Sunday Journal Prompt

“The only person you should try to be better than is the person you were yesterday.”

– Anonymous

It’s tough not to compare ourselves to others, especially when our world seems set up that way. The percentile results from standardized test scores are based on performance relative to that of other test takers. Sports teams enter competitions with expectations based on rankings compared to other teams. In our daily lives, we see people who have or do more of whatever it is we want for ourselves.

For some, comparison can serve as a motivator. “If she can do X, I can too.” For others, however, comparison is counterproductive, leading to frustration. By focusing on incremental steps to foster growth in whichever area we want to succeed—going for a walk after work instead of sitting on the couch, making a healthier eating choice than yesterday’s, writing a paragraph a day toward a book, we take the reins and move closer to what we want for ourselves. 

What small step can you take today to get closer to what you want for yourself?

 

 

 

 

Sunday Journal Prompt

“Yes, me too!”

– Dr. Vogel, Carnegie Mellon University physics professor

 

During a recent college visit, my son and I had the opportunity to meet with a Carnegie Mellon University physics professor. Alex said, “Physics changes the way I see the world.” In response, Dr. Vogel’s face lit up as he inched forward on his chair then raised his hands. “Yes, me too!” 

And they were off—chatting about physics principles and how they apply to everything around us. The energy in the room elevated, and I relished witnessing their engaged exchange. After we left, Alex was shocked to learn that we’d spent forty-five minutes with the professor, as to him it had seemed like less than fifteen. 

I’d had the chance to observe flow in action—the mental state of full immersion and absorption in which one loses a sense of space and time. Often I associate “flow”  with sports or hobbies, but this reminded me how powerful it can be when human connection is at its core.

 

With whom have you experienced flow in a conversation—an experience that seems to suspend time and space?

 

 

 

Sunday Journal Prompt

“Luck is where preparation meets opportunity.”

– Randy Pausch, The Last Lecture 

 

A few months before Carnegie Mellon professor Randy Pausch died of cancer, he gave his last lecture about achieving childhood dreams and helping others do the same. He shared his view that brick walls—those blockades that pop up on our journeys—exist as obstacles to tear down to show how much we want something. 

Although early in his career he’d been denied his childhood dream of working as a Disney Imagineer, he was able to fulfill it during a sabbatical a decade later, when his virtual reality expertise was needed. He’d put his energy into working hard to develop skills that ended up helping him land his childhood dream job. 

How are you preparing for an opportunity that may seem out of reach?

 

 

Sunday Journal Prompt

“Anticipation can give us equal or greater sense of joy and happiness as the event or item itself.”

– Jonathan Fields, author and podcaster, “The ARC of Happiness,” Good Life Project 

 

In our society rich with last-minute commitments, we may be depriving ourselves of joy. Research shows that anticipating a positive event such as a trip or outing with loved ones gives as much happiness—and sometimes more—than the event itself. Anticipation lights up the joy triggers in our brains, so when we sign up for a conference the day before it starts, buy concert tickets on the day of an event or purchase something with one click, we’re cutting down the window for anticipation.

As writer and podcaster Jonathan Fields says, postponing a commitment is “killing the ability to extend the amount of time that we get to play in that space of joyful anticipation.” However, by saying “yes” early on, we allow ourselves time to visualize how it will feel, taste, smell and fill us up. In two months, I’ll get to spend a weekend with my dear friends from high school, something I’ve been looking forward to. In anticipation of the trip, I’ve been researching restaurants and outing ideas as well as feeling energy when I think about how I’ll soon get to be with these long-standing friends who lift me up, make me laugh and offer unconditional love.

What joyful event are you considering committing to? How can boost your anticipatory window—and, thus, your happiness?

 

 

 

 

Sunday Journal Prompt

“Visual exposure to plants and other nature can foster considerable restoration or recovery from stress.” 

– Dr. Roger S. Ulrich, “Health Benefits of Gardens in Hospitals,” Colleges of Architecture and Medicine, Texas A&M University

 

 

This week I spent four days at the hospital with my husband, whose officemates had wisely called the paramedics after he vomited and couldn’t move without pain. One of his co-workers cried in the ER lobby, telling me what a great guy he is. For a second my fear made me wonder if the verb "is" should've been "was," especially since aneurism was another word that arose. After ruling that and cardiac issues out, the doctors wanted to determine if he’d had a stroke. Though it took several tests to land on a diagnosis, it ended up being a viral infection on the nerves connecting his inner ear to his brain, causing him vertigo, nausea, temporary deafness, light sensitivity, an unstable gait and pain among other symptoms—nothing anyone wants, but not life threatening.

During these days, I found relief in what became my spot to sit—the last booth on the edge of the cafeteria. When taking a break from Robert’s darkened hospital room, I drank Tazo Zen green tea and appreciated the rock garden and greenery outside. I felt grateful for the landscape architect who made the adjacent highway seem miles away. During this taxing time, the cushiony seat and nourishing view became a place of calm and stability. 

When and where has nature helped you find a degree of peace amid uncertainty?

Sunday Journal Prompt

“In order for the light to shine so brightly, the darkness must be present.”

 – Francis Bacon 

The brightest lights in my life—people who are upbeat, giving and inspiring—have endured dark times in their lives. Rather than giving up after disappointment and heartbreak, they find a way to appreciate the goodness around them.

More importantly, they have increased depth, like mythological characters who have traveled to the underworld and risen. Among many people who have endured tragedy, I’ve found a knowingness, a wisdom, a vulnerability and an eagerness to connect with others who are struggling.

 

How has darkness helped your light shine more brightly?

 

 

 

Sunday Journal Prompt

“Set wide the window. Let me drink the day.”

– Edith Wharton

 

As summer comes to a close and September approaches, I find I’m spending more time outside to make the most of the warm days before fall temperatures set in: eating, gardening, running, walking—even napping.

On cooler days, we keep the windows open to let the breeze and sounds of nature flow through our home. Although I look forward to each season, it’s imminent arrival prompts me to make the most of the season that’s about to pass. 

How can you make the most of the season that’s about to pass?