Yay! It’s here. Day one of The Joy Diet Discussion Group hosted by the luscious Jamie Ridler. We’re supposed to introduce ourselves today, so here’s my list of things I could talk about (if I had time, but I don’t, so I’ll just list them):
I could talk about…
…how I just took the keyboard on my MacBook replaced because it got filthy during my reckless Wreck This Journal adventure (also hosted by Jamie, gotta love ‘er).
…ordering Martha Beck’s The Joy Diet: 10 Practices for Happier Life over a month ago, but needing to hide it so I wouldn’t peek (I’m not very good at delayed gratification)
…the excitement I felt opening the book this morning and reading the Introduction.
I could also talk about…
…the fact that the word “diet” first entered the English language in 1656 and meant “a way of living or thinking” followed by “a day’s journey” (Martha Beck, p. 1, The Joy Diet). You mean diets don’t have to be about food, withholding and suffering?
… looking at the clock just now, noticed how long I’ve been slouching at my computer, and going downstairs to dance wildly to Mika’s Big Girl (You Are Beautiful) for 4 minutes.
…my concerns about the first Joy Diet assignment: doing nothing for 15 minutes a day. What will I do?! Oh, right. Nothing.
…this story, told to me by a former pastor:
The best advice I ever got was from a nun, who told me that everyday I should do something, anything, and nothing. Something = a meaningful task I have planned to do. Anything = a spontaneous choice. Nothing = nothing!”
…wondering: does meditation count as “nothing” or “something”?
Yep. Still got stuff I could talk about…
…hoping that some of my non-blogging friends will pick up the book, too, so we can read it together.
…feeling hungry. I think I’ll go make lunch, and then set the timer for my first 15 minutes of nothing. Nada. Zip. Zilch. Next Friday I’ll let you know how it goes.
…how much I love this process of telling One Sentence Stories by completing the phrase “I could talk about…” It comes from InterPlay, which provides an incredible set of tools for group facilitation, personal & community health, improvisational performance — and just plain fun!
Until next week, hugs and squishes to one and all.
Well, I’m glad you ‘talked about’… Was enjoyable to read, a joy even! I nearly started wrecking this book but then remembered that was a different project!
I loved the quote from the nun to your former pastor. That’s amazing!! As for the doing nothing, it’s going to take some practice for me! Looking forward to the joy journey and getting to know you along the way!
I knew I wouldn’t be disappointed by your musings on this book!! Looking forward to much.
As for meditation nothing or something – for a long time I put it on my TO Do list and then thought – there is something not quite right about that (giggling).
Liked this!
too funny! maybe meditation goes on the “undo” list?
I have a non-blogging friend who also Loves InterPlay. Making you the second person I’ve ever heard talk about it. I hope it pops up some more, I’m curious now.
I’m really enjoying hearing folks share their anticipation of this book. Strikes me as a feeling that’s more often lived by children – so I love feeling it from other grown-ups.
So glad The Joy Diet introduced us! 🙂
Just stopped by to say Hi! I look forward to our new adventure into Joy. Have a great week.
I enjoy your musings! Hello from another joy dieter… i’m looking forward to sharing this adventure with you!
Gretchen! Wonderful to be on another adventure with you 🙂
And I just love that advice about something, anything and nothing. We are off to a good start!
Looking forward to sharing this JOYful journey with you!