Comments on: How to Survive a Terrible Year (End-of-year edition)

By: David V

David V — Sat, 16 Dec 2017 19:30:50 +0000

A great list. The darker I feel the more I skew toward the dark comedies – a little extra boost from someone else’s comic misfortune, maybe. I keep Dr Horrible’s SingAlong Blog handy for such moments. And my favorite (no fooling) Christmas movie: We’re No Angels with Humphrey Bogart.

By: Deborah K Hammond

Deborah K Hammond — Sat, 16 Dec 2017 09:06:31 +0000

Somehow the small lights and joys become visible, sensory stimulating, happy moments and we get to be present in those moments. And that can be sustaining and soothing. We need to be able to experience those positives and I think it’s key that we look for them with the expectation that they exist. Like once you find a bit of beach glass in the sand you begin to see it more easily. I see you doing this a lot Jeannine. Nothing is more affirming than the payoffs of frequent little joys.

By: Allison Green

Allison Green — Fri, 15 Dec 2017 17:08:53 +0000

That’s a good list. We liked coloring with grandchildren, who are almost always living in the moment.

By: Penny Harter

Penny Harter — Fri, 15 Dec 2017 13:40:30 +0000

Thanks so much for this inspiring message, Jeannine! You are right to say life is not about being constantly happy….is often about suffering. Yet it is absolutely necessary that we celebrate each day, and treasure the blessings we do have! Bless you for sharing your “practice” with others in this way!

By: Karen A. Romanko

Karen A. Romanko — Fri, 15 Dec 2017 08:00:17 +0000

Thanks for sharing this list. Inspiring!

One thing that helps me get through difficult times is thinking of a blessing—something that is going right in my life. It’s a practice I had to learn—it’s not a habit that comes naturally to me. But, with practice, I’m beginning to do it more often and it has helped me immeasurably.

By: Jeannine Gailey

Jeannine Gailey — Fri, 15 Dec 2017 04:20:25 +0000

In reply to Jan Priddy. Jan, glad we got to share our time in art together for a bit!

By: Jeannine Gailey

Jeannine Gailey — Fri, 15 Dec 2017 04:19:40 +0000

In reply to Brian James Lewis.

Brian, Yes, I think our furry friends are worth it – every time they leave a mess, throw up on my books or jump in a keyboard, when they are snuggled next to me while I read or write I think – yep, totally worth it.

By: Jeannine Gailey

Jeannine Gailey — Fri, 15 Dec 2017 04:17:56 +0000

In reply to Melanie. Thank you, Melanie.

By: Jeannine Gailey

Jeannine Gailey — Fri, 15 Dec 2017 04:17:21 +0000

In reply to Martha Moesker.

Martha – Thanks! I sort of feel like I triumphed the way Katniss triumphed at the end of the Hunger Games – maybe a few years in an institution, but married to a wonderful baker. LOL.

By: Jan Priddy

Jan Priddy — Fri, 15 Dec 2017 03:21:44 +0000

Yes. Number 4. I think we both know about that one. Thank you. And, yes, art saves lives—I used to have that on my bumper, the one thing I will about that vehicle.