I think I do sometimes try to control situations or I expect certain outcomes and try to force them to happen, but I want to learn to love and welcome surprises. To take my time and savor the climb, rather than barrelling through to my intended destination. When I learn to lean on others rather than doggedly force things myself, I strengthen my bonds with others and learn to respect and hear their voices rather than forcing my own through the throng.

I am filled with wonder when I see the love people can have for each other. I am filled with wonder when people step up and help out even when they don’t have to.

I need to offer more patience and grace rather than judgment. Look for and point out the positives instead of seeing only flaws. This is both in myself and others. I can be overly critical, and I can also become resentful of others, sometimes by assuming their negative intent rather than the positives.

Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, the Bible, Tao of Pooh, Circe, Pride and Prejudice, House of Leaves, In the Time of the Butterflies, Hound of Baskervilles, So long a Letter, Joy Luck Club, A Child Called it, Black Beauty, Call of the Wild…basically all of the books. Definitely grateful for all the books and the people who wrote them, and the librarian who I grew up next door to who made sure I read as many as I wanted.

I think I notice it at church, work, gym, anywhere really. When I pay attention, I see people stopping to let you out in traffic, or people pointing out when you’ve dropped something, or people smiling and complimenting you. Kindness is just as common as any other trait, you just have to look for it and focus on it, instead of something negative.

I made a joyful noise for the Lord in church today, really listened to the sermons, offered sincere prayer. Then I enjoyed a visit to a duck pond. I think finding time to speak to God and reflect on his goodness is one of the best ways to savor a day.

I sometimes think that the outcome depends on me and take on too much responsibilty. I can get overwhelmed or resentful when this happens. I can also be too pessimistic at times. I have to learn to let go and trust, to be okay with whatever outcome and not to try to force things.

I take my time for granted, often misspending it doing mindless things or things I don’t love completely. I sometimes take my co-workers or family for granted, using them to vent instead of for positive things.

it is a matter of patience usually and perspective. I have to focus on what I can control and learn more self-reliance, and work on avoiding making my happiness and well-being dependent on others.

I have an poor habit of seeing the negative. I tend to notice people’s shortcomings, and have to resist the urge to not keep a laundry list of perceived slights or failures in myself and those around me. I think if I had the attitude of looking for others’ strengths instead of weaknesses, I would be able to learn more from them.

I have to simply quite my mind and prioritize. I have so many ideas about what I want to do to help others and make progress toward goals, but I get overwhelmed by the sheer volume of my mental to-do list. So I need to take a step back and think about what I can achieve right now and what simple steps I could take one at a time towards my list.

I think I am touched by a willingness to listen, a desire to understand, and a sense of shared experience. They offer a lot patience and insight.

I am trying nourish my body through rest (and I need to think about nutrition and exercise) while also nourishing my soul through patience and reflection, and growing my faith through study of scripture.

I need to let go of my people-pleasing, or the idea that I am somehow responsible for others’ happiness. I find myself saying yes instead of no because I like to help others or don’t want to disappoint. But I overcommit or bend until I break due to my refusal to say No and establish clear boundaries.

There are 81 openings for an English teacher on the teachga website. That’s 81 opportunities to find another job.

I am just trying to establish a routine of reading and reflection, which will help me progress spirtually.

Today, I made waffles for breakfast instead just the same old cereal. I ordered in my favorite food from a restaurant. I got off the computer and played with my nephews. So feel I like I seized the moment in a lot of little ways.