What a beautiful, summer day. What? Wait a second now here. Summer is still a month away. This is springtime. Where has it gone? Where are the rains? But since we can turn off the heat and wake up to comfortable days, reminders, reminding me of so many youthful days, well I had better quit complaining. These weather patterns are bringing happiness. I will enjoy the days.
A couple of months ago I read, actually read a book from start to finish, called Atomic Habits from James Clear. (If you want to know about it, ask me.) He also sends out a newsletter every Thursday called “3-2-1: On character, the process of improvement, and mastering one thing.” It involves three quotes from himself, two quotes from people with great things to say, and one question. The question is for you, the person who received the newsletter. This week’s question brought a smile.
What is a small pleasure
that brings me great joy?
Can I enjoy it today?
Aside from a memory of waking up in a friend’s house and feeling at home, I immediately thought of a daily thing that brings great joy. Every day. After writing Morning Pages, after checking my phone (no emails today), checking the backlog of emails from overnight, after taking my blood pressure and my morning meds, after those things my wife is usually getting up.
So I grind some and light the stove. Put on a Moka pot of what will be coffee. Make a pair of flat black coffees. We sit down on the couch and drink it together. That morning coffee with my wife is a daily pleasure.
Yes, I can enjoy it today.
What about you? What small thing can you do that will bring you joy?
— MichaelRpdx