Emotions can be like a roller coaster.  What if someone asks “how are you doing?”  Do you give them an automatic answer, or an honest assessment?  If you’re honest, do you give an emotional answer?  Or use a thoughtful awareness of the overall trends in your life, such as focus, open-mindedness, wellness, compassion, integrity and achievement?

I sense that things are going very well in my life.  I’m single, so I don’t enjoy the emotional highs of being in love.  I’m sober, so I don’t have the intense highs of drugs.  My kids are leaving the nest, so my focus is changing.  Yet I sense that I’m wiser, better conditioned, calmer, more centered and more accepting of who I am.  I have nostalgic moments, but I’m not losing myself in them.  I aim to do the next right things, striving to be the best possible version of myself.  I have faith that whatever else happens will thereby be good.

I went to a Christmas party this evening.  It was fun to enjoy the camaraderie, good-natured kidding, great food and friendly people.  Will my fire burn brightly?  Perhaps it depends on how well I prepare the fuel!