Understanding what is really important, I went back over my day and discovered what made it memorable. I want to keep my awareness high so I can celebrate every day.
What makes a day feel complete, worthwhile, so one can close the book on it and sigh with satisfaction? I’m not sure I can give a universal answer, but I am content with today. It’s even easy for me to pinpoint where the day went from so-so to fruitful.

It wasn’t when someone who owes me a big chunk of money gave me an off-in-the-future date for payment. Nor was it when my annual dermatology appointment was complete. The free samples of sunscreen and wrinkle cream were nice, but did not give that lift to my spirit.

I did take some satisfaction in paying bills online or by phone, though the 37-cent stamps unsent were NOT sufficient savings to cause me to click my heels. Changing my mind on a workshop I’d signed up for in 2004, and losing $64. for a processing fee did not make my day. I did get to feel responsible when I cancelled the Wanted to Share ad in The Stranger, now that my 6th roomer was in place. And I felt my externalized pat on the back when I got Salvation Army to come out tomorrow to pick up an old but working fridge. I’d just scrubbed the appliance offered by one of my housemates, and transferred the contents to the newer fridge yesterday. I remember a couple moments of environmental self-pride, but since my recycling history is very well ensconced, that feat didn’t quite get me to the desired sigh or high. Nor did my landlady chore of wiping down cupboards and appliances with a Clorox solution. Especially when I discovered it discolored two of the rings I wear all the time.

I’m surprised my newly-forming habit – finish one thing, then move on - wasn’t the piece that put me across the finish line of a day well run. I’d been to a Millionaire Mind support group last night (see www.peakpotentials.com), and the topic was Changing Habits. One rather somber exercise was to pick one habit we really wanted to change, but to give full voice to how our living and dying would play out if we did not make that change. I realized that all the writing I want to do might stay in my head if I kept on working at 3-13 things at a time. That was sobering. I also know that if I don’t focus on all the ways I want to share Nonviolent Communication with the world, both the world and I will be the poorer for my scattered energy.

Now I haven’t taken the ADD test yet at www.amenclinic.com/ac/addtests/adult1.asp. A part of me is afraid to. Two fellow coaches have assured me I have ADD; a housemate is sure I don’t have it. Even if I do, so

So what was today’s turning point? It started with the current Town and Country article I read at the doctor’s office. Patti Davis, daughter of the Reagans, was talking about being 50. She wrote, “…I’ve blown it terribly at times, wasted opportunities. I also hit a few home runs right out of the ballpark. Most important, I’ve learned from my mistakes and failures as well as from victories. I have loving friends who have traveled down this messy road with me, and we’ve all figured out how to laugh more easily and forgive more quickly…“

I found myself excited about the home run analogy. What would be a home run for me? My query continued at the library, where I’d taken the 15 CD’s and five books that were due. I was finishing The Soul of Creativity, edited by Myers, taking notes, writing names of contributing writers, and feeling excited. When I got home, I knew I wanted to write, today and often. I’d written a couple poems to my partner when I was at the 10 day Nonviolent Communication intensive, and had read “I’m a Grandma; I Get to Play” for the 60 attendees, several of whom asked for a copy. Earlier today, it was hard to pinpoint the source of my malaise. Right now, seventy minutes since I began this piece,

I understand. I am a writer. I love to express myself. When I get sidetracked, distracted, by the mundane, as necessary as much of it is, I lose my focus.

Today, I celebrate my love of sharing my open heart.

What makes YOUR day worthwhile?

About the Author

Moreah Vestan is a life coach, speaker and writer on personal growth topics--self-discovery, compassionate communication (www.psncc.org) , and fulfillment of mind, heart and body. She has written a monthly column since 1992 for Seattle's Active Singles Life. She has an M.A. in Adult Education. Moreah is a kid at heart--curious and adventurous, an explorer of people and of life. Her book of essays in progress is Pleasures and Ponderings. Read her archived essays or order her 16-page booklet, "68 Ways to Create and Continue the Life You Choose" at http://communication coaching.net. Contact her at 206-938-8385, or email moreah@attbi.com