These days, she “collects happiness,” an exercise she learned in a senior year psychology class. . . .
It’s simple: make a list every day of five things about which you’re happy. For Mahtob, one day that included cleaning out the vegetable drawer in the fridge. Another day, she viewed an old man and old woman talking and so obviously in love. One time it was a grandpa pulling a little girl in a wagon.
From this exercise, she learned a lifelong lesson.
“We all face challenges in our life, we all go through difficult times. I really believe our attitude, more than anything else, determines the outcome. Collecting happiness is all about attitudes. Every time I turned a corner, there was something else,” Mahtob said.
So, here I'm following her example, as I continue my gift list. This time it's just five things from today.
671. Bright sunshine all day!
672. Watching sparrows take dust baths
673. Visiting someone from church
674. Cut flowers with a little bird in them
675. Asya's response to the little bird: she thinks it's real and is in awe!
If you want to share a collection from your day, please comment.
8 comments:
1. Weather cold, but sunny!
2. My wonderful children and grandchildren!
3. Being able to volunteer at the Preg. Resource Center
4. The beauty of the world around me
5. Girl Scout Cookies!
Love y'all! Baba Julie
1. Caiden joyfully exclaiming, "She's awake" of her new little sister.
2.breakfast as a family of 4 this morning.
3. Nursing Addison as often and long as she wants.
4. Taking naps today because Jeff has Caiden at work.
5. That Addison burps in twos every time! :)
I collect happiness every time I read your blog! And tomorrow I'll collect more because Aunt Lindy, Uncle Bruce, R.B. and Will arrive in FL. It could only be happier if you were all here.
Love you all!
Aunt Mary Dru
1. Caleb and Abigail playing so well together and Caleb exclaiming that Abigail is his friend and he really loves her.
2. A beautiful sunny day,the sun shining brightly into the kids' room.
3. The excitement on Abigail's face when we go outside.
4. A really good conversation with Jon over breakfast.
5. God's love and how Caleb talks often about Jesus.
Thanks for the story. I love keeping gifts lists. It has been a real blessing to me.
1. Watching the rain pour down all day long. (We need rain in CA.)
2. Being engaged.
3. Help with wedding planning. (Any tips, Phyllis?) :)
4. Having great coworkers.
5. The rainbow I saw this morning briefly. Good, clean fun. :)
Love, Candie
Thank you so much for sharing your happinesses! They multiply mine. :-)
(Candie, I have one word of advice in wedding planning: ELOPE!)
this is belated from all the others! but here are mine:
(1)understanding the "faith without works is dead" passage in James class today for the first time:)
(2)singing Amazing Grace in Mr. Seymour's Theology class
(3)wearing cowboy boots with a fun skirt
(4)walking,bundled up, in the wind and snow
(5)talking to dad on the phone:)
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