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Tomorrow I’ll celebrate yet another trip around the sun with the gratitude for my many blessings that has become the hallmark of my new life. In previous years, I’ve also used the milestone as an opportunity to reflect on the previous year, with an emphasis on all of the improvements I’ve made or the things I’ve accomplished. And, because I was rebuilding this phoenix from the ashes, I believe that approach served to encourage me and validate my hard work. Then. This year I f

A week in which I doubled down on my resolution to resist despair. As the weeks wear on and the atrocities continue, I’m finding it increasingly difficult not to worry or lose hope. Not to wake up saying “it’s going to be a great day” but thinking “oh, fuck”. So I’m ramping up my efforts to accentuate the minor joys and tiny rays of light in my world. It feels pretty insignificant, but it’s the best I can do right now.   Ways I Found Joy This Week Spontaneously stopping at a

A week in which going with the flow led to impromptu adventures and so much contentment. Ways I Found Joy This Week Hosting girls’ movie night Refreshing my “fairy hair” Dispelling my anxiety and anger about current events with action by writing postcards for democracy Whiling away a Sunday afternoon at a leisurely brunch under the trees with old friends Walking Juno Beach and collecting shells on a windy, overcast day Making a spontaneous expedition to the Breakers and getti

A week in which I was bathed in an abundance of loving connection. Visits from far-flung friends, precious extra time with the CWP (silver linings!), chance encounters in the neighborhood and my daily rounds. Reminding me that there is an extra boost we get from nourishing ourselves with in-person connection. While this week’s boon was unplanned, it’s inspired me to make more of an effort in that regard.     Ways I Found Joy This Week Breakfasting (and usually laughing) eve

A week in which staying in the moment transformed each ordinary day into a peaceful, satisfying tile in the mosaic of a happy life. Finally, slowly, I’m truly absorbing the knowledge that I don’t have to be producing, or doing, to be worthy. Also, a week in which the temperatures dropped precipitously again, providing plenty of opportunity for fresh air and outdoor exercise (as well as gratitude that I no longer live in a blizzard zone).   Ways I Found Joy This Week Having a

A week in which I got intentional about metaphorically and literally shedding all that no longer serves me as the Year of the Snake drew to a close. Leaving me poised to gallop into the Year of the Fire Horse, which began Tuesday. It may just be the power of suggestion, but I’m feeling hopeful about leaving behind what felt like the suspended animation of the last few months and charging ahead into a juicier life. Stay tuned.   Ways I Found Joy This Week Stopping for lunch at

I climbed into bed with a half-smile and my heart singing. This was such a good day. As I mentally compiled my gratitude list, it became...