I'm on top of the world. What about you?
Take Pen to Paper: Edition 34
Each day I answer a question in my 5-Year Journal.
A few weeks ago, the question was, “When was the last time you felt like you were on top of the world?”
This is my third year answering questions in the journal. Here are my answers for the first two years.
2021:
Five years ago, when I was in better physical condition.
2022:
Six years ago? I must change that. (I was referring to the previous year’s answer.)
It’s sad that those two answers, and the question that prompted them, weren’t enough to prompt me to make a change.
This year my answer was different. It’s not because I’m in better physical condition. Here’s what I wrote:
Lately, most days, because I have changed my approach to be present at whatever I’m doing.
If you’ve been reading my newsletter, you know I have recently retired and adopted the mantra of ‘slow down and be present.' Those are two excellent reasons for feeling on top of the world.
In reality, I started feeling on top of the world before retiring and adopting the mantra.
Journaling gratitude was the pivotal moment.
I began journaling gratitude almost three years ago. Within a month, I felt a change.
We are each in control of actions that make us feel on top of the world.
What actions, besides being present and/or journaling, make me feel on top of the world?
Kindness, both toward others and from others toward me
Satisfaction of a job well done
Knowing I’ve put forth your best effort
Spending quality time with loved ones
Knowing I’m are loved
Being out in nature
Sharing a laugh or a smile
My list goes on. We each have our reasons for feeling on top of the world.
Feeling on top of the world is not about feeling perfect all the time. It’s about feeling good in the moment.
When was the last time you felt on top of the world?
7 Days, 7 Thoughts on Gratitude and Good
The photo above never fails to make me smile. It also reminds me I put forth my best parenting effort, and these two fellows (then, the oldest almost four years and the youngest two months) grew into men I’m proud of.
The question-a-day journal mentioned is, Question & Answer a Day 5-Year Journal. This may be for you if you’re interested in a simple journaling habit. There are many different versions for you to consider. ✍
Journaling may not be the only way to change your state of mind. Check out this article on how we are affected by plants. 🌱
I am grateful for observations and questions that make me realize I have so much to be grateful for.
This is someone who is on top of the world. Click on it. The video is 10 seconds.
A quote: “A human happiness is never perfect, and as well constructed minds are never more sensible of the distresses of those whom they love, than when their own situation forms a contrast with them, …” - Walter Scott, The Heart of Mid-Lothian.
We often don’t take the time to realize we are living one of our dreams.
Thank you for reading!
Take the time to reflect on what makes you feel on top of the world. Make a list. Pursue one action daily. You are in control!
Please share your thoughts with me by leaving a comment.
And, of course, share this newsletter with someone you think will love it.
❤
-Susan
Each day is a blessing. Each day gets better!!💗