Sunday, January 30, 2011

Tiny Bubbles

Though life is made up of mere bubbles
'Tis better than many aver,
For while we've a whole lot of troubles
The most of them never occur.
Nixon Waterman

I spotted an interesting article called "20 Questions That Could Change Your Life" a few days ago--it recommended questions a woman should ask herself on a regular basis in order to have a full and happy life.

The last question listed is, basically, "Really, truly -- is this what I want to be doing? And what could I do to make this moment more delightful?" I was in my office on a Friday on the last of the week's day-long conference calls with people in distant time zones, my joints creaking from sitting way too long in one position, and I asked myself this question. I gazed around the office and my eyes settled on a tiny green plastic container shaped like a champagne bottle that I'd gotten as part of my 20-year work anniversary a year ago. I picked up the little bottle which held a soapy solution and had a tiny bubble-blowing wand attached to the inside of the cap.

As I continued to listen to the call, I blew bubbles, lots of bubbles, which floated briefly in the sunlight in my office like little beacons of joy. I glanced over at the small fountain I have on a corner of my desk surrounded by six tiny laughing buddhas. And I smiled.

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Why Am I Not Serene Yet?

     “Serenity is not freedom from the storm, but peace amid the storm”

One of my plans for the new year is to find a path toward greater serenity. Here are my top ten ways to become more serene:

10. Minding my own business rather than everybody else's.
9. Letting go of things I can't control.
8. Opening my mind to greater spirituality.
7. Counting my many blessings.
6. Taking care of myself with healthy food and exercise, and remembering to breathe.
5. Connecting with other people.
4. Focusing outside myself on ways I can be useful to others in need.
3. Listening to my heart to know what I want and need.
2. Spending time in fresh air, sunshine and nature.
1. Living in the moment rather than regretting the past or fearing the future.

Any others you want to add?