The Perfect Day
This is the perfect morning. The sun shining in, waking me from my night's sleep on warm, fuzzy flannel sheets. My husband and cute little puppy sleepily looking back at me, all waking at the same time with no hurry to get out of bed. Kisses from puppy and husband. Getting up to feed the pets and ourselves a leisurely, late breakfast.
A cold front came through in the night, so it's in the upper 50's this morning - brisk and breezy. Wonderful weather for taking the puppy on his morning walk. He loves the cool air, and after he is done protesting being led on a leash, prances around, his black fur glossy in the sun, his ears flopping.
After walking, it's time for my morning coffee and computer time. The computer desk faces out a window which I have opened to enjoy the morning air. My view is mostly blue sky and trees with apartment buildings across the road. The puppy is playing nicely with his toys beside me on the floor and I will soon transfer him to the papasan chair so he can take his morning nap. I've been enjoying the music of Counting Crows and U2 while preparing my coffee, and now, while on the computer. Yes, this is the perfect morning.
I know, however, that it could all soon end, as most days are never entirely perfect. The puppy will become ornery and start picking fights with the cat, or my husband and I will have a disagreement. Some frequently used household item could break, or the phone might ring with frustrating or bad news. All somewhat trivial things, but bumps in the smoothness of the day nonetheless. The perfect times never last, but I feel they are meant to be wholly enjoyed while they do.
I recently read a book by an author from Chile. She stated that most Americans tend to expect their lives to run smoothly all of the time, becoming incredibly unhappy and distressed when things go wrong, seeking help in various forms to maintain their happiness, or repair the damage done when happiness was lost at some point. I think she is on to something here. I have seen this mindset in myself and others.
She said this is how we are different from the rest of the world. Most of the other people in the world expect things to go badly most of the time - that is just how life is. To them, there is nothing to fix when things go wrong, it's just part of the experience of living. They do not expect perfect days, and are therefore more satisfied with simple pleasures. When a good day does come along, that in itself is cause to celebrate as a nice little surprise in life. That idea seems so satisfying, simple and balanced doesn't it? Are we really that turned around in our ideals to expect gratification and happiness as a norm? Something to ponder as I continue my so-far perfect day.
A cold front came through in the night, so it's in the upper 50's this morning - brisk and breezy. Wonderful weather for taking the puppy on his morning walk. He loves the cool air, and after he is done protesting being led on a leash, prances around, his black fur glossy in the sun, his ears flopping.
After walking, it's time for my morning coffee and computer time. The computer desk faces out a window which I have opened to enjoy the morning air. My view is mostly blue sky and trees with apartment buildings across the road. The puppy is playing nicely with his toys beside me on the floor and I will soon transfer him to the papasan chair so he can take his morning nap. I've been enjoying the music of Counting Crows and U2 while preparing my coffee, and now, while on the computer. Yes, this is the perfect morning.
I know, however, that it could all soon end, as most days are never entirely perfect. The puppy will become ornery and start picking fights with the cat, or my husband and I will have a disagreement. Some frequently used household item could break, or the phone might ring with frustrating or bad news. All somewhat trivial things, but bumps in the smoothness of the day nonetheless. The perfect times never last, but I feel they are meant to be wholly enjoyed while they do.
I recently read a book by an author from Chile. She stated that most Americans tend to expect their lives to run smoothly all of the time, becoming incredibly unhappy and distressed when things go wrong, seeking help in various forms to maintain their happiness, or repair the damage done when happiness was lost at some point. I think she is on to something here. I have seen this mindset in myself and others.
She said this is how we are different from the rest of the world. Most of the other people in the world expect things to go badly most of the time - that is just how life is. To them, there is nothing to fix when things go wrong, it's just part of the experience of living. They do not expect perfect days, and are therefore more satisfied with simple pleasures. When a good day does come along, that in itself is cause to celebrate as a nice little surprise in life. That idea seems so satisfying, simple and balanced doesn't it? Are we really that turned around in our ideals to expect gratification and happiness as a norm? Something to ponder as I continue my so-far perfect day.
posted by Danielle | 10:40 AM
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