If you read the title of my post and immediately began humming Julie Andrews‘ My Favorite Things, then we have that in common.
If you didn’t, add The Sound of Music to your Netflix queue without delay.
It’s Friday, I left work early, and before picking up the boys, I ran four miles in the rain. It was great.
There are a whole lot of things going on right now that aren’t so great. Some close family members are struggling with their health and well being. Financially things are tight, and I’m seriously counting down till we no longer have to pay for full time childcare. It’s grey outside (as usual). We don’t want to live on our street anymore. And a small group of men are attempting to make powerful and life-altering decisions about critical reproductive services on behalf of – yes – the women for whom they are most relevant.
Frankly, it’s quite discouraging.
But the weekend is upon us, and since I took a mini-holiday this afternoon, I’m delighted to share a few of my favorite things with you in my journey to finding joy. There is one rule to finding joy today, however. I am not permitting myself to indulge in highlighting those things that are not within my reach right now (i.e. margaritas on a warm, sandy beach; trips to New Orleans, 90 minute hot stone massage). Instead, I walked around my house and yard looking for what brings me pleasure.
Here is what I found:
A mug of steaming Stumptown Coffee is an excellent way to begin the day, and my husband is a wonderful barista.
One of my dearest friends gave me these boots last year. They are quickly becoming indispensable and I always think of her when I put them on.
It makes me feel good to feed the birds.
Last night I started reading my eldest son his very first chapter book!
Post-Valentine heart balloons still provide a burst of cheer in the living room.
Red potatoes with homegrown rosemary will taste good tonight.
My runnning shoes served me quite well this afternoon.
My son made an awesome map this week.
There are signs of spring in our backyard!
Linking up with finding joy today!
sunshineandsalad 
Lovely! I’m in Portland, too. I can’t wait for spring! Also searching for a new neighborhood and a big fan of The Sound of Music. I hope you continue to feel joy this week 🙂
Thank you! Our official house search will not take place for another year, leaving us to sort out the “kindergarten round up” madness in this town! Wishing you well in the searching/moving/traveling process. There so many great neighborhoods in Portland, but it can be overwhelming to make such a gigantic decision. When we bought our current (first) house in N. Portland, we had no kids and made the decision with very little stress or debate. Now, however, the world looks different!
OOOOOO I love this. I am a spender and am working on it. Doing an exercise like this will help me I’m sure of it!
Thank you! I’d love to read a post about your experience looking around your home & property and seeing what brings you joy!
Great post. Isn’t it always the things that are out of reach we long for? Well, I speak for myself…
I think it’s great you concentrated on the things you already have. Put a big smile on my face just reading it!
Thank you! I long a little too much for that which is beyond my reach….
Thank you for writing this! Everyone needs to find a little (or a lot) of joy in the everyday. It’s SO important. So happy I read this…I must do this exercise soon!
Thank you so much! If you write about it, let me know – I’d love to read it!
Love this! And welcome to chapter books, kid!
Sounds like we have a little bit in common! I love to run in the rain, and do it whenever I can. My oldest son and I have read many Magic Treehouse books…so good! I love a good cup (or 3) of coffee, and I think we have that same birdfeeder. It’s good to find joy in the simple things.
Lovely post 🙂
Reading a book with more words than pictures was such a great experience! Just visited your blog — fun and inspiring!
I hope your family gets a reprieve and good news about health, and I hope these men making decisions for women just stop it already.
Thank you! My father-in-law’s recent heart attack has inspired him to eat healthier and buy a treadmill! He’s 74! Amazing!
I think it’s wonderful you’re finding joy in the everyday little things. Have a great weekend ahead!
Thank you — you, too!
Better than a gratitude journal by a mile. Nice, Erin
Thank you! I’ve never managed to start a gratitude journal — seems like too much work. But maybe I’ll start a gratitude walk-through-my-house day once a week. 🙂
LOVE those boots!! And I love finding joy in the little things. Well done.
Thank you! Three of my friends have these same boots. They are awesome!