The trouble now is deciding which daily positive experience to share in this medium! I start out thinking it’s going to be one thing, and then it turns into a completely different moment from my day. I’m grateful for this challenge! And speaking of challenges, how’s the Dopamine Challenge treating you? What has been a particularly memorable experience for you so far?
The Other Three
- Exercise – nope
- Meditate – done
- Kindness – done
Gratitudes
- Sleeping late
- The helpfulness of Apple employees
- Crying (again) when Dobby dies
- Making my own naan!
- Movie candy at home
- Avatar cartoon series
- Clean Sheet Day
Positive Experience
I well remember the day I was first introduced to Harry Potter. It seemed obvious to me that any book(s) that were grabbing the interest of so many young people across the globe had to be worth at least a cursory glance from me. But like the others before me, there was no turning back once I read:
Dear Mr. Potter,
We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment.
Term begins on September 1. We await your owl by no later than July 31.
Yours sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall,
Deputy Headmistress
My daughter and I have been experiencing the story differently this time (who’s counting how many times and ways we’ve read them?) by listening our way through the audio version of all seven books, and we are now halfway through the final book: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Dobby just died again, and again I am overcome with tears. Driving through town, my daughter sitting next to me just as affected as me, but perhaps not as willing to show it, I allow my emotions to roll shamelessly onto my shirt, and I am grateful in this moment for the power of words, the capability of story, and my shared love of literature with this beautiful young woman to whom I’ve been reading out loud since before her ears were formed in my belly.
Though I haven’t had a chance to comment lately, I’ve been following your posts and faithfully journaling each day. I notice that I am much more patient than I was previously, and that I’m able to look at “bad” situations in a more positive light. A few days ago one thing after another went wrong – including the garage door coming off its track and almost smashing my car and my husbands transmission failing just after putting $3000 dollars into repairs. With the garage door I focused on the great teamwork we showed while problem solving and finding a solution, and with my husbands car I was grateful for the definitive knowledge that it was time for a new car. In the past, these situations would have been much more stressful for me. I feel like I’m definitely looking for the positive in every situation – even those that seem “bad” at first glance.
Like Christie, I enjoy reading your writings even when I don’t comment.
And, likewise, I am changed because of your challenge. I’m still starting everyday with meditative reading. It has caused me to move slower and calmer through the rest of my day, far more aware of the deeper meaning behind everything that happens.
Thanks for this, Arminda. Life is so much better when I pay attention.