Just One Thing

Where should I start? I’ve been searching … for meaning, for my destiny, for the purpose of my life.  Once I got over my shame around not already knowing the what my passion or purpose was, I began to openly explore.  Zen Buddhist retreats, videos on YouTube, podcasts, and book after book (The Four Agreements, The Passion Test, How to Be Here, Success Principles…I love to buy, but not necessarily read, books). You name, I’ve tried it.  My most recent obsession has been recording Oprah’s Super Soul Sunday, a simplified version of her famous show where she interviews spiritual, business, and lifestyle gurus.  Watching this show is like the Cliff Notes’ version of these books, so that really appeals to my inner slacker.

When you binge watch enough of these, some core truths seem to emerge about how to build a life that is full of joy and meaning.  The first truth is that happiness, wellbeing, and serenity are a practice.  There are no short cuts. You rarely get there and when you do, its only for a brief moment in time.  You have to work at it.  And keep working at it. Every day.  Wait, I’m exhausted already and I just don’t think I have the discipline to do that every day.  Is it possible that I’m fundamentally lazy about building the life I want to live? Could that be true?  That it’s just not worth the bother. I  can work hard but then I want to rest and move on to the next thing.  My mind does not easily conceive that I have to get up everyday, live with intention, and curate friends, work, activities and hobbies that create the life I want.  I want the silver bullet— an on/off switch that stays permanently on.

Yesterday, I watched a show with Gretchen Rubin who wrote the Happiness Project (another book I once bought, but never read).  The good news she reported is that anyone can turn very small, seemingly innocuous changes into habit that doesn’t require thought.  Once moved into the habit category, I don’t have to use willpower to get these things done.  Thank God.  The first step is to decide which habits we want to cultivate.

When I have an attitude of gratitude, I find that my life just flows better. When I’m around inspiring people, learning new things, and cultivating new ideas, I feel most alive.  So I’ve decided to challenge myself to my own brand of happiness project.  I’m going to look for one thing every day that inspires me, makes me laugh, or fills me with gratitude.  One moment from ordinary life that I pluck out of obscurity and truly savor.  Just one thing.  And to cap it off, I’m going to write a short blog about that one thing everyday for the next thirty days. I don’t know if anyone will ever read them, but who cares!  I love to start projects on a Monday or the first of the month, but I promised my hiking mates this morning that I would start today.

Yesterday, I was grateful for the deep connection I’ve built with a walking buddy, inspired by the poise and competence of a world class leader who happens to be female, and happy to celebrate my beautiful niece’s thirteenth birthday. In just a day, that’s more than just one thing.  Aren’t I lucky!  See you tomorrow.