teaching two times a week, skiing 2 to 3 days a week. And, of course, walking Theodore. He's still loving this!
Meditation:
I've been doing the Breathe app meditations morning and night. I'm definitely not into the emails from the app creators, but they've found their place in my spam box. Two days ago, I did the 4-minute morning intention meditation. The word that came to mind was forgiveness. I'm sitting with that word now.
Random Act of Kindness:
Selfishly, it's all about me. Last year I had five surgeries. I was "down" more than six months. The remaining months I was traveling mostly for work. Yes. I traveled to some AMAZING places. But I feel so broken. My body doesn't work. I'm limping a lot. My stomach's been sucked clean and my abs are still in shock. While the muscles in my chest are recovering and doing really well, I have little feeling and often a bit of stabbing pain. I believe that being kind to ourselves is where we need to start. I'm a really incredible person. I can do anything. I once attended a seminar where we were each given a candle. In an interior conference room without a single window, each candle was lit and the room was full of light. We were asked to blow out our candles, except for a handful of pre-selected people. The room went dark with just flickering light where a candle still burned. The speaker said that we walk in a world of darkness if we are not doing our part -- holding our light. The lesson I'm learning during these 21 Days to Happiness is that my light has been extinguished for so long I forgot how to light the candle. So when I say "it's all about me", it is and it isn't. I'm finding that the people around me are so much brighter when I'm brighter. I'm finding that when my random act of kindness is being kind to myself it penetrates through unpenetrable walls. My food for happy thoughts is to take care of you.
January 19, 2018
Day 10
Three Words of Gratitude:
New snow
Soft moguls
Phone support
Positive Experience of the Day:
I got an "on the house" beer from a new friend.
Exercise:
Skiing moguls for 1.5 hours, walking Theodore 4.1 miles.
Meditation:
Breathe app for 5-min meditation.
Random Act of Kindness:
I found out it was my old neighbors birthday. I knocked on his door and asked if I could buy him a beer (or kombucha) :)
January 18, 2018
Day 9
Three Words of Gratitude:
Jelly Beans
Slow-ness
Kindness
Positive Experience of the Day:
I finally figured out how to work the page builder on my WP site. I had a wonderful phone support tutor who was over zealous to help me out! I really appreciated her.
Exercise:
"Speed" walking Theodore 2 miles.
Meditation:
Walking meditation while walking Theodore -- by the river.
Random Act of Kindness:
I formed a single line at the grocery store instead of the usual choose-the-"fastest"-line method. It was much more efficient, however a break from what was usual. After about five of us were in line, a woman came to the front and looked at all of us and said "you don't mind if I just start a new line?" I said to the lady that we were all waiting in line -- she would be cutting in front of five people who were all clearly ahead of her. She went to the end in a huff.
So where's the act of kindness? Maybe some would say that the act would have been to let her cut in front. I argue that the act of kindness was being true to myself and the other five women already waiting in a single line. Yes, it was different than what is normally done at that store, but in the end the amount of time waiting in cue was the same. There were only two registers and each of us got a turn.
I believe that a Random Act of Kindness begins with you and emanates outward. I also believe there is a very big difference between sticking up for yourself and being stuck on yourself.
January 17, 2018
Day 8
Three Words of Gratitude:
Jelly Beans
Slow-ness
Kindness
Positive Experience of the Day:
I thought I needed to purchase a new hands-free device for my phone while I was driving. I went to the local Verizon and was basically told I was stupid for owning an iPhone. I purchased a headset anyway. On my way back to the car, I thought about how I connect my music on my phone to the speakers in my car. I tried this out and placed a call. I discovered I have built in hands free! Yippee! I returned the headset immediately. The same sales clerk asked why I was returning it. I said because I didn't need it, which is the truth.
I then went to my local health food store, New Moon. I found Urban Moonshine bitters and met a lovely lady in line.
Exercise:
Swimming 2500 yards, walking Theodore 3 miles.
Meditation:
Breathe app for 5-min meditation.
Random Act of Kindness:
I sent a miss you FB post to a friend that I honestly miss. Colorado was not my favorite state, but I met some amazing people. I wish that I could see all my friends in person and just make continuous loops around the globe doing so.
January 16, 2018
Day 7
Three Words of Gratitude:
Hope
Promise
Future
Positive Experience of the Day:
For date night I went to the movies. Instead of buying popcorn, I opted for a burrito from the local Northstar Village burrito shop. My burrito "mixologist" was so nice. I highly recommend the shop and will fill in the name of the shop soon ;)
Exercise:
Five mile walk with Theodore. Did I tell you he really is loving this?
Meditation:
Five-minute meditation using the Breathe app.
Random Act of Kindness:
Today my random act of kindness was for myself. I have been beating my head against the wall trying to make a WP theme work because I really wanted it to work. Today, I asked for a refund. That made me very happy...and relieved.
January 15, 2018
Day 6
Three Words of Gratitude:Exercise classes
New friends
Signs of spring -- I know, odd. it is actually January
Positive Experience of the Day:
Definitely my exercise class. I have not trained like that in awhile. It was really great.
Exercise:
Swimming 2500 yards. Cardio, Strength, Core class for an hour, 3.7 mile walk with Theodore on the Legacy Trail and to the fire lookout.
Meditation:
Walking meditation with Theodore up to the fire lookout.
Random Act of Kindness:
I don't know as that I had a random act of kindness, but it I did, it was putting Theodore on a sit stay on the Legacy Trail as these two ladies walked by. They were appreciative and even commented on how well behaved young Theo was. I guess the lesson here is that when you begin a journey like this, random acts of kindness take a new form and become a habit, rather than an actual conscious thought.
January 14, 2018
Day 5
Three Words of Gratitude:
Electricity (my was out this morning)
Indoor plumbing (although I do like a good tree with a view)
Tiny House Living on Pinterest
Positive Experience of the Day:
Many years ago I worked for a ski area in Tahoe. It was a rough time in the history of the resort and a lot of us were affected by what happened. During that time, I think we all said and did things that we otherwise may not have wanted or meant to say and do. We turned on each other when we should have turned towards each other. But then riding in bullet-proof cars was an experience I never thought I'd have! Today, I ran into one of the people from that time. It was actually really good to see him and catch up. Today's experience taught me that the past really is just that -- the past. And, because of our chance meeting and conversation I learned something super valuable. As we get older we shrink so that it's easier to pick things up off the ground! I always loved his sense of humor.
Exercise:
Forty-five minute walk with Theodore. He really is loving this :)
Meditation:
Twenty-minute meditation using the Breathe app.
Random Act of Kindness:
I don't know how to do this any other way but through this blog, but my random active of kindness is saying thank you to the people that have come into my life, stayed in my life for a short while or for a lifetime. I have learned so much from all of you.
January 13, 2018
Day 4
Three Words of Gratitiude:
Sale!
Ski Racing
Blue Cheese
Positive Experience of the Day:
There were several today, but I'm sticking with selling my couch and dinette. I'm in the middle of a tiny house conversion project and now that those things are sold, I can move to the next phase of the project!
Exercise:
Skiing and walking up and down the ski slope filming ski racers. Short -- very short -- walk with Theodore :)
Meditation:
Five-minute meditation using the Breathe app.
Random Act of Kindness:
Wrote a Yelp review (my first one!) for Village Market in Incline Village, NV. They have amazing customer service, a great selection. I love going there!
January 12, 2018
Day 3
Three Words of Gratitude:
Work
Play
Technical Support
Positive Experience of the Day:
I'm building a WP website which can make for a lot of frustration. Technical help was AMAZING!
Exercise:
Two walks with Theodore :) He's loving this challenge!
Meditation:
I used the Breath app "Sweet Dreams" 20 minute meditation before bed last night. I fell asleep and slept very soundly and comfortably using the app.
Random Act of Kindness:
Sent email to Jeff thanking him for spending his time with me. We have a choice who to spend our time with and I do appreciate his kindness.
January 11, 2018
Day 2
Three Words of Gratitude:
Snow
Skiing
Free time
Positive Experience of the Day:
Today was amazing in the pool. It was hard, tearful, and beautiful all at the same time. I know that if I will ever get back to where I once was it will start where it all began -- in the water. I love swimming.
Exercise:
Swimming for one hour, skiing for three hours, walking Theodore for one hour+.
Meditation:
Admittedly still a challenge. Today it was more about being in each moment fully. Cooking Theodore's food, skiing without falling (not allowed to fall), listening to music.
Random Act of Kindness:
FB message to my friend in New Jersey for being my biggest cheerleader for swimming. She believed I was an amazing swimmer and today I was an amazing swimmer.
January 10, 2018
Day 1
Three Words of Gratitude:
Theodore
Handiness
Rain
Handiness
Rain
Positive Experience for the Day:
I have been in a tremendous amount of pain. Yesterday I went swimming and when I got out of the water, I was very sore. Today, I was not...other than my foot. But my body felt good.
Exercise:
Two walks with Theodore, one for an hour, the other for 15 minutes.
Meditation:
Ironically, this one is hard for me. I dismantled my back room by unscrewing each board and carefully removing each piece. Once all of the pieces were outside, I took a sledgehammer to each breaking apart each board one by one. The meticulousness of the entire process was very meditative. The project took two hours.
Random Act of Kindness:
I sent an email to my mom thanking her for taking care of me while I recovered from two of the five surgeries I had last year.
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