What Went Well

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What Went Well

My “three blessings” this week:

  1. Our family realized there were a few days this month when we could all be away from school or work, so we’re planning a short, fun family holiday. Can’t wait! Because I would rather spend time with them than do almost anything.
  2. My helpful sister-in-law really loved the plant I got her as a thank-you for keeping one of our kids overnight, and I’m so glad. Because she made it possible for my husband and me to take care of other family members’ needs.
  3. The sun came out yesterday, which made me happy! Because it has been raining all week.

How about you?

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What Went Well

This week:

  1. I had a lovely visit with my elderly, fragile mother who lives in another state (a plane ride away). Nowadays those visits are always a little tinged with sadness as she doesn’t want to say goodbye and I wonder if this might be the last one, given her poor health, but we still enjoyed it very much. Because when I’m there, I can focus on her and just be with her, thanks to my wonderful husband who manages household and kids in my absence.
  2. We had lots of fun choosing childhood photos for our daughter’s senior yearbook page. Because she and her siblings were so cute and funny, and such happy children! Lots of happy memories, although she and the others have grown up too fast.
  3. I reconnected with two childhood friends during my weekend with my mother, one in person and one via email. Because I am trying to counter my introvert tendencies by remembering to reach out more to people I don’t see often.

I do this exercise, also called “Three Blessings”, weekly as a mindfulness/gratitude practice. What helps you focus on the good things in your life?

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What Went Well

My “three blessings” this week:

  1. I received some new perfume that is making me foolishly happy. Because the flip side of how easily I can get sad is that it doesn’t take much to make me happy either, and I am working to focus on those things instead of the others.
  2. We received some good guidance on how best to help our bright child learn and master the materials in the advanced classes he is taking. Because we are able to send him to an excellent school that is a good fit for him, with excellent teachers.
  3. Our daughter is moving confidently into her senior year and college applications. Because she is focused, motivated and an all ’round good kid.
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What Went Well

I forgot to post this on Wednesday, so here it is: what went well this week.

  1. My high school senior received a national award for scholastic achievement. Because she works very hard, studies conscientiously and deserves recognition.
  2. My college student won a coveted, named part in her college’s fall play. Because she also works very hard to develop the gifts with which she has been blessed, and chose a college program that is the perfect fit for her. And the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright is coming to see the performance!
  3. I am really enjoying a new part of my job which includes advising students one-on-one. Because I like students, they are very eager and motivated, and I enjoy knowing and helping them.

What went well for you this week?

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What Went Well

What went well this week:

  1. My son’s football team won their first game of the season! This is a big deal because they are in middle school and did not win a single game last year. They won because they have been working hard, including in some new positions, and did not allow themselves to become discouraged.
  2. I am making progress in physical therapy. Because I have a terrific physical therapist and I am pushing myself to do the exercises as often and as far as possible.
  3. I got great advice from one of my oldest friends. Because she is wise, and kind, and she cares deeply about me.

Have a serene week, everyone!

What Went Well
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What Went Well

What went well this week?

  1. The weather broke a little and after a few days of heavy thunderstorms in the afternoon, this morning was clear, cool and beautiful. Because the rain always ends and the sun always comes out afterward.
  2. I discovered a new perfume that I like very much and am enjoying it on my wrists right now. Because I am having fun teaching myself more about fragrance.
  3. Our new colleague-to-be came to a work function last night, although he doesn’t start until Monday, and he fit in perfectly with the faculty and students. Because my other colleagues and I worked really hard to find and hire the right person, and he’s the right guy to add to our little team. We will be so happy to welcome him next week!
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What Went Well

I’m a day late on this one because 1) it has been a very busy week; and 2) it has been harder than usual to do this exercise. Which, of course, is the whole point: to refocus one’s mind on the positive, on the blessings, and away from the negative. So here goes:

  1. My son started school this week in advanced classes and won a starting position, the one he wanted, on his team. Because he works hard and gives his best efforts both to schoolwork and to athletics, and he has been blessed with a good mind and healthy body.
  2. My daughter has been spending a lot of time with us lately, just hanging out, before she goes back to college. Because she is a loving young woman who was a big help all summer and who knows she is lucky to have a happy family and loving parents.
  3. My students have turned out in high numbers for my programs this week and have expressed a lot of appreciation for what I do for them. Because I put a lot of thought and work into meeting their needs, I’m very good at that and I make their wellbeing and growth my priority.

There, that wasn’t so hard. Enjoy the rest of the week, friends!

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What Went Well

Today’s “What Went Well” Wednesday is more of a test than usual. It’s shaping up to be a challenging week at work, for many of the reasons that prompted me to start this blog. So if you’re reading this, please send serenity vibes my way!

What went well this week:

  1. One of my children started her senior year of high school, with lots of enthusiasm and anticipation. Because she’s an engaged, energetic young woman with a bright future, who works hard toward her goals but keeps her sense of humor and joy.
  2. My daughters and I came home from a lovely break in New Hampshire, refreshed in body and spirit, but happy to be home with the rest of our family. Because we are blessed to have family in that beautiful part of the world and blessed to have a happy home to which we always return.
  3. I returned to my office after working from home because of a bone fracture, and was warmly welcomed back by many colleagues. Because most of the people with whom I work are very nice.
What Went Well
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What Went Well

Every Wednesday, I reflect on the week just past and think about three things that went well. It is a positive psychology exercise known as “What Went Well” or “Three Blessings.” What Went Well Wednesdays.

This week’s blessings:

  1. I went on vacation with two of my three teenagers and we are having a wonderful mother/daughter week. Because they are kind, funny, bright young women who are great company.
  2. We are visiting my in-laws in a beautiful part of the country. Because I love them, they are aging gracefully and they always show their appreciation that I am part of their family and the mother of three beloved grandchildren.
  3. The weather here is a refreshing change from home, where temperatures approached 100 degrees Fahrenheit yesterday. Because here, the highs are in the mid-80s and upper 70s, and the fresh New England air smells wonderfully of pines and lakes.
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What Went Well This Week

This is my first post in a new feature here on “Serenity Now”: What Went Well Wednesdays. It is based on a positive psychology exercise also known as “Three Blessings.” You’re supposed to set aside a short time every night and write down three things that went well that day. They can be major or minor. Then you write down why they went well. One example goes something like this: “My husband brought me ice cream after work. Because (he loves me and he remembered how much I enjoy ice cream; or, I remembered to call him and ask him to stop at the store).” Ideally, one does it nightly. I may try that, but in this blog, it will appear once a week. So here goes!

What went well this week:

1. My family took turns making wonderful meals for everyone. Because I can’t cook right now and they are enthusiastic about learning to cook (and proud of their results!).

2. Our air-conditioning system was easily repaired after a weekend breakdown and the repair was minor and inexpensive. Because the repairman was competent, honest and professional.

3. A dear friend came by for a drop-in visit. Because she had been out of town and knew I had missed her company.

There! I feel great. I hope you’ll try this exercise!

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Photo: Blue Apron.