When Should You Reflect To Discover Your Biggest Happiness? I decided to use my birthday.

Take Pen to Paper: Edition 30

“The biggest happiness is when at the end of the year you feel better than at the beginning.” -Henry David Thoreau

I know what you’re thinking.

“Isn’t that quote more suitable for the end of the year?”

It’s suitable, but not necessarily more suitable. This week I marked the end of a year - the end of another year in this world.

I hit a milestone birthday. It’s the birthday that results in the most mail in your life. (If you haven’t reached it, just wait.)

Picture the scene in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone when invitations to Hogwarts fly into Harry’s uncle’s house through the mail slot and chimney because Harry is turning eleven. (Min 2:50)

Only I didn’t turn eleven. I received the official card telling me I’m a senior.

Do I feel better today than I did a year ago? Definitely.

I could probably write a long list of why I feel better than last, but I’ll stick to the points most inspiring to share.

• I’ve embarked on new adventures. I started writing, specifically this newsletter, and I’m taking art lessons.

• I started journaling. This wasn’t on my radar at all. Now that I’ve discovered the benefits, I wonder why I didn’t start the habit long ago.

• I’ve continued working in an environment I love by volunteering. Others look at me like I’m crazy. I love the school environment. It’s a bonus to get added time with my granddaughter and help where I’m needed.

• I’ve continued to learn and share. Reading, writing, learning, connecting with others, all of these makes me feel alive. It’s good to feel alive.

These things make me happy. They give me purpose.

These are actions you can do for yourself.

No matter what year of your life you’re in, you can do one or more of the above. Maybe you’re already doing them. If not, start with an adventure you think you want to do.

If you are unsure what you want to do, start journaling. You’ll be surprised at what a written conversation with yourself will reveal.

You don’t have to use New Year’s or your birthday as reminders to reflect on your year, but they are handy.

Choose a day. Ask yourself, “Do I feel better than I did a year ago?”

Photo by S.G.S. Abel

7 Days, 7 Thoughts on Gratitude and Good

1. I wrote this essay when reflecting on another milestone birthday - my youngest granddaughter’s first. 🎈

2. I’m a fan of the Harry Potter series because author J.K. Rowling managed to end each book with a lesson and moral about characteristics that make a good person.

3. A quote: “Everyone reading this will have “before times.” These are certain markers in your past that represent an upheaval of who you were. Sometimes it might be sudden, such as a job offer or medical diagnosis. At other times, it will be more gradual, as with love. In each case these moments signal a remaking of who you are.” -Jonny Thomson. Watch more about this idea in this 8-minute video.

4. Watch this touching reaction to a birthday gift. 🎁

5. If I had a birthday party (mine was low-key), it would need music. I could go with the latest lineup featuring today’s artists I’m unfamiliar with (except for Jimin). Or we could take a trip back in time and dance to the music of my middle school years.

6. Any post about a birthday should include a story on the belly button.

7. I’m grateful for another year in this world. Life gets better and better.

I hope you look back on your year and feel the biggest happiness.

Thanks for reading!

❤

-Susan

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