Today is day 7 of my "happiness way":
"The way to happiness:
Keep your heart free from hate, your mind from worry.
Live simply, expect little, give much.
Fill your life with love.
Scatter sunshine.
Forget self, think of others.
Do as you would be done by.
Try this for a week and you will be surprised".
~The Power of Positive Thinking, Norman Vincent Peale, 1952
I have done this to the best of my ability for a week. And I am surprised.
First of all,that I spent so much time thinking negatively. I knew I was a worrier, but I would have hateful thoughts just "pop up", kind of like those annoying pop up ads on your computer!
Secondly, that I thought of myself almost constantly! My aches and pains, my level of sleepiness, my level of hunger, my anxieties...Oy! Way too self involved am I!
Third, once I started noticing these patterns, and replacing them with positive thoughts, smiles, deep breathing, and passages from scripture, I felt lighter and had more time!
More time for others. I have had wonderful interactions with people this week. Surprising for an introvert! Maybe I am no quite so introverted as I thought? Perhaps just buried in negativity?
One big step I made has really helped my frame of mind. I decided to not post political opinions on Facebook anymore. I am still staying aware of the world. I check breaking news every morning. I listen to a bit of NPR and talk radio during the day. But I am focusing more on my little microcosm.
I am feeling such freedom in this decision! I am interested in the world, but not taking politics and the media quite so personally.
It's the same feeling I have gotten when I finish binge watching a tv show. Even better, when I CHOOSE to discontinue binge watching. I feel like I am coming out of a dream.
This political race has become like a reality show.
I am still considering a part time morning job. But as I look into the job market, I am being discerning. Because this week I had so many moments with piano students that filled my heart with joy. Especially since I have removed so much negativity from my heart - I have more room for joy!
I have students that really love to learn. That listen to my instruction and take pride in their efforts.
I may have mentioned before that I consider the teacher-student relationship to be even more important than the subject I teach. Once we have trust and mutual respect, the teaching and learning comes naturally!
And I have that. With students that have been with me for many years. Sometimes I get distracted by my own worries and fail to appreciate this.
So, the part time job I take will need to give me ample time to continue with my core stellar students. I feel it is best that I do not spread my teaching energy out too thin. I do not anticipate taking on new students.
I did find a clinical research opportunity that might fit nicely in my life. It is a fibromyalgia study. I have long suspected that I might have fibromyalgia. I spoke to a wonderful young woman this afternoon. She is the research coordinator. She did a brief phone screening and believes I qualify for the study. It is a paid study. And I benefit from medical tests and consultations with a physician.
And perhaps I will finally be pain free!
I am looking forward to learning more. I have an appointment next week.
I also have a blues piano camp I am teaching the last week of August.
Then fall term will start and I can breathe easier financially.
I actually have a very good life, I realized after my 7 day happiness journey. I think I shall continue monitoring my thoughts and choosing positivity.
I checked out another book by Norman Vincent Peale at the library:
It's funny, I used to turn my nose up at positive thinking books and overly optimistic people. I would think they were phony or out of touch with reality.
But I have had enough reality. Enough virtual reality. I am ready for more sunshine in my life.
On to week two of the happiness way!
Happy Friday!
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