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the monthly newsletter

(If you'd like this newsletter emailed each month, be sure to subscribe with an email address on the home page!)

The Happiness Challenge can still be found in the January dates (21 days, "creating lasting positive change."  Based on the TED Talk by Shawn Achor.  Watch the video below!)
The happy secret to better work

January 1, 2016

1/1/2016

 
  • Three gratitudes: 1—the laughter of my sons and their friend while watching YouTube videos after midnight; 2—my "spot" waiting for me at the Friendly Coffee Lounge this morning; 3—the support and camaraderie of the Platform Challenged group
  • Exercise: 25 minute brisk walk, dropped off my book in a local Little Free Library along the way
  • Meditation: Said a rosary with special intentions for my parents
  • Random Act of Kindness email: Not an email.  A text.
  • Journal about one positive experience in the past 24 hours:
Picture
This morning I was sipping a cup of coffee and talking about the details of a book release party.  This in itself could be a positive moment for journal reflection:  a BOOK RELEASE party!  Positive vibes all around, indeed, but what made this moment even more special is the fact that my brother walked in.  He does this every once in a while; he sees my Facebook post from the coffee house and pops in to say hello.  I actually remember the first time he popped in on me, at the dorms when I was in college.  Back then, it was awkward.  Prior to my twenties, I can't say that we had much of a relationship.  We were five years apart (six apart in school years), which is a substantial age difference when you're 10 & 15, a freshman in high school & a junior in college.  I can't say that I really knew Phil until I became an adult, and I probably didn't appreciate him until I became a parent.  He's made a great impact on my sons since the day each was born, becoming an integral part of their lives.  Some say it's because of the sports connection, but I see the bonds far beyond this.  He supports them in all that they do, and he supports me, too.  The last time he stepped through the door at the coffee shop, my students were performing their speech skits and doing a public reading of my poetry.  I was in disbelief that Phil was there.  With that in mind, I can't imagine that he'll ever read my book.  It's not his thing, and I completely get that, but he supports me in his pride for my accomplishing this goal, and he showed it when he stepped through the door at the coffee house again today, on New Years Day, to say hello.  I love you, Phil!

Maridee
1/1/2016 09:55:16 pm

Loved your Phil story. i can relate!

Geralyn
1/1/2016 10:58:04 pm

Thanks, Maridee! Happy New Year!

S. C. McCole
1/2/2016 02:47:01 pm

Great way to kick off the New Year! That's so refreshing to hear that you and your brother are closer now. Maybe there is hope for my son & daughter!

Geralyn
1/2/2016 11:53:28 pm

Ha! I have four brothers and one sister. They are all a year apart, and I came along four years later. My relationship with Phil is similar to my relationship with each of my siblings, and I could write reflections like this five times over. I'm blessed with an awesome family. And yes, there's hope for your son and daughter!


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