Only the Good Notes

Being Mindful: Making Or Tasting Coffee?

You know, I’m not entirely sure…but I think I enjoy the process of getting my coffee more than I actually like drinking my coffee.

I love turning on my coffee maker. I love selecting my flavor. I love going to get the cream I will put in. I love the sounds the coffee-maker makes when it is percolating and brewing. I LOVE the scent of the coffee as it is being made. I love the sounds of coffee being poured. I love the clinking of the spoon as I am stirring in my cream…

And…

I love walking into a coffee shop. I love the cool, hip music that is usually being played. I love observing the army of Macbooks arrayed on all the tables. I love seeing beautiful people talking business, politics and art. I love glancing at the bin of food that I normally don’t eat. I love hearing the baristas making all the noise when they are constructing my latest venti mocha. I love being asked if I want whipped cream in my coffee (yes).

Yeah, I love coffee. But I love “getting it” a lot more.

What little things about your journeys do you love most?

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[this is part of my Be Mindful series...an examination about being more mindful about the little things in your life]

[pic from flickr]

Be Mindful: How Are You Feeling On Back To Work Day?

So, it is back to work day.

You’ve gotten through Christmas and New Years, had some time off, got to travel perhaps, maybe got caught up with some reading or other projects…

But today, it is back to work. So…

How are you feeling about it?

Are you excited? Can’t wait to get back? Feels like just another day in a rich, rewarding life?

Or are you dreading it? Depressed. Sad. And pissed off that you had to deal with the 7 degrees windchill (here in Atlanta) and morning rush hour?

Be very mindful about how you are feeling. If you are the latter, you need to think about your life. And your place in it.

Life is too damn short to be full of dread, depression, sadness, and being pissed off.

Stephanie and I have worked very hard to craft a life we love and relish. As you can see from our office above, we love what we do, we love working across from one another, and wouldn’t have it any other way.

Be mindful in how you are feeling this morning. If you are unhappy, perhaps it is time to shake things up…

[this is part of my Be Mindful series...an examination about being more mindful about the little things in your life]

Be Mindful: Celebrate The Little Victories

[this is part of my Be Mindful series...an examination about being more mindful about the little things in your life]

As of this writing, I’ve lost five pounds in 2011. That’s a moderately respectable accomplishment. And I’m proud of it.

When it comes to enjoying little victories like losing a few pounds, you need to celebrate: even the smallest of achievements.

For example, when I weigh myself on the scale and I lose a half pound, I allow myself to make it a BIG deal. Because it is after all, progress. The world is moving too fast and we all have too much going on not to celebrate and recognize little bits of progress here and there.

Because when I celebrate losing even a half-pound, I feel lighter. My clothes seem to fit better. And you know very well how good it feels when you feel like your outfit and appearance is working.

In the big scheme of things, to have dropped from 229 lbs to 224 lbs isn’t significant. But I allow myself to be happy with that.

When it comes to losing weight, clocking in more time with your spouse or your children, adding some distance on a run, or removing even a small percentage of unhealthy food from your diet, celebrate the little advancements.

Work towards a larger goal, of course. Celebrate BIG TIME when you get there. But there is nothing wrong about being mindful of each little mile post as they pass by.

It is evidence of moving in the right direction…

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[photo from flickr]