Loving the little things in life is easy in theory, but can be difficult in practice. It is about slowing down to reflect on the beautiful joy, love, and happiness that exists in daily life. Sometimes that is material things, and other times, it is the people, places, and ideas that fill our lives.
Recently, we had a conversation about things that have made our lives happier, brighter, and more exciting. Together, we compiled a list of 10 things that we have been loving lately – both big and small. We hope that this list inspires you to try something new or to find a little more beauty in the world around you!
Jessica’s List
Virtual Wedding & Baby Showers
I’m at the age where most of my friends are onto their second little babes. That might make me a little out of the loop on the virtual shower thing, but they’ve been a blast!
While I’ve attended quite a few, my favorite have all included a little goodie or “party favor” for the guests. They’ve sent a few bags of tea, a little party plate and napkin, and a little bag of snack with a short list of what to expect. They’ve been sweet, intimate, and fun! In fact, with the simplicity of being able to host with friends and family all over the globe, I’d be surprised if these didn’t become a more permanent placement in the future!
NeuroPraxis
Perhaps due to the changing seasons, Mercury in retrograde, Winter being a more reflective season, lack of being able to see my therapist in person, the general stress of election season mid-global pandemic, or any number of other things, but I’ve started to notice some old patterns arising that are not, shall we say, of the healthiest sort. I even had a dream that I had a panic attack – if that’s not a red flag, I don’t know what is!
NeuroPraxis is a digital app co-founded by Jody Levy and Lisa Wimberger, the genius behind Neurosculpting. She has discovered a way to tap into your prefrontal cortex, link the right and left brain hemispheres, and move into your middle brain to re-route and re-program any unhealthy or stress-based patterns. The app includes a series of 75+ 5-15 minute meditation style modules and it’s been a true life-saver lately. Click the link above to check it out!
“Ted Lasso” on AppleTV+
If you have access to AppleTV, I cannot recommend the show “Ted Lasso” enough! On the surface, it’s a somewhat silly premise – an American football coach moves to England to coach soccer (aka “football”). But within the first episode, you realize it’s so much more! There’s heart, it’s funny, there’s kindness, difficulty and challenges. Definitely a sweet sitcom in genre, it’s the perfect little distraction from any stress, muck, and grime you may have in your everyday. HIGHLY recommend.
Our Remodeled Kitchen!
I’ve been spending a lot of time remodeling our kitchen in Breckenridge… and it’s finally complete! While there are still a few touches I’m planning to update in the near future, I’ve very proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish in the past month+. As usual, we completed a lot of the work ourselves, though we let the professionals take over with the details such as plumbing and electrical. Before and after seen above… And here’s the big reveal. 😉
Voting
Proud voter over here!
I spent years attending conferences and campaigning for various candidates, so it may come as no surprise that I am campaigning to get you to the polls this year. While I am nowhere near as involved as I used to be (politics is stressful!), my absentee ballot is already in the mail and I’m tracking it every step of the way. No matter who you decide to vote for, our election in America takes place on TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3rd. Make a plan (you can even vote early in many states!) and do what you need to do to make your voice heard!
Natalie’s List
The Mighty Company Face Mask
Bright colors make my life happier and more exciting. Whenever I have the opportunity, I always choose more color over less. Recently while browsing Instagram, I came across a bright pink face mask that I knew I had to have.
I now have two face masks from The Mighty Company, an ethical fashion brand that supports the NAACP LDF and The Midnight Mission homeless shelter in Downtown Los Angeles. Whenever I wear my face masks, I feel like I am bringing a little bit of joy into the world.
Beyond the Castle: A Guide to Discovering Your Happily Ever After by Jody Jean Dryer
I had the chance to meet Jody Jean Dryer last fall during one of her live talks and I was endlessly inspired by her joy and happiness. She is an amazing woman who has accomplished tremendous things through, among other achievements, working for The Walt Disney Company for 30 years.
Recently, I purchased her book and I am even more amazed at her accomplishments and ability to teach others. In her book, Dryer shares one-of-a-kind stories and insights into what sets the Disney experience apart as well as secrets to help readers discover their own happily ever afters. She is inspiring and her story brings me so much motivation. As Jody says, “sometimes the sun shines brightest in the clouds.”
Swedish Hasbeens Clogs
If you’ve been around a while, you know that color is something that I integrate into my daily life. It is one of the things that makes me really happy! Recently, I treated myself to a pair of clogs…which I thought were a rather unique find. The 70s-inspired shoes make me feel like I am on my way to a disco…even if I am just working from home.
Latch hook projects
Lately, I have been trying new craft skills to inspire my everyday life. One easy, relatively new hobby that I have been loving are “latch hook” projects. I started with a simple rug kit (linked above), which comes with a canvas grid, hook, and yarn.
Latch hook projects are very easy to pick-up and put-down, which is one of the reasons why I love them so much! Every morning or before bed, I squeeze in a few minutes to work on my rug. Crafting things with your own hands provides quiet time for self-reflection and mindful thinking, and even helps you get a good night’s rest!
Chocolate chip cookie recipe
I somewhat recently moved to a new house and still haven’t quite unpacked all of the numerous boxes scattered around. Chocolate chip cookies are a family favorite, but I recently discovered that our recipe books are still packed…somewhere.
With a quick Google search, I came across this recipe for the “best” chocolate chip cookies and I knew I had to try it. I found so much joy in baking these cookies with my family and I definitely recommend this recipe. They may not be the best chocolate chip cookies ever, but they are definitely pretty close!
Find new things to love!
We hope that you are inspired to love the little things in your life, whether that is people, places, things, or ideas. Beauty and joy are everywhere…you just have to look. Check out some of the things we have listed above and let us know if you love them too!
Want to read more about beautiful thinking and loving life? Check out this post to read more.
Create a great life!
