I’ve been practicing what I call The Delight of the Day. Each day I watch for moments that inspire a strong feeling of gratitude and joy within me. I mentally label the strongest such moment The Delight of the Day. The practice encourages what psychologists call “positive scanning.” I’m waiting for good things to happen and, when they do, I notice and celebrate them. The more I understand what brings me joy, the more I can reach for it.
I have many micro-relationships. It takes a village to care for a quadriplegic. People help me get out of bed and ready, get on the bus, get my coat off… The list goes on and on. I see some of those people every day so we have real relationships. I see some people for 10 minutes and then never again. That’s what I mean by micro-relationships.
This week I noticed how some folks manage, through their attitude, vocabulary and body language to tell me that they truly care about me as a person. A bus driver on Tuesday was definitely serving me chicken soup for the soul. He loaded me on the bus gently, checked in during the ride to make sure I was okay and sent me on my way with warm wishes. That’s who I want to be when I grow up!
How can you help those you encounter feel treasured?
Here are my Delights for this week:
My family and I attended Spamalot. Talent, generosity and silliness on display!
Spent an hour with two smart, enthusiastic eight-year-olds.
Talked with my coaching group about my new project and realized it is an exercise in self-compassion.
Enjoyed the caring of the bus driver mentioned above.
Watched a conversation between Brené Brown and Oprah Winfrey about vulnerability, courage and the meaning of life.
Made progress on my new e-book, Practicing Life as a Creative Experiment.
Worked with a nurse practitioner, being a grown-up self-advocate about a medication dosage.
May you move toward your joy and find delight in each day.
