Opportunity

I am feeling lazy this morning; I don't want to get to work. I need to get moving. The tag on my Salada teabag this morning said:

"Most people don't recognize opportunity
because it comes disguised as hard work."

 

I have a wonderful opportunity on this sabbatical to finish several projects. Focus, James, focus! Top priorities:

1. Find agent to promote I Just Want to Be Happy (or maybe just Happy).
2. Find publisher for The Elements of Academic Writing.
3. Finish writing The Elements of Academic Writing.
4. Work on writing Mindfulness of the Mass Media.
5. Reorganize my desk-side bookcase.

Aside from writing, I also have to motivate myself to run. Ideally I would like to run five or six days a week. It has been very cold here lately, so I plan to go to the college gym this morning (or afternoon) and get it done.

One of my best former students, Samantha Levitan, is studying to become a teacher herself. She posted on her Facebook page the results of a classroom exercise in which she had to draw a picture and talk about a teacher who inspired her. I love her picture.I love the peace sign. I consider it a great honor!

 

 

If anything inspires me to keep writing (and teaching) it will be Sam's portrait. Thanks, Sam.

 

11 a.m. update: 

I have noticed I have a tendency to fall into a pattern of logging onto my computer and alternating among my blog, my e-mail, and my Facebook page. I think I keep looking for affirmation that I matter based on reactions form other people and interactions from other people. Of course a little bit of that is fine. Too much of that begins to distract me from focusing on what is really important: my writing, my running, my meditation, overall mindfulness, compassion, and happiness. I believe it would be skillful for me to find happiness without depending on getting e-mails, "likes," and page views from others.

 

11 p.m. update:

I did it! I went to the gym and ran on the treadmill. It was only about 1.5 miles, but at least I broke the cycle of inactivity. That feels good in itself. I also had a fun evening at the drumming circle.