three blessings

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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?