Ten Things Saving My Life Right Now

I am a big fan of Modern Mrs. Darcy and her recommendations. (It has contributed to my having way too many books on my want to read list.)

Every February at the half way point of winter, Modern Mrs Darcy does a post of what is saving her life right now. I decided I wanted to do my own list too.

So here is my top 10 things that are saving my life right now:

1. My boys going to school in person full time! This is by far my greatest life saver. We are approaching the two year mark of the shut down and having my boys home from school was HARD. I have said it before and it is worth repeating, I am so incredibly grateful that my boys are going to school full time and are in person again. I hope I never ever take that for granted. Thank you to the incredible teachers who have had to juggle and do so much for all of us during these past two years!
2. Walking Outside – During COVID, I started walking more. I changed my workouts. I have always been an at home workout person since high school. I decreased the number of workouts I do and now walk outside 45 – 60 minutes three or four days per week instead. Even when it is cold and rainy I go for my walks. I love watching how the landscape changes gradually with the change of the seasons. I love being outside and moving my body.
3. Podcasts – I am usually talking to a friend or listening to a podcast when I am on my walks. There are honestly too many good podcasts to choose from. I don’t feel like I have enough time to listen to all the ones I am interested in but here are my current favorites: Brené Brown’s – Dare to Lead and Unlocking Us, We can Do Hard Things with Glennon Doyle, A Slight Change of Plans by Maya Shankar)
4. My boys’ good attitudes – Both my children seem to be in good places at the moment. (knock on wood). They both like going to school. They are enjoying their activities. I am grateful for this sweet spot and sweet ages that they are. They still want to sit on my lap and snuggle with me. I know these days are numbered and I am treasuring them. I have to include my husband in this one too. He has such a positive attitude and handles me and my moods and everything in our lives better than me. He helps make everything better for all of us. He helps a lot.
5. Listening to my son play his ukulele – I love that my younger son has recently started playing his ukulele every day, sometimes several times a day of his own choosing! I love to hear him sing and the wonderful songs he is playing. They are all songs we know and like. His teacher thinks it is funny that so many of them are from the 80s. I wonder why?
6. My group of friends – I am extremely grateful for the group of mom friends I have here in Princeton. They are an amazing group of women who make me laugh, reflect, and feel like I am not alone. They help me and support me and provide a safe place to vent. I am including my family who are also special “friends” to me. Spending quality time with people I love is important to me.
7. Books and reading – Reading is my escape. It is one of my favorite things to do. I read every day and I always wish I had more time to do it. I also love reading and listening to books with my boys too. I love that they love books and stories (almost) as much as I do.
8. Work I am enjoying – My work is evolving. I am meeting and getting to work with some great people while doing work that satisfies me. This is an honor and a positive aspect of my life right now.
9. Shows – I have never been a big TV or movie person. In general I avoid watching videos but I have to admit I have enjoyed watching some shows together with Nimit and / or the boys lately. Nimit and I enjoyed Ted Lasso and the boys and I are watching “The Amazing Race” for the first time to cheer on Kim and Penn Holderness. We always watch the new “Dude Perfect” videos together and have been watching more movies too.
10. Friday Night Family Nights – We have recently started a weekly tradition where one member of the family gets to plan “family night.” Whoever’s turn it is gets to decide our dinner and an activity for us all to do together. I love that someone else chooses dinner. I have very much enjoyed this new tradition. We have been playing Euchre or board games, watching a movie, or going out to eat. We may have to implement a budget aspect to this but so far I would say it has been a success and a highlight of my week.

I would love to hear what is saving your life right now.

P.S. I also journaled a list of “what is killing me in my life right now.” I thought this would also be a good list for me to look at to see what I can try to change or make better. I will NOT be sharing that list but I learned a lot from it and do recommend taking the time to do this exercise too.