Sunday Journal Prompt

“The more passions and desires one has, 

the more ways one has of being happy.”

                                                                                   -  Charlotte Catherine, 17th century Princess of Monaco

During the roughest times in my life, I lost my interest in what makes me happy—family, friends, reading, writing, yoga, teaching, traveling and cooking. Knowing that the dark days of winter can bring me down, in December I enrolled in glassblowing classes with my son, a preemptive strike of sorts. I fell in love with the proximity to 2,000-degree ovens, the feeling of shaping molten glass with giant tweezers, the act of creation. Finding this new source of joy that I could share with my son sustained my spirits throughout the bitter-cold winter. I suspect it helped me maintain my energy and passion for other activities that have long brought me happiness.

What are your passions and desires? How do they bring you happiness? 

Are there new activities or hobbies you’d like to try?

Sunday Journal Prompt

"Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could only do a little." 

                                                                                                                                  - Edmund Burke

I tend to get overwhelmed by large tasks and put them off—grading 60 papers, reorganizing my basement clutter, writing the books I want to write, researching college scholarships for my son, assembling an intricate scrapbook in honor of my father’s 75th birthday. I feel depleted when I have to-dos hanging over me and cringe when I hear the punishing “should” voice in my head. But when a deadline approaches, I go into a panicked state and finally dive into the task with my heart racing. Other parts of my life suffer when I’m in catch-up mode, especially time with my family. It becomes a vicious cycle that often leaves me feeling sick, exhausted and guilty.

As I approach my 44th birthday, this is the part of myself I’d most like to change. I see the double-digit birthdays as meaningful transition times—at 11, I entered middle school and developed a deeper connection with God; at 22, I graduated from college, moved to Columbus to be with my future husband and entered the work world; at 33, I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease and started taking creative writing classes—which led to graduate school and a new career. At 44, I want to master pacing myself and finally stop negative self-talk.

Today I will grade five homework assignments. I’ll devote 30 minutes to reorganizing my home instead of postponing that task until I have more time.

What have you been avoiding? How can you resolve to do a little of it periodically?