5 Biggest Wishes

After I heard about Happiness Commandments and drafted my own, I borrowed a copy of Gretchen Rubin's book The Happiness Project. Check out her website for more information. Between her story, my end of the year need to reflect, and a Martha Beck inspired practice of writing down my 5 Biggest Wishes, I've been thinking about what I truly want. What would make me happy? What are my big goals in life? While driving home from Charlotte yesterday, I came up with an all-inclusive list. As always, it is subject to change.

1. I want to watch and wonder at the amazing details of Life in and around me.

2. I want to connect with Joy in solitude and with others.

3. I want to function vibrantly with increasing levels of energy, calm and fearlessness.

4. I want to authentically and creatively contribute to this world.

5. Sometimes, I just want to get by.

Number five is for my funky days when I'm down in the dumps, huddled up on a smelly unupholstered couch with raccoons and plastic wrap and cigarette butts, when I feel so goddamn lonely, when I want to sleep for a week or two. Because I know those days come, when Numbers 1-4 sound impossible and annoying, and because I believe in being gentle with myself when gentleness is required. But 80% of the time, I've got goals! Now to develop practical tasks for reaching my abstract desires. Sounds tedious and dorky. Teenage Jenny would punch me in the face for talking like this. But 30-something Jenny ain't afraid.