Sources of Joy for This Fading Month of February............ 2/27/22

    I have enjoyed won-derful 6+ hours of fun on four occa-sions with four differ-ent friends the past two weekends. In my roadster, we travers-ed gorgeous country roads.  The car lies five inches above the ground. 

    The experience is like driving a go-kart on steroids. 

    Every week, I have a three-day weekend, working only four days a week.  

    We journeyed the wine-bearing counties of Napa and Sonoma, and the Almaden portion of San Jose, along with Gilroy and Watsonville.  

    We cut through the winding of Highway 9 through Big Basin, the hamlets of Felton, and the town of San Lorenzo, in Santa Cruz County.

     The conversations shared as we travel in the two-seater are warm, informative, and substantive.  Their transparent and encouraging nature makes the treks a lively time of fellowship.  It is satisfying, connecting at the heart level.

     We take in the wooded rippling waves of mountain valleys that wind towards the Pacific Ocean.

    Time with supportive friends meets my need for connection, being understood, and celebrating life. 

    I have applied what I've learned in recent training. Last Satur-day, a week ago, I had an emotionally and physically ex-hausting four hours of training with a pro-fessional racer.  I learned how to motor efficiently while pow-ering through turns, all while my heart pounded through my chest and my eyes bulged like a ham-ster's when you press down on their head as I took each turn. 

   Coursing through tight, twisty, country roads provide Zen moments.  They are occasions for being present and totally focused. They offer pro-found tranquility that no drug or medication can offer. 

What I am grateful for this month ending soon. 

1.  Even though I face unusual stress, I love my life right now, and it is marked with happiness.  I have not had to deal with the current threat to my joy in 8 years; I will soon need to live elsewhere. 

2.  Happiness is mine. The clamor of worry is muted by recovery principles, allowing me to stay present and not perseverate. I maintain equa-nimity even when other disturbing issues: (see above, number 1) want to occupy my mind. 

3. My oldest son is getting married this Friday.  A big deal.  It will be wonderful being with family and connecting with others. 

    I am glad my son is tying the knot.  He's known his fiancé for a while.  I am preparing myself for the happy tears that will gush forth from yours truly on this special day. 

4. A week ago, last Sunday, this son, Pablo Jr., and I had a sweet, intimate time while visiting my favorite Thai restaurant located in Fremont.