Window Repair for Greater Happiness?

One of my favorite blog posts by Gretchen Rubin (Happiness Project) is about identifying “broken windows” – seemingly minor signs of disorder or discontentment in our lives that can serve as warning signs or opportunities to examine what is really going on inside, you know, your feelings. She says fixing some of these things can be small steps to greater happiness. Or something like that.

During past 8 or so weeks I’ve been living with a lot of broken windows. Some of mine:

• Difficulty writing
• Difficulty reading (I love books, and not being able read a book is a big flashing sign!)
• Eating ice cream out of the container (I am doing this now)
• Going to bed late
• Reading email off my iPhone – in bed
• Losing things, my keys, my ID, my ticket. Forgetting where I parked my car
• Being late

I’m not totally sure I know what is going on with me. I’m a little lost. Feeling like I’ve misplaced my faith.

Tonight I went for a peaceful run, and this beautiful song by EBTG was on my playlist. For the first time, I heard it coming from something bigger. I’m not super religious, but I believe (usually) in a power greater than me, and just for one song, I got a little faith back. So since I’ve been struggling to write, I thought I’d just post it. I’m hoping it’s a downpayment on some new windows.  I’d be interested to know your broken windows, and how you go about fixing them.

We Walk the Same Line – Everything But the Girl

If you lose your faith, babe
You can have mine
And if you’re lost I’m right behind
‘Cause we walk the same line

Now I don’t have to tell you
How slow the night can go
I know you’ve watched for the light

And I bet you could tell me
How slowly four follows three
And you’re most forlorn just before dawn

So if you lose your faith, babe
You can have mine
And if you’re lost I’m right behind
‘Cause we walk the same line

When it’s dark, baby
There’s a light I’ll shine
And if you’re lost I’m right behind
‘Cause we walk the same line

And I don’t need reminding
How loud the phone can ring
When you’re waiting for news

And that big old moon
Lights every corner of the room
Your back aches from lying
And your head aches from crying

So if you lose your faith, babe
You can have mine
And if you’re lost I’m right behind
‘Cause we walk the same line

When it’s dark, baby
There’s a light I’ll shine
And if you’re lost I’m right behind
‘Cause we walk the same line

And if these troubles
Should vanish like rain at midday
Well, I’ve no doubt there’ll be more

And we can’t run and we can’t cheat
‘Cause baby, when we meet, what we’re afraid of
We find out what we’re made of

So if you lose your faith, babe
You can have mine
And if you’re lost I’m right behind
‘Cause we walk the same line

When it’s dark, baby
There’s a light I’ll shine
And if you’re lost I’m right behind
‘Cause we walk the same line

And if you’re lost I’m right behind
‘Cause we walk the same line
Walk the same line
And if you’re lost I’m right behind
‘Cause we walk the same line

Lost I’m right behind
We walk the same line
Walk the same line