My favorite things

I don’t know about you, but I am grateful for the varied and continual learning/growing lessons I’ve experienced over the past few years. However, I find myself single-mindedly focused on a desire to spend my time solely with some of “my favorite things.”

This past week I began to think of some of my favorite things, and I was reminded of one of my most treasured movies, and a classic, The Sound of Music. I really enjoy it, as it’s all about a family finding joy and happiness in the midst of challenging times - Finding joy in the everyday life. One of the reasons I am fond of it is because of the memorable and uplifting songs, especially songs like “My Favorite Things.” As I sit here thinking about the song, I like the lyrics “Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes, Silver-white winters that melt into springs,” but I especially like the verses “When the dog bites, When the bee stings, When I’m feeling sad, I simply remember my favorite things, And then I don’t feel so bad.” Perhaps not the dog biting, bee stinging or feeling sad, but mainly the remembrance of my favorite things, those things that brighten my day. LOL.

So here it goes…

Puppy love - Who doesn’t love puppies? Personally, I think that dogs are God’s best creation!  They’re always happy to see you and there’s nothing that beats a snuggle from your fur baby. Please check out one of my favorite doggie videos from "Just.dogmom and fur friends": Instagram

A husband’s love - This October, my husband and I will be celebrating our 28th year anniversary. Of course, we have our ups and downs, but I wouldn’t trade our marriage for anything. Our love has truly deepened with every year, and I love how much we laugh together, especially at our silliness.

Be hopeful - As much as possible, I like to focus my thoughts on positive and uplifting things. When I’m consistent with this, it truly has transformed me and has led to a more fulfilling and peaceful life. One of my favorite scriptures is found in the book of Philippians, chapter 4, verse 8, which says “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.”

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Find solace in nature - Last month I wrote a blog on “Respite for the soul” and I included a few images of streams of running water and vibrant flowers. Isn’t it amazing how while observing nature around you while walking in your neighborhood, can improve one's overall demeanor and attitude? The cloudless blue skies; the sunset painting the sky; an array of flowers and fruitful trees; and the majestic mountain. Breathtaking!

The joys of Pickleball - Just thinking about Pickleball makes me smile. I love the relationships that I’ve been building through PB and the community we’ve built through it. I truly enjoy when I am able to execute a strategic move that results in a point. Also, I really like to watch the Pros to learn their strategies and to see what makes them consistent in their play.

“The innocence of babes” - Who isn’t drawn to those big eyes and chubby cheeks when they see a baby? The pure, untainted state of a child, who is free from experience and worldly concerns. They have a limitless capacity for joy and play, an ability to find wonder in the simple things around them. Oh, if we could only be more like them…

The Three Musketeers - Irresistible!