On December 31, 2023, I read an article about unique ways various people used to mark their journeys through the previous year. Essentially, each person embraced a method that forced them to take a short beat to make observations about themselves while navigating what's become an often tricky, nasty, and unforgiving world. The article left me greatly inspired.

 

So, on January 1, 2024, I decided to write a short sentence or two every day about something that brought me joy. What followed was a delight. No matter how god-awful or magnificent the day had been, I stopped to contemplate it, taking micro and macro perspectives along the way. And I didn't miss a day.

 

Granted, writing a couple sentences a day isn't a monumental undertaking. For many years, I've typically written many thousands of words daily. Still, this ended up being an incredibly meaningful adventure.

In 2012, I did something similar, writing a blog post each day during the year focused on positivity, motivated by a considerable need to introduce more of it into my life. (I was truly a pessimistic soul.) That effort demanded far more time and effort, and completing the mission brought tremendous satisfaction. In some ways, though, 2024's project has been even more rewarding.

 

By any stretch of the imagination, 2024 was a tumultuous year pulsing with way too much anxiety, conflict, and continuing separation. Despite the heaviness, there was always joy to find. Plenty of it, actually. From the most mundane moments to those that will long impact me profoundly, 2024 was brimming with happiness to be experienced and cherished. 

 

What was the best benefit of documenting joyful moments? Easy, the gratitude that closely followed. I am an incredibly fortunate man, not for any wealth, intellect, respect, or power I've accumulated. I'm lucky because I recognize it's family, friends, nature, art, pets, good food, sunshine, a bird's song, a candy bar, diligence, perseverance, discipline, loyalty, love, insights, and many other intangibles that cause me to rejoice and prosper.

If you're interested for whatever reason, here is my list of joyful moments, complete with typos, misspellings, and other mistakes that hurriedness and excitement will introduce.  

1-1-24: Today, I found joy in lazily curling up in bed with my wife and watching, for the second time, “True Detective,” Season 1.  

1-2-24: Today, I found joy in working out for the first time in 2024. I got after it hard and took pride in the effort. 

1-3-24: Today, I found joy in writing in my journal over lunch, contemplating the benefits of saying “No” when appropriate and the importance of not squandering time on frivolous, unproductive activities. 

1-4-24: Today, I found joy in learning that today, my wife performed a medical procedure on a gorilla named Timu at the Henry Doorly Zoo. Flipping awesome. Timu is the first test tube gorilla ever. My wife was thrilled to provide her expertise, to say the least. 

1-5-24: Today, I took joy in working hard to complete several articles without procrastinating or avoiding the more difficult tasks until later. 

1-6-24:  Today, I took joy in going to the Kiewett Luminarium and then having supper in the Old Market. 

1-7-24: Today, I took joy in being productive, including taking down Christmas decorations, going to the grocery store, and doing the dreaded picking up of dog poop. 

1-8-24: Today, I took joy in taking an afternoon walk with my wife in the falling snow; breathing in the cold, fresh air; listening to nature’s silence; and being thankful for the moisture that's becoming increasingly less abundant where I live. 

1-9-24: Today, I took joy in making it to work safely in the blowing snow and on the ice- and snow-covered interstate. 

1-10-24: Today, I took joy in getting my car tires replaced. I took no joy in the price charged. 

1-11-24: Today, I took joy in getting a raise at my job. What followed, however, was a nagging feeling that something bad would soon follow, as well as stupid, self-loathing questions like, “What did I do to deserve this?” and “What’s the catch?” 

1-12-24: Today, I took joy in relaxing inside my warm house while a blizzard raged outside. 

1-13-24: Today, I took joy in working out hard, going way beyond what was required, and obtaining the feeling of being very accomplished. 

1-14-24: Today, I took joy in being indoors, as the outdoors only offered -40 temps with the wind chill. 

1-15-24: Today, I took joy in the fact that my truck, sitting at nearly 300,0000 miles driven, started like a champ in -8 degrees weather. 

1-16-24: Today, I took joy in eating supper with my wife and catching up, after a long day. 

1-17-24: Today, I took joy in finishing my first book for 2024, “The Storyteller” by Dave Grohl. Much of it felt like reliving my childhood through music due to some shared common experiences, which I very much liked. 

1-18-24: Today, I took joy in taking my dad out to lunch for his birthday. 

1-19-24: Today, I took joy in powering through writing an article I wanted no part of writing. I stuck with it, though, and got the job done. 

1-20-24: Today, I took joy in sipping my morning coffee in near silence, looking at the snow-covered ground outside, watching the birds dart about, and knowing that I was warm and cozy inside. 

1-21-24: Today, I took joy in one of the most peaceful walks I can ever recall. Trudging through the deep snow down in the valley near my house, I followed the tracks of deer, coyotes, and rabbits in and out of the woods, stopping often to listen to the wind, the birds, and the silence. It was magical. 

1-22-24: Today, I took joy in writing an entry into what I hope becomes a book. It was a cathartic and long overdue topic, and it felt good to explore it in the depth it deserved. 

1-23-24: Today, I found joy in writing a really meaningful journal entry over lunch. Exploring thoughts, beliefs, and intentions each day is powerful and purposeful, and it often leads to real results. 

1-24-24: Today, I took joy in watching Episode 3 of “The Last of Us,” a wonderfully surprising 60-plus minutes of television I never expected. It was a true pleasure, despite the tears I leaked. 

1-25-24: Today, I took joy in playing my electric guitar very loudly. 

1-26-24: Today, I took joy in the power of women and the tenacity, strength, and grace they regularly display.  

1-27-24:Today, I took joy in watching the Royal Rumble, reliving a little bit of my childhood. 

1-28-24: Today, I took joy in another long, slow, and meditative Sunday morning walk, pacing in and out of the woods along the Salt Creek, following animals’ tracks, sitting in silence, and wishing it was my life each day. 

1-29-24: Today, I took joy in doing a solid day’s work, knowing that it will lead to greater outcomes. 

1-30-24: Today, I took joy in seeing increasingly more women post and speak about Taylor Swift and the subsequent triggering of men it caused. I wonder what it’s like to be inside her mind, thought processes, insecurities, self-securities, peace, and more. 

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1-31-24: Today, I took joy in resting on my bed with my dog Maybelle watching TV, just relaxing while engaging with the writing, acting, direction, and musical talents of others. Life’s simple moments are her best. 

2-1-24: Today, I took joy in watching the last episode of “The Last of Us,” despite and being left with many questions, thoughts, and emotions–always the sign of a quality television. I was sad for it to end. 

2-2-24: Today, I took joy in walking along the Platte River, watching and listening to the ice flow, watching an eagle, and basking in the geese flying over my head. 

2-3-24: Today, I took joy in watching the wonderful, thought-provoking film “Poor Things.” It was brilliant, sad, funny, sexual, and more. 

2-4-24: Today, I took joy in playing with my grandson and hearing his interesting perspectives on aliens, school, and more. 

2-5-24: Today, I took joy in the restorative beauty of taking a nap. 

2-6-24: Today, I took joy in cooking supper for my wife and daughters and sitting around the table after eating sharing memories and laughs. 

2-7-24: Today, I took joy in getting deeply involved in a good book (“Lost Souls”), to the point I didn’t want to put it down. There is no better feeling. 

2-8-24: Today, I took joy in overcoming a poor mental outlook toward working out, only to not only get the job done, but going above and beyond what was required. The joy I get from surpassing workout goals is intoxicating. 

2-9-24: Today, I took joy in having supper with my daughter and  grandson to celebrate his awesome day at school. 

2-10-24: Today, I took joy in watching the powerful and wonderfully directed “Oppenheimer.” 

2-11-24: Today, I took joy in taking an early morning, silent, peaceful, and restoring hike on Super Bowl Sunday. Running water. Geese in the sky. Deer tracks in the mud. My walking stick plodding along my side. 

2-12-24: Today, I took joy in completing my longest post-workout run to date. I didn’t set out to achieve that, and the fact that it came naturally made it more enjoyable. 

2-13-24: Today, I took joy in waking up after having a wonderful night’s sleep, which doesn’t happen much. In fact, it rarely happens. 

2-14-24: Today, I took joy in spending a wonderful Valentine’s Day supper and evening with my wife. Steak, salmon, and cheesecake. 

2-15-24: Today, I took joy in watching Caitlyn Clark break the all-time women’s basketball scoring record for the NCAA. 

2-16-24: Today, I took joy in the return of the evil Rock. Yes, I'll never outgrow pro wrestling. 

2-17-24: Today, I took joy in eating popcorn. It made me happy in the simplest way. 

2-18-24: Today, I took joy in picking up dog pop, a chore I've put off far too long. 

2-19-24: Today, I took joy in realizing what seemed like a very successful and real computer scam turned out to be a phishing attempt. 

2-20-24: Today, I took joy in helping my wife with computer issues. It made me happy to help her because computer issues make her so unhappy. (It took until after 2 a.m. to complete. I haven’t been up that long on purpose in a while.) 

2-21-24: Today, I took joy in working out in the morning, with more time and energy to maximize. I wish I had this capability every workout. 

2-22-24: Today, I took joy in attending a basketball game with my cousins Daryl and Dan at the high school from which we all graduated, And we won. 

2-23-24: Today, I took joy in watching the last episode of “True Dectective, Season 4” with my wife. 

2-24-24: Today, I took joy in eating a New York strip for supper. 

2-25-24: Today, I took joy in playing my guitar on the from step in the warm sun. 

2-26-24: Today, I took joy in cleaning my house and fixing the lazy Susan. 

2-27-24: Today, I took joy in eating pizza, the most glorious of all foods. 

2-28-24: Today, I took joy in watching “Purple Rain,” which I came across unexpectedly flipping through the channels. I’ll never not love “Purple Rain” and the memories it conjures. 

2-29-24: Today, I took joy in preparing for a short weekend trip to Ponca State Park, to stay in a cabin, to relax, to hike, to chill to the utmost. 

3-1-24: Today, I took joy in looking at the stars under the darkest skies. They popped like diamonds. 

3-2-24: Today, I took joy in taking a long hike to reach an oak tree over 350 years old. 

3-3-24: Today, I took joy in taking an incredible hike in Ponca State Park with my wife along a trail littered with trees, hills, and valleys. I could have stayed all day. 

3-4-24: Today, I took joy in having breakfast with my wife, preparing taxes, and feeling accomplished. 

3-5-24: Today, I took joy that I received a clean bill of health at my dental checkup. Never a sure thing for an avid candy eater. 

3-6- 24: Today, I took joy in giving blood, something I’ve done consistently for years and am proud to do. 

3-7-24: Today, I took joy in watching the President’s State of The Union. I came away with at least a glimmer of hope and faith. 

3-8-24: Today, I took joy in starting the last season of “Peaky Blinders.” I've been saving this for a long time because I don’t want to let it go. (I really don't watch as much TV as it may appear.) 

3-9-24: Today, I took joy in working out, exchanging texts with my friends, eating dinner out with my wife, and taking a nap. 

3-10-24: Today, I took joy in watching the Oscars (or “Huskers,” as my grandson put it) with my family. 

3-11-24: Today, I took joy in traveling to Council Bluffs to walk a trail with my wife and spend the day together. 

3-12-24: Today, I took joy playing my guitar, practicing riffs and scales, and simply enjoying that I can make music. 

3-13-24: Today, I took joy in watching the series finale of “Peaky Blinders.” I’m sad that it has ended but thrilled I invested the time. It’s among my favorite television shows ever, and I actually clapped and audibly yelped at certain scenes in the finale. 

3-14-24: Today, I took joy in taking time to do some meaningful reflection and contemplation, really questioning certain positions and thoughts, and really exploring new ideas and possibilities. 

3-15-24: Today, I took joy in writing in my journal over lunch and really making some good insights. 

3-16-24: Today, I took joy in watching two basketball games with my wife. I love when we can watch sports together. 

3-17-24: Today, I took joy in spending St. Patrick’s Day with my daughters, wife, and grandson. 

3-18-24: Today, I took joy in receiving an unexpected present from my wife (a capo and a guitar pick with my initials etched in), which made my day. 

3-19-24: Today, I took joy in eating a tremendously good apple. It crunched. It juiced. It bit my taste buds like a shark. What a treat. 

3-20-24: Today, I took joy in powering through writing a difficult article, one that I was dreading doing. 

3-21-24: Today, I took joy in watching games from the first day of the NCAA Basketball Tournament, including #14 Oakland beating #3 Kentucky in a thriller. 

3-22-23: Today, I took joy in buying tickets to see “Late Night With The Devil” tomorrow night in the theater with my wife. I can’t wait.  

3-23-24: Today, I took joy in going to the movie theater with my wife, enjoying snacks in our reclining chairs, and seeing a good, not great, movie. 

3-24-24: Today, I took joy in spending a very lazy Sunday with my wife, eating Hawaiian BBQ, watching basketball, reading “Golf Digest,” and starting a new TV series, “Tokyo City.” 

3-25-24: Today, I took joy in handling some stressful moments with composure and discipline, working through some tense situations with a fluid, even mind. 

3-26-24: Today, I took joy in going to the store and buying food for my hungry dogs. I know they appreciate the effort. 

3-27-24: Today, I took joy in eating a delicious steak, cooked by myself. Damn good, and hit the spot. 

3-28-24: Today, I took joy in completing a terrific workout, one in which I busted my ass and exhausted my reserves.

3-29-24: Today, I took joy in playing guitar. 

3-30-24: Today, I took joy in having breakfast with my parents and catching up. I wish there was more time for this.  

3-31-24: Today, I took joy in spending Easter with my family. 

4-1-24: Today, I took joy in reading Tao wisdom right before bed, sending me into my dreams a more peaceful person. 

4-2-24: Today, I took joy in a great, great workout. I usually struggle at least somewhat mentally and physically during workouts, but today flowed in all respects. 

4-3-24: Today, I took joy in my daughter visiting us at our house. 

4-4-24: Today, I took joy in taking a nap in the middle of the day. Glorious. 

4-5-24: Today, I took joy in making myself pancakes for breakfast, drinking coffee at my leisure, and hitting the golf range, all on a vacation day. 

4-6-24: Today, I took joy in watching the first night of Wrestlemania. .

4-7-24: Today, I took joy in watching night two of Wrestlemania. I was reminded yet again why I love professional wrestling, and I always will. 

4-8-24: Today, I took joy in the hoopla and spectacle of the total eclipse. 

4-9-24: Today, I took joy in working out outside rather than in the garage. It was awesome to feel the sun on my skin, as well as the sweat it helped pour out of me. 

4-10-24: Today, I took joy in watching “Repo Man,” starring the wonderful Harry Dean Stanton, and remembering how glorious my “punk phase” was during the 80s. I did have a bad-ass punk haircut, and I did take some shit for it, but I didn’t care.  

4-11-24: Today, I took joy in eating steak for supper. 

4-12-24: Today, I took joy in golfing on a beautiful Friday afternoon. 

4-13-24: Today, I took joy in finishing my 52nd straight week of working out as well as Graves birthday, seeing Kent Taylor after many years, and eating pizza and ice cream. 

4-14-24: Today, I took joy in doing a lot of yard work. 

4-15-24: Today, I took joy in visiting with my parents, including about my dad’s brother who recently passed, the weather, dogs, and much more. 

4-16-24: Today, I took joy in writing about motorcycles, and fantasizing that one day, I may just actually get my own. 

4-17-24: Today, I took joy in listening to “Doolittle,” one of my favorite albums. It was released 35 years ago on this day, which doesn’t make me feel so good. 

4-18: 24: Today, I took joy in receiving a video from my daughter of wild horses she saw in New Mexico while on vacation. They were beautiful, and I’m envious of their lives and freedom. 

4-19-24: Today, I took joy in hitting a bucket of golf balls at the range, entirely alone. Took my time, enjoyed the afternoon’s freedom, and hit pretty well. 

4-20-24: Today, I took joy in having a fantastic meal (yakisoba beef) with my wife at Wave Bistro, our go-to restaurant. 

4-21-24: Today, I took joy in getting a massive amount of yardwork done, although my body is paying the price. 

4-22-24: Today, I took joy in making a healthy food choice instead of a poor one. It felt good. 

4-23-24: Today, I took joy in being humbled, brought down to earth, put in my place, and reminded that anyone can be gotten at any time. It was a stoic lesson that I needed. 

4-24-24: Today, I took joy in sitting in the sun reading, hitting golf balls at a nice, slow pace, and watering new grass seed. 

4-25-24: Today, I took joy in listening to the great Leon Russell sing and play as only he can. 

4-26-24: Today, I took joy in knowing the tornados that hit my state yesterday didn't do as much damage as was possible. It could have been so much worse. 

4-27-24: Today, I took joy in my grandson’s sixth birthday party. 

4-28-24: Today, I took joy in playing with my grandson, wrestling, and helping him with his magic potion toy and fart gun! 

4:29-24: Today, I took joy in being thankful for what I have and what I’m not doing. First thing this morning, I saw the old Kaiser Painting van at a gas station and recalled the early mornings decades ago when I would sit on a bucket in the back of that van, riding to some house to do woodwork or painting, getting compensated in peanuts, and knowing I wasn’t living my best life.  

4-30-24: Today, I took joy in being super active. A nice walk in the morning. Worked out after after work, and then mowed the backyard. Feels good to have nice, warm weather back again. 

5-1-24: Today, I took joy in giving blood. This has been a regular thing I’ve done for many years now. It’s so easy to do, and it’s meaningful. And it makes me feel good. 

 

5-2-24: Today, I took joy in cleaning the house, which always brings great relief to my anxious, chaotic, and probably psychotic mind. 

5-3-24: Today, I took joy in watching John Mulaney, who never fails to make me laugh. 

5-4:24: Today, I took joy in spending the day with my wife and catching up. 

5-5-24: Today, I took joy in spending time with my daughter, Ella; golfing; catching up with my dad’s side of the family; and planting a tree. 

5-6-24: Today, I took joy in working out in the garage while it was raining outside of it.  

5-7-24: Today, I took joy in listening to “Fisherman Blues” by The Waterboys, journaling at lunch with pretty good contemplation, and watching “Stop Making Sense” after I finished mowing the entire lawn. 

5-8-24: Today, I took joy in cleaning my golf clubs. I like menial tasks that let me sink my mind into the details and nothing else. The meditative benefits are fabulous. 

5-9-24: Today, I took joy in traveling to the nearby golf course over lunch and hitting a bucket of balls. I’m mad at myself for not doing this on the regular starting many years ago. I’ve truly been missing out. 

5-10-24: Today, I took joy in the wonderful simplicity of soup.

5-11-24: Today, I took joy in playing golf for the first time this year. I didn’t play great, but the weather was excellent and the company was too. 

5-12-24: Today, I took joy in spending Mother’s Day with my family, including my daughters, grandson, and parents. We had an excellent brunch, and it was a great time. 

5-13-24: Today, I took joy in spending the day at the zoo with my wife, and then having a fantastic lunch. 

5-14-24: Today, I took joy in rereading Flannery O’Conner’s “The Prayer Journal.” 

5-15-24: Today, I took joy in sharing my peanut butter sandwich with a sparrow. He enjoyed it, although it seemed to cause a little tension with his buddies who kept trying to steal from underneath his beak. 

5-16-24: Today, I took joy in watching Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives on Tiny Desk Series. Masterful, fun, energetic, spiritual, and magical. 

5-17-24: Today, I took joy in planting my garden plants and restructuring the garden itself. I hope the effort pays off. 

5-18-24: Today, I took joy in taking a late-afternoon walk along the Platte River. The birds circled my head from above. The fish were jumping. People were kayaking. I wanted to jump in and float away with them. 

5-19-24: Today, I took joy in playing with my grandson. We built a piggy bank and created cool, swirling drawings using one of his birthday presents. 

5-20-24: Today, I took joy in watching storm clouds roll in from the West, getting ready to pounce. The movement inspired me to write two poems. 

5-21-24: Today, I took joy in playing the guitar before bed, which put me in the best mood I had been in all day. 

5-22-24: Today, I took joy in being at the golf course where no other place to be. I can’t wait until I’m retired.  

5-23-24: Today, I took joy in playing frisbee with wife. We don’t have the hops we used to, but we can still wing it with the best of them. 

5-24-24: Today, I took joy in playing golf in the late afternoon and finding my groove. 

5-25-24: Today, I took joy in cooking hot dogs on the grill for our family and friends. 

5-26-24: Today, I took joy in planting a new bush in the front yard. 

5-27-24: Today, I took joy in spending a lazy day watching movies after a hard morning of working out. 

5-28-24: Today, I took joy in watering my garden and seeing it come to life and prosper. 

5-29-24: Today, I took joy in eating pizza for lunch. I’ve been so good generally about not doing this kind of stuff at lunch, but it felt so good being so bad.  

5-30-24: Today, I took joy in playing guitar in the garage while it was pouring rain outside. I also took joy in watching our court system play out the way it was designed to. 

5-31-24: Today, I took joy in eating fried chicken.  

6-1-24: Today, I took joy in eating Thai food with my wife. Drunken noodles, yum. 

6-2-24: Today, I took joy in playing golf with my friend, Chris, even though I played fairly poorly. 

6-3-24: Today, I took joy in completing a new and much harder workout than I’m used to. It kicked my ass, but in a good way. I was tapped at the end, but felt strongly mentally, which is much better. 

6-4-24: Today, I took joy in assembling a new Blackstone grill that my parents very generously got me for my birthday. I’m excited to start putting it to use. 

6-5-24: Today, I took joy in taking a late-evening walk down the country road behind the cemetery. In the cornfield off in the distance, the setting sun’s light was shining off the backs of two deer, leisurely enjoying a snack. I stood in the middle of the road and watched them for several minutes before they slipped into the treeline and disappeared. 

6-6-24: Today, I took joy in watching the first game of the NBA Finals championship. The game was a stinker, so I practiced guitar at the same time. Win-Win. 

6-7-24: Today, I took joy in the excellent comedy of Pete Holmes while the rain poured outside. My laughter nearly drowned it out. 

6-8-24: Today, I took joy in attending with my wife the last Omaha Arts Fair ever. I bought an excellent print that moved me, and I overfilled my belly with Indian food from Safran. 

6-9-24: Today, I took joy in spending all morning outside with my grandson, Graves. He's fond of space, so we traveled to many planets on his swing/space ship. We later walked to the stored and bought hot dogs, which we grilled and ate outside. 

6-10-24: Today, I took joy in my birthday, reflecting on my years past, present, and future; enjoying birthday cake; enjoying a birthday dinner; enjoying spending the lunch hour at the golf range hitting golf balls; and ending the night by watching the bats fly above me, catching their later-night supper.  

6-11-24: Today, I took joy in spending my half day off from work golfing 18 holes with Chris, who was enjoying his birthday. We’ve been paired with some interesting people this summer, including today when we golfed the first nine with a pair of brothers, one very much a chatter.

6-12-24: Today, I took joy in watching the sun set behind a train in the foreground, passing along on the tracks slowly but surely, nowhere to get to eagerly but determined to keep moving. The summer vibes were strong. 

6-13-24: Today, I took joy in taking a walk along the country road near my house, watching the sun slowly set as I walked. I saw a kitten, deer in the field, a shedded snake skin, and weeds surrounding the headstones of my relatives in the cemetery. Those weeds have been removed!  

6-14-24: Today, I took joy in picking weeds in my garden. Weed-picking is one of the most zen activities I know. Locked into the moment, clear mind, and acting with intent. Wonderful. 

6-15-24: Today, I took joy in a great, hard workout in the morning, during which I really pushed myself mentally and physically. The sweat was pouring, and it felt great. 

6-16-24: Today, I took joy in a nice Father’s Day, including playing golf in the morning with my dad and my daughter (she did great), and then having lunch with my wife, daughters, and parents. 

6-17-24: Today, I took joy in a peaceful break from the world, reading a book while swinging on our wicker chair as the sun set behind me. 

6-18-24: Today, I took joy in watching a hard, fast rainfall as the power went out, leading me to light several candles and enjoy the different types of illumination. 

6-19-24: Today, I took joy a very nice dinner with my daughter, eating good Mexican food, and having a terrific conversation. 

6-20-24: Today, I took joy in watching a Major League Baseball game played at Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Alabama, that focused entirely on the Negro League and Willie Mays. I was moved many times by the strength, grace, and enduring nature of the men presented to the us. 

6-21-24: Today, I took joy in viewing the full moon rising over the cornfield near my house. I wish I'd taken a lawn chair just to sit and bask in its glory. 

6-22-24: Today, I took joy in going to a baseball game with my wife, daughter, and parents. It was a beautiful night. I ate good baseball park food, and we made it home just after the sun went below the horizon. 

6-23-24: Today, I took joy in making and eating a Sunday morning breakfast outside with my wife, listening to and watching the birds entertain us as we did. 

6-24-24: Today, I took joy in diving into memories of my aunt Teri and my childhood, letting myself feel the joy of that happiness as well as the sadness of her passing. 

6-25-24: Today, I took joy in watching “Godzilla Minus One,” a genuinely good movie, and one that took me back to being a young kid, staying up late watching monster movies while laying in cousin Jerry’s waterbed in my uncle and aunt’s basement. 

6-26-24: Today, I took joy in reading a book on my back patio while the sun went down in front of me, the birds sang songs from their throats, and the stubborn heat generate happy memories of summers gone by. 

6-27-24: Today, I took joy in playing a really good round of golf (for me). If there’s anything better than hitting a really good golf shot, I don’t know what it is. I’m not sure why playing golf resonates with so many people, but it’s fast become my favorite game to play. The life-related metaphors it offers (dealing constructively with frustration, not dwelling on success because failure is close at hand, resiliency, etc.) are endless. 

6-28-24: Today, I took joy in wrapping up a difficult but productive work week and topping it off with a hard-ass workout that let me sweat it all away. 

6-29-24: Today, I took joy in sipping coffee on the porch in the early morning hours, feeling the cool breeze pass swiftly over my bald head. 

6-30-24: Today, I took joy in attending a great concert in Colorado with my wife. Cat Power, Modest Mouse, and Pixies. I loved being among my people again and in an atmosphere of nonconformity and acceptance 

7-1-24: Today, I took joy in the fortune I've been blessed with in life. This morning, a young man came into the hotel breakfast area where we were staying. He filled his plate and started eating at a table beside us. I felt he wasn't a guest and was probably homeless. Sure enough, the manager soon asked him what room he was staying in. He hesitated before making one up. She asked to see his key, but he said his mom had it. She asked for her name so she could look it up. He made an excuse and left. My heart sank. So much food left behind at every table around us, wanted by people who didn't need it anyway. 

7- 2-24: Today, I took joy in seeing and visiting with so many family members from my mom’s side of the family. Despite mourning the death of my aunt, it did me good to see so many faces it seems I rarely get to see anymore. 

7-3-24: Today, I took joy in gutting through a difficult workday. It was satisfying to take on challenges and meet them without hesitation. 

7-4-24: Today, I took joy in spending the holiday with my family and sharing my grandson’s experience of watching his first big fireworks show. 

7-5-24: Today, I took joy in spending time at the golf course, hitting a bucket of balls, and then practicing my chipping and putting, all at a leisurely pace. 

7-6-24: Today, I took joy in going to a movie with my grandson and wife, after which we ate dinner and enjoyed a few minutes at the park downtown. 

7-7-24: Today, I took joy in taking a long walk through the cemetery, providing the opportunity to reflect and calm down. The birds were singing loudly, and the sun was shining bright. 

7-8-24: Today, I took joy in listening to the sweet sounds of Bonnie Light Horseman on my earbuds while all around me the worker bees buzzed loudly. 

7-9-24: Today, I took joy in looking at the moon, just a sliver in the sky, late in the night while letting my dogs out for the last time that day. I was tempted to grab a blanket, curl up in a lawn chair, and spend the night out there. Younger me would have. 

7-10-24: Today, I took joy in setting up my hammock in the backyard, despite the anger the birds living in the birdhouse hanging from the tree I used. The mosquitoes were also not cooperative, but I managed. 

7-11-24: Today, I took joy in playing golf in the afternoon and later watching “Disciple,” a wonderful documentary on Steven Van Zandt. 

7-12-24: Today, I took joy in having an early lunch with my wife. What a great way to break up the workday. 

7-13-24: Today, I took in watching “The Bear,” Season 3. This series has brought me so much joy. 

7-14-24: Today, I took joy in going to our little buddy Trip’s third birthday party, seeing some old friends, and having chocolate pudding. Yes! 

7-15-24: Today, I took joy in eating lunch in the park. I should have stayed there. 

7-16-24: Today, I took joy in finishing “Deliver Me From Nowhere: The Making of Bruce Springsteen’s Nebraska.” It wasn’t a good as I had hoped, but it did conjure up a lot of experiences and emotions from listening to this album countless times. It’s good to know the songs mean as much to others as they do me. 

7-17-24: Today, I took joy in putting my head down and getting to work. Whenever facing a significant task, just get to it. Stare it down. It won’t make it easier, but it will get you started, and you’ll be one step closer to completion. 

7-18-24: Today, I took joy in spending the afternoon golfing on a perfect day, and playing really well. 

7-19-24: Today, I took joy in spending the entire day with three of my oldest friends. I value those friendships with extreme gratitude. 

7-20-24: Today, I took joy in watching two movies, one much better than the other, and taking the time to reflect on them from many different angles. 

7-21-24: Today, I took joy in taking a long, slow walk across the river, stopping often to observe everything that caught my attention, including the birds buzzing through the air catching gnats, the water slapping against the logs jammed against the bridge’s support beams, and the lucky men and women floating aimlessly down the river in their kayaks. 

7-22-24: Today, I took joy in mowing the entire yard after work. Given the choice between sitting at a desk all day and mowing a lawn, I’d take the latter on most days. I do some of my best thinking pushing a mower. 

7-23-24: Today, I took joy in being humbled, in several ways, that reminded me to stay even, grounded, and resilient. They reminded me not to fly too highly, and not to hover too low for too long. What is done is done. Learn from it. Use the knowledge. Move on.  

7-24-24: Today, I took joy in completing a hard-ass workout right after work, outside in the heat, sweating, hurting, and hanging on for dear life. The taunting voice in my head (which I’ve named Clive Fandango), often tells me to just quit. “You’ve done enough.” I didn’t listen. And it felt fantastic. 

7-25-24: Today, I took joy in meditating on the notion of accepting my faults, but not settling for them. Accepting my shortcomings and weaknesses, but knowing there’s work to do always to improve upon them. 

7-26-24: Today, I took joy in surviving my self-damaging thoughts, which want to break me down instead of up, sometimes. 

7-27-24: Today, I took joy in playing Bob Dylan songs on my guitar on the back patio as the birds ate and the sun creeped around the corner. 

7-28-24: Today, I took joy in doing the prep work for a kitchen remodel project, which I hope goes smoothly.

7-29-24: Today, I took joy in a hard day’s work, first getting in a kettlebell and cardio workout in the morning, followed by taping, sanding, and other work in the kitchen. I’ll sleep well tonight. 

 

7-30-24: Today, I took joy in wishing my mom a happy birthday and having supper with old friends and their three wonderful kids. 

7-31-24: Today, I took joy that my house wasn’t damaged and my family remained safe during the devastating storm that happened in our state. Our very old and very huge trees were severely damaged, but no one was hurt. 

8-1-24: Today, I took joy in the fact I have the physical capability to do hard work for long hours, such as cleaning up a crap-ton of tree damage. I also took joy in the tremendous assistance and generosity of my family and friends who helped clean up, finding us a generator to use, as we remain without power, and more. 

 

8-2-24: Today, I took joy in waking up to the birds singing outside my open window, knowing that despite a long, hot night with no AC or power, the world keeps moving, people keep moving, and I’ll keep moving.

8-3-24: Today, I took joy in appreciating the gift of electricity. After 2.5 days of no power in some pretty hot weather, waking up after having actually gotten some sleep was terrific. I also took joy in knowing there are good people out there who will stop to help, without having to be asked. 

8-4-24: Today, I took joy in putting in a hard but productive day filled with lots of cleaning, mowing a big yard, laundry, and getting back to a normal state of being. 

8-5-24: Today, I took joy in doing three things that make me feel better: working out, playing guitar, and reading a good book. 

8-6-24: Today, I took joy in watching Cole Hocker win the Gold medal in the 1,500-meter run at the Olympics, coming from behind and exceeding everyone’s expectations. Anything is possible if you believe. As he crossed the finish line, I actually yelled, “Hell yeah!” It felt so good. 

8-7-24: Today, I took joy in playing Bruce Springsteen songs on guitar on my porch on an absolutely wonderful night. I’m fortunate to play an instrument. The mental and emotional benefits are endless. 

8-8-24: Today, I took joy in eating pizza. Really good pizza, with an excellent crisp crust, tasty meatballs, and a mix of cheeses melted to perfection. 

8-9-24: Today, I took joy in sitting by a fire on a beautiful August night, watching the moon rise into a clear sky. 

8-10-24: Today, I enjoyed spending a great meal with my family to celebrate my mom’s birthday. 

8-11-24: Today, I took joy in completing a long-overdue bathroom project. It looks so much better, and I feel so much better. 

8-12-24: Today, I took joy in having an excellent journal entry at lunch, leaving me feeling as if I had made some major headway. 

8-13-24: Today, I took joy in playing guitar right before bed, working in some Lucida Williams’ songs, and soloing with the pentatonic minor scale. 

8-14-24: Today, I took joy in what turned out to be a day full of contemplation on death, including via a stoic meditation, journaling, watching interviews on the subject by chance with Nick Cave, and then walking through the cemetery after a soft rain, where a rainbow crossed in front of me. 

8-15-24: Today, I took joy in playing the last round of golf for the league I’ve been playing in all summer. It was a great experience, my game improved a lot, and I nearly hit a hole in one. 

8-16-24: Today, I took joy in staying up late. I'm a night person by nature. Responsibility, though, has me in bed early most nights. One day, this will change. 

8-17-24: Today, I took joy in working in the garden first thing in the morning, listening to the birds get excited about the day ahead, pulling wet weeds, and feeling alive.

8-18-24: Today, I took joy in working out in the morning while a rain fell slowly and steady outside. The fresh air was cool and welcomed.  

8-19-24: Today, I took joy in walking into a cornfield to take in the glory of the super blue full moon. It was red, glowing, peaking through whispering clouds, and stunning. Nature truly humbles humans. 

8-20-24: Today, I took joy in petting my dog and giving her a good neck rub, which she really likes and appreciates. I can see it in her eyes. 

8-21-24: Today, I took joy in getting projects done for others. Giving is where it’s at. 

8-22-24: Today, I took joy in picking weeds (one of my favorite zen activities), until I stood up and my back went out. The universe gives and it takes.  

8-23-24: Today, I took joy in receiving two compliments about my writing. 

8-24-24: Today, I joy in reading a book while sitting in the sunshine. I am a child of Ra. 

8-25-24: Today, I took joy in watching a squirrel licking a wrapper that it apparently found. I'm not sure what the wrapper was from, but my man sure enjoyed it. 

8-26-24: Today, I took joy in eating lunch in the park under the shade of several trees while the temperature soared near triple digits. I only eat lunch at work if the weather is crazy cold. I need a break from those surroundings for at least part of the day. That said, the park does pose some difficulty, as I never want to leave. 

8-27-24: Today, I took joy in swinging in the backyard while the sun went down in the West. My dog, Apollo, joined me in the festivities. 

8-28-24: Today, I took joy in giving blood, reaching 6 gallons and 1 pint and my 49th donation overall. There were a few years there when I was sick that I couldn’t give blood. I’d like those years back. 

8-29-24: Today, I took joy knowing I won't be working the next four days. 

8-30-24: Today, I took great joy in spending the day with my daughter Ella, golfing, eating lunch, and taking a walk over the Platte River. 

8-31-34: Today, I took joy in sipping hot coffee on a warm, sunshine-filled porch, followed by a great workout. 

9-1-24: Today, I took joy in sharing a wonderful smoked pork lunch with my parents and family. 

9-2-24: Today, I took joy in painting and going to the park with my grandson. 

9-3-24: Today, I took joy in putting together a cabinet in the garage as the night crept in and its sounds expanded all around me. The peace and focus on the task at hand created something wonderfully satisfying. 

9-4-24: Today, I took joy in watching videos on the art of moviemaking, emphasizing my appreciation and love of film even more. 

9-5-24: Today, I took joy in taking a mid-morning walk, something I try to do each work day to take a deep breath and refocus. 

9-6-24: Today, I took joy in eating tacos. 

9-7-24: Today, I took in watching the Nebraska vs. Colorado football game and witness people in my state enjoy themselves thoroughly in victory. 

9-8-24: Today, I took joy in walking and sitting by the river, watching the hawks float above my head, and the frogs hop along the mud below. 

9-9-24: Today, I took joy in a memory from a very long time ago, as well as just making it through the day during which I didn’t feel great. Perseverance is powerful. 

9-10-11: Today, I took joy in going to a movie with friends and then, afterward, reading about the Vice President’s excellent debate performance. 

9-11-24: Today, I took joy in reaffirming my knowledge that many people are enlightened and aware in knowing that integrity and character matter greatly. 

9-12-24: Today, I took joy in standing on a hill and looking west as the sun disappeared into the horizon while a half moon climbed on the other over my shoulder. The shades of fall are magnificent. 

9-13-24: Today, I took joy in being super productive all afternoon and into the night, whether it was working on the yard, getting the kitchen ready to paint, or cleaning. 

9-14-24: Today, I took joy in listening to loud music as I painted the kitchen and front door. 

9-15:24: Today, I took joy in finishing painting the kitchen, front door, and working around the house. 

9-16-24: Today, I took joy in playing guitar with great focus and passion. 

9-17-24: Today, I took joy in taking an evening walk through the cemetery and viewing the harvest supermoon ascending into the sky. 

9-18-24: Today, I took joy in realizing my good fortune. The country I was born into. The freedom I enjoy and have enjoyed daily. The comfort of good dogs. The ability to read, write, and comprehend. The insight into what matters and what doesn’t. I’ve been gifted a life beyond good fortune, and I’m grateful. 

9-19-24: Today, I took joy in helping my parents get their plane tickets sorted out for a trip their taking to Ireland. I’m excited for them. Although I’m jealous, it’s a much deserved trip.  

9-20-24: Today, I took joy in getting a compliment at work. 

9-21:24: Today, I took joy in watching an Elvis impersonator and his Elvis impersonator sidekick on my wedding anniversary. 

9-22-34: Today, I took joy in spending a very lazy day not doing much of anything, and it felt great. 

9-23-24: Today, I took joy in watching the sun rise ever so slowly in my rearview mirror as I drove to work. I was tempted to cross the median and head back toward the west to take in the full beauty. 

9-24-24: Today, I took joy in drawing in my sketch pad, something I’ve started to do again recently, primarily to make myself laugh at the awfulness of my work. 

9-25-24: Today, I took joy in getting a solid, strong, and exhausting workout in after work. It’s been hard working these in during the past few weeks, but I always feel great mentally and physically making the effort. 

9-26-24: Today, I took joy in changing a flat tire. It's good to have such abilities. Tomorrow, I'm painting my bedroom. Another fine skill to posses. 

9-27-24: Today, I took joy is decluttering all around the house. 

9-28-24: Today, I took joy in painting my bedroom. The first time in nine years and long overdue. 

9-29-24: Today, I took joy in playing golf with my cousin on a beautiful Sunday morning and then later, hearing from an old friend. 

9-30-24: Today, I took joy in going to a movie (“The Wild Robot,” in 3D) with my daughter and grandson. The movie was good, and so was the popcorn and company. 

10-1-24: Today, I took joy in reading in the fall sun. It was the perfect temp, and I didn’t want to move. Ever. 

10-2-24: Today, I took joy in having the windows in the house wide open, allowing cool fall air to blow through every room. 

10-3-24: Today, I took joy in learning a new song on guitar. There’s no feeling like making a song you’ve heard a million times come alive through your own fingers on the strings. 

10-4-24: Today, I took joy in sitting outside after a long week of work and feeling the sun do its magic on my face. 

10-5-24: Today, I took joy in playing what I believe was my best round of golf ever. 

10-6-24: Today, I took joy in drawing, playing guitar, reading, and writing a song. 

10-7-24: Today, I took joy in celebrating the life of our cat, Beck, who we had to say goodbye to after 21 years of life. We’ll miss you, buddy. 

10-8-24: Today, I took joy in diving deep into meditation, focus, and purpose, exploring where I want to steer my life in the coming years. 

10-9-24: Today, I took joy in listening to music very loudly on the drive home from work, singing along with no limits on my loudness. 

10-10-24: Today, I took joy in taking a beat and exhibiting composure in a situation in which I really didn’t want to exhibit that. I want to rail and roar, which would have been the worst approach, as usually is the case. 

10-11-24: Today, I took joy in spending a fantastically warm autumn afternoon outside, taking a walk with my wife over the river looking at the many incredible changing colors of the trees. 

10-12-24: Today, I took joy in spending the afternoon with my wife and then eating at one our favorite restaurants, all topped with a hot fudge sundae for me. 

10-13-24: Today, I took joy in playing what will likely be the last round of golf this year. It was cold and chilly, but I really enjoyed it, and I really enjoyed playing so much this year. By far, the most I’ve played in one year. I love the game, and it will be my pastime in my later years. 

10-14-24: Today, I took joy in knowing that in times of turmoil and unexpected events, as happened throughout today, I’m fairly apt to keep my head. 

10-15-24: Today, I took joy in receiving a clean bill of health at my annual checkup. 

10-16-24: Today, I took joy in staring blissfully at the supermoon, wondering what the view looks like from the other direction. 

10-17-24: Today, I took joy in the improving health of a co-worker. 

10-18-24: Today, I took joy in the powerful, re-energizing feeling of the arrival of 4:30 p.m. on a Friday afternoon, the minute I’m free for the weekend. 

10-19-24: Today, I took joy in shooting baskets in my driveway, playing guitar, and being active all day long. 

10-20-24: Today, I took joy in taking a fabulous bike ride with my wife, observing the many colors of fall in the trees, feeling the warm air blowing in our faces, and generally feeling very much alive. 

10-21-24: Today, I took joy in a much-needed rainfall soaking some very, very dry land all around me. 

10-22-24: Today, I took joy in eating a candy bar. 

10-23-24: Today, I took joy in giving my 50th blood donation and my fifth donation for 2024. It’s an easy thing to do, and it makes a difference. That’s what it’s all about, really. 

10-24-24: Today, I took joy in sitting in the sun directly after work, wishing it had been that which I had been doing all day. 

10-25-24: Today, I took joy in spending a warm afternoon in the sun, reading Bukowski, and laughing out loud. 

10-26-24: Today, I took joy in having a birthday dinner with my daughter, who turned 30.

10-27-24: Today, I took joy in spending a lazy day of playing guitar, writing in my journal, sketching, reading, and watching TV. It was lovely. 

10-28-24: Today, I took joy in sketching and writing on a warm afternoon in the fall, listening to the leaves blow across the ground. 

10/29/24: Today, I took joy in knowing that I have the ability to grind through a day that isn’t going well or is meeting me on the best of terms. 

10/30/24: Today, I took joy in hours and hours of falling rain. 

10/31/24: Today, I took joy in a full house for supper and then reveling in the excitement of little kids going out to trick or treat. 

11/1/24: Today, I took joy in eating ice cream cake to celebrate my wife’s sobriety birthday. 

11/2/24: Today, I took joy in seeing the movie “Here” with my wife. No popcorn caused less joy. 

11/3/24: Today, I took joy in sitting on the porch during a very warm morning, after a night of rain. The smells were crazy good. 

11/4/24: Today, I took joy in doing my due diligence in studying political candidates and issues in anticipation of voting in tomorrow’s national election.  

11/5/24: Today, I took great joy and pride in voting in the election. Now, we wait. 

11/6/24: Today, I took joy in the small things that brighten a day, even ones that feel very heavy and full of impending doom. Also, I saw my daughter over lunch. Saw my other daughter at supper. Watched “The Blues Brothers” before bed, laughing hard. Pet my dogs. Sketched. Wrote. All to maintain a good outlook moving forward.

11/7/24: Today, I took joy in listening to music, and specifically Lil Simz, a terrifically talented singer, artist, conceptualist, and more. I love music so much. It’s a little frightening how much I count on it.  

11/8/24: Today, I took joy in staying up late watching TV. It felt like it did when I was a little boy. Wonderful. 

11/9/24: Today, I took joy in meeting the new kitties we’ve added to our family. They are cute, but already rambunctious, which kitties are prone to be. Thank God.   

11/10/24: Today, I took joy in taking a late-afternoon catnap. The sun’s warmth may be the greatest blanket ever invented. 

11/11/24: Today, I took joy in finishing one book and finding the next. If only time allowed for nothing but reading. 

11/12/24: Today, I took joy in eating a homemade chocolate chip cookie. Actually, it was three chocolate chip cookies that I took joy in eating. 

11/13/24: Today, I took joy in having lunch with my wife. It’s always nice to split the workday up with a friendly face you appreciate. 

11/14/24: Today, I took joy in doing something nice for myself. 

11/15/24: Today, I took joy in watching the Paul vs. Tyson boxing card. The last fight was bad, but enjoying a night of fights was great. 

11/16/24: Today, I took joy in spending the day with some of my kids. 

11/17/24: Today, I took joy in raking up leaves and then watching two good football games back to back. 

11/18/24: Today, I took joy in watching a full day’s worth of rain fall slow and steady. 

11/19/24: Today, I took joy in watching Season 2, Episode 6 of the “The Lord of The Rings: The Rings of Power.” I love the world of Tolkien, and I’m definitely enjoying this series. Humans think they have problems today. Ha. (I know, it’s all fantasy . . . or is it?) 

11/20/24: Today, I took joy in playing my electric guitar while sitting with my dogs in the cozy, warm, non-windy downstairs. 

11/21/24: Today, I took joy in spending the afternoon doing housework that needed done. A clean home is a clean mind. 

11/22/24: Today, I took in climbing into my PJs right after work, slipping into bed, and letting the week slide right off my back. 

11/23/24: Today, I took joy in cleaning up the yard of leaves, again. This will be the last time for 2024. Four times is enough. 

11/24/24: Today, I took joy in feeling the warm sunshine while I played with my grandson outside, swinging, climbing trees, and pretending. 

11/25/24: Today, I took joy in watching Jack Nichelson act. That’s plenty of joy. 

11/26/25: Today, I took joy in making homemade pizza. The best.  

11/27/24: Today, I took joy in really cleaning my house and liking the results. 

11/28/24: Today, I took joy in spending the day with my family, enjoying their company. I wonder sometimes, how much they enjoy spending time with me. It can’t be an equal amount.  

11/29/24: Today, I took joy in playing with our new kittens. Need some excitement (and exasperation) in your life? Get kittens. 

11/30/24: Today, I took joy in watching a documentary (“Yacht Rock”) and other good, lazy TV. 

12/1/24: Today, I took joy in undergoing some deep contemplation. Needed and overdue. Always make the time.  

12/2/24: Today, I’ll be honest, it was difficult finding something to take joy in. Depression can be a dirty slickster with no mercy or empathy. But I take joy in knowing it’s beatable. 

12/3/24: Today, I took joy in being motitvated and inspired, propelling me to do good work at my job and home. 

12/4/24: Today, I took joy in picking up the Christmas tree and placing it in its stand. The dogs and cats were thrilled with the introduction of nature to our indoors. So was I. 

12/5/24: Today, I took joy in seeing my daughter unexpectedly at lunch. Unfortunately, I had to go back to work after only a few minutes of visting.  

12/6/24: Today, I took joy in getting a tooth fixed. Ah, the sweet relief. 

12/7/24: Today, I took joy in seeing “Wicked.” Although not as good as I'd hoped, I very much enjoyed it. 

12/8/24: Today, I took joy in hanging up Christmas lights (and cleaning the gutters at the same time), although one section didn’t light up, so the mission continues. 

12/9/24: Today, I took joy in finishing the Christmas lights job. It was cold as hell, but Christmas cares not for cold bones. 

12/10/24: Today, I took joy in playing with the kittens, teasing them with a cat toy they seem to both love and despise given the way they attacked and mauled it. 

12/11/24: Today, I took joy in my good fortune of having a house to come home to every night, one that’s warm, lit, functioning, and full of things I love. 

12/12/24: Today, I took joy in having a really long, good conversation with my youngest daughter. I wish that happened more often. 

12/13/24: Today, I took joy at work in moving back to the original building I started in 27 years ago. The last time I was in this building, all my older children were still in grade school. It was a surreal, nostalgic experience. 

12/14/24: Today, I took joy in spending the day with my wife, taking a long walk in the rain and ice, watching a movie, eating dinner together, and staying up late. 

12/15/24: Today, I took joy in buying my grandson a few Christmas presents. I hope he likes them. 

12/16/24: Today, I took joy in overcoming a good bit of anxiety, stress, and chaos and remaining calm and productive when it was needed most. 

12/17/24: Today, I took joy in my daughter’s birthday, celebrating the joy she’s brought into the world and mine.  

12/18/24: Today, I took joy in the birthday of my youngest daughter and wife, both treasures and gifts.   

12/19/24: Today, I took joy in doing a favor for a friend and easting a cheeseburger. The latter tasted better but wasn’t as satisfying. 

12/20224: Today, I took joy in having a difficult but necessary conversation. Don't avoid hardship. Things only get harder if you do. 

12/21/24: Today, I took joy in walking through downtown Omaha with my wife, taking in the beautiful Christmas lights, all while shivering but thankful. 

12/22/24: Today, I took joy in wrapping Christmas presents for many different people. 

12/23/24: Today, I took joy in standing outside right before bedtime, staring up at the winter stars, extremely bright and seemingly very close. And everything seemed OK for that instant. 

12/24/24: Today, I took joy in remembering Christmases of past years, as a child, as a son, as a father, as a husband, and as a friend. I’ve been fortunate to have been loved, to have been gifted important relationships, and to have been blessed with comfort, discomfort, fortune, misfortune, luck, and the opposite, all contributing to countless invaluable lessons. 

12/25/24: Today, I took joy in being amongst my family all day long, seeing plenty of smiles and happiness, and realizing the countless moments I’ve spent with these people in my life and how lucky I’ve been. 

12/26/24: Today, I took joy in cleaning, regrouping, reorganizing, and getting back into the swing of things post-Christmas. It was a good, lazy, yet productive day. My favorite kind. 

12/27/24: Today, I took joy in making a slow, thoughtful drive to work in the darkness, fog, and mist. For a little while, I felt like I was in another land. 

12/28/24: Today, I took joy in watching the Nebraska football team win a bowl game in New York City. Many thanks, Gotham.  

12/29/24: Today, I took joy in doing laundry, cleaning my truck, doing dishes, and other productive things you can only avoid for so long. 

12/30/24: Today, I took joy in laughing–at our kittens, at myself, at the TV, and at others (without nasty intentions). 

12/31/24: Today, I took joy in the fact that I followed through with this project for the entirety of 2024. I found something to take joy in. Not a small feat for some, but really not that difficult if you’re half alive. The world will always have good to share. It will always have pleasantness available if you look hard enough to find it. It will always have sources of brightness, including within.