Recently, Hubbs and I were listening to a podcast called "On Being" with Krista Tippett. In this particular episode she was interviewing Atul Gawande, surgeon and author of the book "Being Mortal" (an excellent book about the process of aging and dying - and how our approach to both might be so much healthier than it is at present.) During their conversation, they raised the question of what a "good day" means to any given person.
I thought about how I might answer this question. I thought about how my answer would have been different years ago than it is today. I suppose life has taught me that (to me) the simple things are what give me the most joy.
Although my life is full and I have much for which I hold gratitude, I believe I would still be happy in their absence.
Certainly, finding purpose in any given day helps me to live a fulfilled life. That sense of purpose has changed many times over the years and will continue to do so as I grow less young.
I have lived a rich life - blessed with loving parents, and a kind, generous, and loving partner. I have known the joy of motherhood (and the sorrows that sometimes go hand-in-hand), and the bonus gift of being a grandmother. I have known friendship. None of these were things to which I was entitled - I was just lucky enough to have experienced them. I have loved and lost loved ones, made mistakes and learned from them, and tried to stay on a continuum of being a better person than I was yesterday. Some days I fail - but I keep on trying.
Yes, this is what we are here to do - to live our lives, follow our paths with grace and gratitude - understanding that life is a gift no matter how it unfolds. We have but a moment, in the grand scheme of things, to leave our mark on this world. It is my hope to leave a sliver of positivity behind, when I am gone.
As I sit here on my front porch listening to the birds as they visit my feeder and the sound of children playing in the distance, a gentle breeze tickles my skin. Hubbs and the dogs nap close by and I am overwhelmed by the perfection of this single moment. I find peace in knowing that those I hold dear are (relatively) healthy and following their own busy paths. I have a heart filled with snapshots of other days and other times - happy memories of a good life.
What constitutes a good day for me? Just this single moment - right now - as it unfolds all around me in the natural world. Anything additional is a bonus.
How about you... what does a good day look like to you?
Comments
Take Care,
Kay
A good day is one where our 25 neighbors in the country do not fire their guns and scare my dogs. A good day is when my dogs can relax and be stress free from all the noise my neighbors make. It does not happen very often. A good day is when I can smile because my dogs are safe from fear.
A good day for me includes:
1. I wake up early. This includes some alone time to drink coffee and relax/read/watch the news before my day gets going.
2. I get outside. Ideally this includes a walk or two with the dogs. In the winter it could include ice fishing (and if I am motivated snowshoeing) and in the summer it could including working in the garden/yard, fishing, a bike ride, relaxing on the deck. Gathered around a small fire.
3. I complete a significant task or tasks. At work this would include include sending out a proposal or reviewing a report - but it needs to be something I can check off “the list.” On the personal side it might be snowblowing the driveway, mowing the lawn, baking bread, cleaning the kitchen, or completing a task on a home project.
4. I work to improve or I learn something new. This could be reading a book, curling practice, playing a guitar, or a trading class or learning new regulations at work.
5. I move my body. Walking, biking, exercise, physical labor…
6. I play. Curling, cards, sudoku…
7. I laugh. This could be something I read (I read the comics on the online paper every day), something I watch, or laughing with friends.
Thanks for getting me thinking!
Erik