It’s the first day of 2021 and I don’t have much to say about it. Today, I was able to dwell in gratitude for my blessings, specifically for my family and my good fortune to be able to support them. I was able to meditate and do most of my physical conditioning routine despite having slept in with my wife and daughter. I was able to give a little more of myself and my time than I am accustomed to doing because I saw the value in it and didn’t think it was appropriate just to pursue my own betterment. And, when I considered it, I realized that pursuing my own welfare was no different than pursuing theirs.
One big thing that occurred to me today was that I want to use my life as a father and husband to bring joy to these people. I want to do things with my time and money that make my wife and children happy. Rather than holding back and worrying about not having enough, I want to be a cause of mundane joy and then I want to bask in mudita. Naturally, there is a balance that needs to be struck but today, this first day of the yea, was a good day and I am thankful.
Cattāri Brahmavihārā 
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