Open Thread Update: What Made You Happy Today?
The good news amid all the turmoil in public life is how well we are doing in our private lives.
Our readers shared the good things that bring them joy and it’s been wonderful to learn about them. Here’s a few examples of the simple, everyday joys that made some of us happy today.
Like simply starting the day…
Waking up to a bright new day alive and being able to take a nice deep breath and give thanks for the gift of life.
-Phillipa
…or enjoying a special moment at home with cherished pets.
My quiet, sunny house and my mother and daughter white cats sitting in separate sunny spots.
-Lilian
It’s so uplifting to read about all the ways people stay positive and find joy. Sometimes it’s by reaching out and making a meaningful connection.
I telephoned two old friends from the book club we share.
-Cynthia
Sometimes it’s by getting some exercise and enjoying the beauties of nature.
I walked in shade, and in sunshine, at local University Arboretum, enjoyed our fall tree leaf colors.
-James
Other readers mentioned tackling a long-delayed chore, or working on a craft project.
These are just a few of the examples – take a moment to read the rest in the comments…and feel free to add your own!
Virge Randall is Senior Planet’s Managing Editor. She is also a freelance culture reporter who seeks out hidden gems and unsung (or undersung) treasures for Straus Newspapers; her blog “Don’t Get Me Started” puts a quirky new spin on Old School New York City. Send your suggestions for Open Threads to her at editor@seniorplanet.org
Photo by Denise Jones on Unsplash
.
Interested in personalized content? Sign up for free
Create an account and join our vibrant community to get reminders on classes and unlock a more personalized experience.
Comments
Oh the unexpected pleasures that this pandemic has taught me to enjoy
I’m not killing myself with work anymore
I work four days a week but I’m off Friday Saturday and Sunday
I get time to relax
Sit a bit by myself with just my thoughts
read a good book
take a walk in the pleasant sunshine
I live in the south so it’s still pretty balmy
get to talk to my grandkids
When I feel like it
do zoom occasionally
got to do a lot of the things I could not do when I was so busy working
I still enjoy my work
still enjoy my interaction at work
the pandemic has been upsetting but I think it opened my eyes to a lot of wonderful other things that I would Have otherwise missed
and Friday is special because I get to attend some of the zoom meetings with you guys and learn a bunch of good stuff
I meet a bunch of good people
And some great and patient instructors
At least for a while I can forget about the pandemic and politics
thank you oats
keep the light burning in the window
Watched the guys from 1-800-GOT-JUNK haul half a basement full of clutter out of my house. Feels so good to tackle a part of the feng shui energy drain in my home!
I filled my bird feeder and watched chickadees, nuthatches and a downy woodpecker feast.
Hi, I do the same with hummingbirds, they’re such a treasure right now especially now……..
I was able to participate in 3 great zoom groups today and not only g ot great info
but connected w ith great people. My cat Mr CHarlie sat next to me du ring all 3 on my futon a nd it was nice to have him for company.
I look for one moment of beauty each day. What a Pollyanna, you say, but it’s worked for me over the years. The universe sends us many moments of beauty but as Cas, the Morning Stretch teacher says, we are more often “not home” in our brains but are instead in the past reliving some gloom or pleasure or the future which is yet to happen. Be here right now. Home.