For the most part, this fall has been pretty good so far. But, there have been a few crap things that have happened in our family. This can take a toll on my spirit, as I am an empath who tends to feel others’ hurts and a spiritual searcher who is constantly bothered by and trying to make sense of the fact that bad things happen to innocent people and animals. Consciously cultivating gratitude is a good way to also acknowledge all of the goodness around me! Here’s what’s bringing me joy lately:
1. My space heater. I recently moved to a new office, and it is FREEZING! This space heater is one of the best purchases I’ve made all year. My emotional well-being and productivity is much better when I feel physically comfortable in my work space!
2. Mountain time. I have always been more of a beach person than a mountain person, but I have really loved spending the past two weekends with various family members in the mountains. The scenery and the company have been refreshing for my soul.
3. Escazu Artisan Chocolates. We recently bought some chocolate bars from this Raleigh, NC chocolate store and were very impressed! They have beautifully decorated, uniquely flavored individual chocolates in the store that I’d really like to go back to try. Next date night!
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4. In a Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth Ware. I’ll chat more about this book in my annual “what I read this year” blog post at the end of December, but for now just know that it’s a great read. I highly recommend it, even if it did keep me up one night because I got super scared and couldn’t muster the courage to get out of bed to close my bedroom door.
5. Opening our doors. Hubby and I recently agreed to host a potluck dinner for people who go to our church and also live in close geographical proximity to us. It really made my heart smile to see others in our home, laughing and connecting. I am admittedly someone who rolls my eyes a lot whenever people of faith start harping on about the importance of community (it feels overdone and cliche to me), but this was definitely one of those sappy moments where I was totally buying in.
6. This artwork done by an 8-year-old girl, Lily. The image features a watercolor Mother God holding the universe. According to Lily, she is rainbow-colored because she represents all people. I just love it, y’all. May need to buy me some notecards.
What’s bringing you joy lately, friends?
xoxo Laura