Please, no more Trump!
I’m tired of Trump. Despite the urge to follow the news entirely too closely, I am taking a timeout to focus on what makes me happy. You may find some of it useful, too.
- Pay Attention
This seems obvious but in our hurry-up, multi-tasking society, focusing on one thing at a time is hard to do. I came across this quote from Ruth Reichl, the food writer, that expresses the concept well: “We tend to waste our lives waiting for big moments, and there is a lot of joy to be found in small moments.”
2. Appreciate Your Family
Never underestimate the power of genetics. My siblings make fun of me for being over-organized, so this week I was gratified to see that Kamiko, our granddaughter, is a planner like I am. Below are her notes for her upcoming 8th birthday party. I particularly like that she has a “theme” and that “reading” is included as one of the activities.
Activity Plans
Theme and Guest List
3. Get Rid of Stuff You Don’t Need or Like
It’s impossible to “throw the bums out” of Congress for now but entirely possible to throw out or give away stuff you’ve been living with for no reason. It feels SO good to lighten up.
4. Read a Novel
Too often I spend my time reading news at the expense of what I really love to read: fiction. I have this crazy idea that in the daylight hours reading should be devoted to non-fiction and it’s a sin to sit down to read fiction until it’s dark outside. There are obvious flaws here. First, ditch the “sin” aspect. Second, fiction invites readers into different worlds with different problems and other perspectives—a good way to put daily life aside for a while. [Ed. note: This would be a good time to read my novel, Kiss Me Over the Garden Gate, if you haven’t already.]
5. Check Out Some Good Blogs
There are a few blogs I read regularly. I believe I have previously mentioned Cup of Jo by Joanna Goddard. It features links to architecture, fashion, food and other topics that interest me. I always take away something from it. Mind or Mirror, a blog by Jan Allinder Anestis is for those of us who are surprised that we’re aging and usually define old age as “one that exceeds your own by at least two decades.” Vanity Fair has a daily Hive that is just gossipy enough and very well written.
Have a Happier Week!
