My Favorite Things

It’s Friday Five time! Last September I participated in a weekly blog link up and enjoyed having a specific prompt to write on. I found that writing weekly was too large of a commitment for me at the time. When I saw the prompt for today I thought it’d be fun to try to jump back into the fray. This week’s challenge is to share five of our favorite things. That gives me a whole lot of wiggle room. I’m just going to dive in and see where it goes.

1. Sleep. Oh man, I love sleep! My body loves sleep! When allowed, it will try to average nine hours of sleep per night. This rarely happens, especially now that we have a school age child. Also, more recently I have come to prefer other things to extra sleep, mainly a quiet house so that I can spend some quality time in prayer and devotion reading first thing in the morning. I have a tendency to feel guilty when I sleep longer than everyone else so I will head straight downstairs instead of taking time for this important and beneficial activity. I would rather miss a little sleep than feel guilt. I also know that if my body doesn’t get good sleep for several days in a row that I will get sick so I try to avoid multiple nights of less than 6.5 hours.
2. Books. Yes, I realize this is a very generic thing but I’m not sorry. I LOOOOOOVE books! I am almost always reading at least one book (usually two). My favorite genre is Christian living. I also like autobiographies, historical fiction, humor, action and adventure, classics, comics, decorating, cooking, organizing…I will read just about anything. I have read a large number of picture books and chapter books since having children and enjoy many of those as well. I don’t particularly care for most science fiction, horror or super gushy romance titles. I’m sure there are a few other genres I don’t care for that I haven’t listed. Reading is my haven, my escape from reality, my relaxation and me-time. I would much rather read than watch tv or a movie. If I am alone, it’s my go-to activity. If you like books, I can talk to you for hours. I am always eager to share about my most recent favorites and recommend ones I think you might enjoy.

3. Exercising. Once again, generic. Exercising makes me feel good physically, mentally and emotionally. “Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don’t shoot their husbands.” (Elle Woods, Legally Blonde) I don’t know about anyone else, but there is a lot of truth in this statement. No, I have never wanted to shoot anyone, but a happy wife/mom creates a much more positive environment for her family. I played sports growing up which didn’t feel like exercise to me, but rather enjoyable activities. I learned how to play tennis when we moved to Georgia and enjoyed that as well. I have tried to find exercise forms that are more fun than work. It’s probably why I don’t care much for running. It feels like work. I have had a couple of instances when it wasn’t terrible, which is progress. However, I prefer classes where people can push me to work hard. I have really increased my practice of yoga the past couple of years and, while I don’t always sweat, I have been sore the next day a number of times. I have also seen improved flexibility and strength. Anywho, obviously I love exercising.

4. Beauty in nature. I love a brilliant sunrise or sunset (though I’m more likely to witness the latter – see favorite #1). I love a breathtaking view of mountains and valleys, of an endless ocean, of sandy beaches, millions of stars stretching across a midnight blue sky. I love the vibrant colors of fall leaves and spring flowers. I love the sound of babbling streams and the crash of waves on the shore. There are so many wonderful things to see and experience outdoors. I enjoy hiking through the woods and spotting animals, hearing birds call, frogs croak and the wind rustle the leaves. It is so peaceful and calming.

5. Deep friendships. I am an introvert. I thrive in close one-on-one relationships. Nothing makes me feel more alive and connected than sharing the things of my heart with someone and them reciprocating. It is an honor and a privilege I do not take lightly. I love when I find someone I can be very open and honest with and receive acceptance and love. These relationships are not formed quickly or often but when they do, they are so refreshing and restorative. I gain healing from giving and receiving truth.

 

It turns out my list of “things” aren’t really things at all. Yes, books are tangible items, but I read a lot of books borrowed from the library and friends so it’s not about the physical book. It’s about the experience of learning, of engaging with new ideas or an imaginary world for a bit. That was a very interesting discovery.

So there we have it. Five of my favorite things. These have been some of my favorites for a long time. Are any of them your favorite? What would your list look like? I’d love to hear from you!

Also, please check out mrsdisciple.com to read other #FridayFive lists.