Things I like

My previous post was a drag. I know it, you know it, let's move on.

Today, I want to take a minute to dote on one of my oldest and dearest friends, Michael Raymond. We inexplicably became great friends in high school after participating in school musicals together. I'm so grateful for those moments, because otherwise, I'm not sure we would have even known each other existed. Over the years, our relationship has grown and matured into something I think every person my age hopes to achieve one day – we don't get to see or talk to each other often (he lives in New York), but when we do it's as if no time has passed.

He started his own blog around the same time I did and it's really wonderful. You should read it. (It also has the best, most fitting name ever: “That Guy.” Hilarious.) The main goal of his blog is to help him find out what happiness means to him and how to show it in his daily life. (There also are a lot of musical theatre references I don't understand, but that's okay; it's his job.) As part of this journey, he read the book “The Happiness Project” by Gretchen Rubins, and since he follows my blog and knows about my own struggles, he is now sending me a copy in the mail. I'm so excited :)

One thing he's started doing is intentionally sharing at least one thing each day that relates to his happiness journey. Sometimes it's pausing for a moment to reflect and be thankful for the the things he has; other times it's posting a silly song or music video on his Facebook page. It tickles me every time.

Something else he did recently was post a list of things he likes on his blog. As simple as it sounds, it was revolutionary to me. Of course there are lots of things in my life that make me happy, but when was the last time I acknowledged them? When was the last time I had done any of them, even when I know they put me in a good mood? Instead of focusing on what I love, I fixate on what I dislike. Today, that's not going to happen.

In the spirit of opening myself up to new experiences and finding better ways to combat my frustrations, here is MY list of likes. I fully intend on doing more of these things more often so I can be a source of positivity to myself and to others. Hopefully this will inspire you to create your own, too!

THINGS I LIKE:
-Going on long, leisurely walks -- with my dog, with friends, with my husband, in neighborhoods, on nature trails, in parks. Really anywhere.
-Getting manicures and pedicures
-Watching Netflix (though I should do less of that)
-Watching and listening to stand-up comedy
-Going on fun, simple dates that still feel adventurous, like picnics in the park
-Completing a recipe I've never cooked before. Successfully, that is.
-Actually, cooking anything
-Making crafts, even though I don't do it nearly enough (I want to learn how to paint!)
-Having long, meaningful, meandering conversations with friends
-Coffee
-Pizza
-Being outside in nature. I was that kid who wanted to live in the forest with fairies and chipmunks because I watched movies like  “Merlin” and “Robin Hood” and “Hook” at an impressionable age.
-Dogs (except pugs and bulldogs because I think they're ugly and they make disgusting noises)

I know there are a lot more, but this feels like a good start. I'm really looking forward to reading "The Happiness Project" and figuring out my own ways to intentionally create happiness in my own life every day!