Drops of Good April 13, 2017
Posted by nrhatch in Gratitude, Happiness, Life Balance, Mindfulness.trackback
For years, I’ve had a Gratitude Basket . . . it’s encouraged me to focus on things in my life for which I’m grateful.
They can be simple things ~ a blue sky, the laughing of ducks on the lagoon, or the whisper of the wind through palm fronds.
They can be big ticket items ~ BFF’s cataract surgery restoring him to 20/20 vision, my brother and sister-in-law’s excellent oversight of mom, or my niece’s wedding which caused family and friends to convene in Orlando the week before Christmas.
They can be ephemeral in nature ~ feeling light-hearted and bright, allowing joy, vitality, and peace to surface from within, or sharing happy, enthusiastic, amusing, and upbeat moments with new friends.
They can be celebrations of mini-milestones ~ finishing the taxes, losing weight, finding the perfect swimsuit, or winning BIG BUCKS at Bridge (“Woo Hoo! First Place . . . $8!”).
This week I started a new practice, Drops of Good, to remind me to be mindful of moments & acts of Generosity and Connection between the citizens of this marvelous planet.
As with my Gratitude Basket, these Drops of Good can be big or small, ephemeral or physical, on-going or one time deals . . . like a HUG.
They can be something I’ve done for others or something others have done for anyone else on the planet, including plants, animals, or the environment.
Drops of Good add up ~> “A bucket is filled drop by drop.”
Do not overlook any good actions, thinking they are of no benefit; even tiny drops of water in the end will fill a huge vessel. ~ The Buddha
Celebrating the myriad moments of Generosity and Connection around us points us in the right direction ~> UP!
Aah . . . that’s better!
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Spirit Lights The Way 
Sometimes we focus on the negatives when it’s a small blip in a field of positives. You are so right about celebrating even the smallest of wonderful things.
It makes an IMMEDIATE difference in my mood if I focus on “the good stuff.” Likewise, my mood takes a swift nose-dive with even a brief exposure to the daily Trump nonsense.
So . . . I choose HAPPY thoughts whenever possible because it makes me feel better no matter what is going on around me.
Especially when it things you have no control over.
Exactly!
So, for example, when I’m “stuck” in traffic, I try to focus on the sky, the clouds, the sights, and the sounds instead of feeding any feelings of frustration or impatience. It makes a world of difference.
I echo what Kate said so well.
I really like your idea of drops-of-good. We should all be reminded of this once in a while. If we’re so busy focusing on the negative stuff, or waiting for the big bang wows, we miss all the great little moments.
I agree 100%, Joanne. It’s so easy to find ourselves swamped with bad news from the 4 corners of the globe.
The antidote . . . focusing on “the great little moments” right HERE and right NOW.
… like right now, enjoying the quiet of an early pre-dawn hour on a holiday Friday with a great cup of hot coffee 🙂
Mmmm . . . . sounds like a delicious start to the weekend.
Every morning that I’m able to get out of bed is a drop of good worth celebrating. 🙂
That’s the spirit!
Lovely post Nancy 🙂
Thanks, Rainee. Glad you enjoyed.
I live for the good in life. Although the less-than-good does its best to turn my head and my heart!
There are so many things that can distract us, causing us to lose our connection with the peace, ease, and joy we feel when we mindfully move through our days, noting all the simple pleasures of BEING ALIVE!
What a great idea, Nancy!
And I will definitely do the gratitude basket!!
Developing at attitude of gratitude pays BIG dividends!
Jill uses a journal instead of a basket . . . writing just a sentence or so each day of the positives that appeared.
What a great post and I love the quote about a bucket being filled stop by drop.
Thanks! I love that quote too and am not sure where I first saw it. Another I like:
“Nothing lasts forever ~ even soft flowing streams erode the hardest boulders.”
Yes drop by drop to fill the bucket. Thanks Nancy. Good post to remind us
Here’s to filling our buckets!
An excellent practice. It’s easy to overlook the small good actions of others and to minimize our own good actions because they’re small. So what do you use for your “drops of good”? A basket, a bucket, a journal?
Right now, I am using a journal that I keep on my desk as a reminder to jot down “Drops of Good” throughout the day. Once the practice becomes ingrained, I’ll probably add “Drops of Good” into my Gratitude Basket . . . but perhaps I should fill a bucket, drop by drop!
I really like the new focus point, Nancy. Drops of Good is an excellent extension of your gratitude basket. It is so easy to get sucked into the hole of negativity that in my experience can be paralyzing. I absolutely do believe in the mind-body connection and optimum health, so I am appreciative of this reminder!
Thanks, Debra. I’m enjoying the shift in focus from gratitude to noticing moments/acts of generosity and connection. I’m filling up pages and pages in my “Drops of Good” journal!
Good one!
Thanks, Eileen!
What a beautiful and inspiring post, Nancy xxxx
Thanks, Dianne.
Examples of generosity and connection abound . . . for which I am grateful!
What a wonderful idea, and way to live, Nancy 💛 One drop at a time makes it so doable for us all!
Yes! And noticing them makes us happier.