• I’m now a member of an extraordinary club—one restricted only to those of us femme d’ un age certain.
• Membership is free, yet the benefits of joining are treasured more than any tangible measure of wealth could ever be.
• Membership demands that we give our hearts away and, each time we do, they soften, melt, and grow warmer and more all encompassing.
• Members rediscover their sense of wonder at the world as we cherish special firsts and watch the newness of life unfold.
• Members get to relive our childhood—play games, bake cookies, read stories, and giggle at knock-knock jokes.
• Best of all, the greatest reward of membership is universal and profound: we grannies experience the most precious gift of life. There is nothing that compares to the indescribable joy of unconditional love, and bar none, grannies get and give that in spades!

So, as the remainder of the turkey rests in the fridge carefully encased in foil and the last of the mashed potatoes disappear, I’m reminded of my many blessings: family, friends, loved ones lost but never forgotten, and one very new, very special being—my adorable and much beloved granddaughter. Could life get any better?

My husband and I spent this past week on the beautiful island of Kauai. Right now, as I type this, I can hear the waves lapping the shore in that wonderful, rhythmic song of the beach. And last night, as we strolled along the water, the nearly full moon shone down, glancing off the gentle waves in snippets of silver. In a word, Kauai truly is “paradise.”

But we are flying home tomorrow and I started thinking of all that we face when we return: news of the horrible economy, negative political ads, traffic, stress, work, piled up mail, a suitcase full of soiled clothes, and on and on. After a few minutes of pondering these far from positive thoughts, I began to feel my body tense. Then it hit me! What the heck was I doing? Here I am in one of the most beautiful places on earth getting myself upset by things that may or may not happen in the future. If ever there was a time to “live in the moment,” it is now.

This experience also reminded me of a post I wrote some time ago. It was about the habit of taking time each day to jot down three things for which you are grateful. It’s an easy little practice, costs no more than a piece of paper (or, perhaps, a small gratitude journal), and only takes a minute or two.

The things for which you are grateful don’t have to be big ticket items; they can be as simple as finding your favorite fresh vegetable at the farmers’ market, enjoying a hearty laugh with a dear friend, or  just having a good hair day. The important part of the exercise is training yourself to focus on and  look for everyday blessings.

The secret to a happy life is all about where we choose to place our focus. We can center our thoughts around the negative (as I was doing earlier) or we can choose to focus on the positive. When you think about it, which would you rather do?

I’ve been especially busy as of late and had somehow forgotten about this simple little exercise with the big rewards. But, as soon as I get back, I’m pulling out my journal and starting in again. Actually, now that I’m putting my ideas in the proper perspective, there are lots of great things about coming home after a wonderful and rejuvenating vacation. In fact, I’m beginning to look forward to it and I’m feeling grateful already!