A day of happy pursuit begins for me with a mug of strong coffee and any good book (literary fiction, poetry, history, philosophy, science) offering perspective on life AND distance from the current national and geo-political morass. Then a bit of journaling, followed by a neighborhood walk with the dogs. Then the commute to school (I teach philosophy at Middle Tennessee State University). Class begins with a glance at this day in history (onthisday.com), and then at NYTimes.com. Engaging constructively with students is a big part of my pursuit of happiness, as is quality family time with my wife of nearly 33 years and adult daughter and son-in-law. Watching baseball, promoting American philosophy (I'm president of the William James Society, wjsociety.org), and enjoying friends also contribute to my happiness.
Do you feel like this pursuit is something you are able to engage in? Are there restrictions or roadblocks that you feel exist for you?*
I refuse to let the woes of the world and the depravity of present politics and governance deprive me and my family and friends of our one opportunity in this life to pursue happiness... especially at this later stage of life.* Of course it is possible to envision "roadblocks" but we'll cross those when we must. Meanwhile, each dawn of day is a fresh opportunity to flourish in our finite and fleeting lives. We must never cease to marvel at the gift of life, and to make of it all that we can.
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