Union of Concerned scientists

I found a cool site today, check out Union of Concerned scientists.

20 Things you Love to do

I made a list of 20 things I really like to do yesterday and asked my mom to send me her list. It was interesting to think about which activities I do that give me the most satisfaction. It was really fun to read my mom’s list. Here’s my 20 or so things I really like to do. What about you? (Tip: write as fast as you can without evaluating and do yours before you read mine!)

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Did you write yours yet?

 

Ok, Here are mine:

 

• Dancing
• Playing with friends
• Cuddling
• Eating good food
• Playing with animals
• Singing and playing the guitar for other people
• Creating a finished piece of art that I really like
• Having an exciting intellectual discussion
• Talking with someone and feeling a close connection
• Making people laugh
• Laughing really hard
• Making my home and garden space look really nice
• Choreographing a dance show
• Expressing my ideas really well
• Having someone play with my hair and otherwise love me
• Swimming in warm water
• Kayaking
• River rafting
• Seeing somewhere new and beautiful
• Listening to good music
• Listening to sensible and uplifting ideas
• Learning something new that opens up possibilities for me
• Accomplishing a goal
• Knowing that I really helped someone and made a positive difference

 

I’d love to read your 20 things, if you want to share, leave a comment or a link to your 20 (or so)!

Happy Holiday?

Every now and then I get lost in a state of perpetual dissatisfaction. (“I’ll be happy when…”) I want to enjoy every moment that I can this Holiday season, but I find myself looking ahead more than being in the now.

 

So, I have a question for you. I’m sure there is a way to resolve what seems like a paradox for me. I am great at seeing, and eventually realizing possibilities. I think this gift has several components 1. I can see what could be 2. I can see what is currently missing 3. I can research and then evaluate and understand what resources etc need to be added to get from what is missing to what can be.

 

This is one of my main talents and figures into most things that I am good at. However, some of these skills seem to be opposite to what it takes to be happy in the moment. (I’m sure that that isn’t true, but right now I’m not seeing how it can all work together inside of me.) What seems opposite about being happy to me is 1. Seeing what is (Can you see what is and what can be at the same time, or do you have to flip back and forth. Hmmm…) 2. See what is currently right 3. Be grateful for what is currently right.

 

Of course, happiness is only one of my values and not necessarily my primary value. I get a lot of satisfaction from creating and improving things, so I’m not willing to give that up to be subjectively happy in the moment. And, I’m sure I don’t have to… so any ideas about how I can combine the skills of seeing into the future and enjoying the present? Before you answer, I want to be clear that I am happy every now and then. J I just want to learn the skill of really savoring and enjoying all the moments of my life.

 

Thank you!

Hi Joe

Short posts for awhile while I finish up this semester. Just wanted to say a quick thanks to Joe for leaving a comment about my Thanksgiving poem! Take a look at Joe’s poems at his website: http://oregonstate.edu/~baldinoj.

By the way, I re-appreciated my family this Thanksgiving even as I shook my head in disbelief at their political views. Thanks for loving me even through our differences, little family. I love you, too.

End Torture Now

I’m really busy, so I haven’t been posting much. Visit the End Torture Now website.

Wishing us all Peace on Earth this holiday season.