"Today is a good day for a good day."
I don't know the origin of this quote, but I've been repeating it often of late. I first heard it used on an HGTV series, Fixer Upper, with Chip and Joanna Gaines. It not only makes me smile, but reminds me to declare each day as a new possibility, regardless of the state of the preceding day.
It's not that I'm into denial. I certainly know bad things happen to good people. I believe we are in for some rough years ahead with the division in this country and threats around the world. I understand full well that "aging is no place for sissies." I face reality every time John needs another transfusion or I hear about another Trump nomination.
In order to have some good days in spite of all that, however, I am focusing on what I/we can control. I read my news from a source I trust. I call my representatives to express my opinions and concerns. I take appropriate surveys. I try to influence others to do the same. I make sure we stay in regular communication with the cancer clinic. I learn as much as I can digest about John's condition so that we do our part in his treatment.
And I repeat, sometimes more than once a day, "today is a good day for a good day." It reminds me to focus on those things and those thoughts that contribute to a good day. For me, that includes spending time with John. It includes contacting a friend, taking time to journal and to read something inspirational. (Right now, that's The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle.) It includes limiting negative news as much as possible, whether on TV or Facebook. And spending time on a project whose completion brings me satisfaction, like simplifying our home or drawing.
It also includes watching something entertaining on TV. When I had cancer some years ago, I watched every Fred Astaire or Gene Kelley film I could find. I know every lyric to the songs of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and can quote much of the dialog of The Princess Bride and The Wizard of Oz. And I confess, I'm a sucker for Hallmark movies, especially over the holidays.
I could wish I had come across this quote years ago. It might have made some difficult periods in my life easier to endure, but I suspect I might not have had the wisdom to appreciate and use it. For now, therefore, I am adding this quote to tonight's list of gratitudes, followed by "it has been a good day!"
It's not that I'm into denial. I certainly know bad things happen to good people. I believe we are in for some rough years ahead with the division in this country and threats around the world. I understand full well that "aging is no place for sissies." I face reality every time John needs another transfusion or I hear about another Trump nomination.
In order to have some good days in spite of all that, however, I am focusing on what I/we can control. I read my news from a source I trust. I call my representatives to express my opinions and concerns. I take appropriate surveys. I try to influence others to do the same. I make sure we stay in regular communication with the cancer clinic. I learn as much as I can digest about John's condition so that we do our part in his treatment.
And I repeat, sometimes more than once a day, "today is a good day for a good day." It reminds me to focus on those things and those thoughts that contribute to a good day. For me, that includes spending time with John. It includes contacting a friend, taking time to journal and to read something inspirational. (Right now, that's The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle.) It includes limiting negative news as much as possible, whether on TV or Facebook. And spending time on a project whose completion brings me satisfaction, like simplifying our home or drawing.
It also includes watching something entertaining on TV. When I had cancer some years ago, I watched every Fred Astaire or Gene Kelley film I could find. I know every lyric to the songs of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and can quote much of the dialog of The Princess Bride and The Wizard of Oz. And I confess, I'm a sucker for Hallmark movies, especially over the holidays.
I could wish I had come across this quote years ago. It might have made some difficult periods in my life easier to endure, but I suspect I might not have had the wisdom to appreciate and use it. For now, therefore, I am adding this quote to tonight's list of gratitudes, followed by "it has been a good day!"
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