AisA Academy

Another Beginning December 12, 2020

What! It’s been almost a year since writing?

I seem to have deleted my other ancient blog, Wealth is Not the Problem. I marvel at how difficult it is for me at times to let go of things from the past – even when better things have come into my life.

I’ve not been writing here. Instead I have been writing a few lines a day in a %-year journal. Alsomst though a full year and I ‘m looking forward to filling in the 2nd year and commparing where I am now to where I was a year ago.

Another way of holding on to the past?

3 Good Things January 12, 2019

From yesterday:

1. Object writing with my daughter (who lives 2304 miles away in Nashville, but who’s counting.)
2. 12 hours yesterday without internet or phone – and so much reading accomplished!
3. Stash Licorice Spice tea

3 Good Things January 10, 2019

Short and (hopefully) sweet today.

1. Jon was home for the morning – and though we both were busy with our respective work, it’s always wonderful to share the house with him.
2. Lucille (my 96+ year old mother-in-law) was awake for the whole 4-hour visit this afternoon, and we had a delightful chat about our past, present and future.
3. Capped off the day with a bluff-top walk by the ocean with my good, and long-time, friend Lezlee. The waves were huge, rough and thunderous, visible through a blue-grey post-rainstorm misty dusk.

Gratitude January 7, 2019

Yesterday I read a fascinating research paper which looked at how fostering gratitude affects psychological and physical well-being. The conclusion of the study suggested “that a conscious focus on blessings may have emotional and interpersonal benefits.” The study is from 2003, so I am helping further searching will lead me to more scientific work on this topic.

“Counting Blessing Versus Burdens: an Experimental Investigation of Gratitude and Subjective Well-Being in Daily Life.” R. Emmons and M. McCullough J Per Soc Psych 2003, Vol 84, No. 2 , 377-389

Until then – I plan to continue the practice of finding 3 Good Things every day.

From yesterday:

1. Spending time with my 96 1/2 year old mother-in-law.
2. A much needed California rainstorm (complete with lightening, a rarity in this part of the country).
3. Sam Harris’ meditation app – Waking Up.

From today:

1. Making mesophilic yogurt (high in Vit. K2) with raw milk and my new cultures
2. A glimpse of sunshine between winter storms
3. Staying warm with my new favorite tea, Tumeric Spice from Samovar.

Back! January 4, 2019

Today is January 3, 2019.

I’ve been away a long time. Years! Full of good stuff, hard stuff, and some bad stuff too.

What brings me back is the practice I implemented here years ago – Three Good Things.

Recent reading on the positive affects of gratitude on health reminded me and inspired me to return.

So – for today:

Three Goods Things (that I am grateful for):

1. An incredible sunset viewed from my deck.
2. A fire in my fireplace bringing warmth and light and a sense of “hominess” to my living room.
3. A quiet day spent packing up Christmas and then reading a book long on my “to read” list.

I have no idea if any of my former blog friends are still out there somewhere. Hope you are and that you will chime in.

What good things are happening in your lives?

Looking forward to my best year ever!