Greetings...

Six years ago, I began writing Reflections every week.  Intimidated by the prospect, I never thought I would keep it up for so long.  Last winter, I added Sharing the Journey and wondered how it would work to double my weekly commitment to writing for others.  It has worked remarkably well. 

Still, sometimes challenges accumulate, as they have recently.  Between the challenge of typing with a broken wrist and preparing for my most intense volunteer commitment of the year (Missoula Marathon week), I confess that this will be a week to "journey light." 

 I recently announced that our next topic is "happiness."  Of course, since making that decision, I have seen the subject everywhere I look. Maybe I am not original, but perhaps I am attuned.  The topic is on our collective minds. It is in the air.  This week I want to offer a sampler of insights on happiness from varied sources, whetting our appetites to develop our own.

Writing to Grow

I am a big fan of journaling. You know that, as I have urged you to share the journey by writing responses to many questions and prompts posted here.  However, one of you (thanks, Karla) recently suggested that we use art as well as writing to generate insights and document progress. In doing so, she yanked me out of the comfort zone.  I don't do art! 

A few weeks later, my son (thanks, Jonathan) introduced a personal-growth app that makes creative use of our ubiquitous camera phones. Then we made collages in our Weight Watchers' meeting.  Message accepted, received, and now shared.

If you want a fun and different way to stimulate and record personal growth, follow this link to a cool new app. You-app introduces itself as "the world's most positive community."  It proposes daily micro-actions for a happier and healthier you.  Each day, you get a post on your smartphone that invites you to schedule one tiny step toward a personal goal.  A fun twist is the challenge of documenting your action in a single snapshot.  The online community can cheer if you wish (based on your privacy settings).  Daily actions range from eating and exercise to stress management, changing perceptions, and beauty breaks.  It is fun and forgiving (urging you to skip assignments when they become a burden).  I LOVE IT!  Maybe you will too.

Unlike apps, collages have been around for a long

 Making a collage brings back the simple tools of childhood: scissors and paste.  My artsy friend Karla loves collages, and so do I.  Maybe you do too. Develop your own visual mosaic of happiness on life's personal journey.

From the Bookshelf

Hammerness, Paul, MD and Moore, Margaret.  OrganizeYour Mind, Organize Your Life