My Favorite Things
“Uncertainty and expectation are the joys of life.” William Congreve, Restoration comedy writer
When Julie Andrews sang of her favorite things, I was a student in New York City. Rainbows and whiskers on kittens seemed a little silly. My daydreams leaned toward things like fancy gyms, pricey restaurants, and red Jeeps. However, as I got older and wiser, I found other things became my favorites.
Mostly, when something that seems in the distant impossible suddenly turns the corner to possible, that rings my bell. Just seeing some work I am doing become better as I work harder at it gives me amazing satisfaction. Working on a team with talented people turns up my toes.
Then I got even more mature. I discovered the buzz of doing something for someone else, something for nothing. I got hooked on volunteering. I learned that when I help someone stop an eviction or write a press release for an historic building’s fundraising, I gain a bounce in my step. Volunteering raises my self esteem when my days are filled with dark corners. I was a three job student then and later while a single mom, so believe me, there were those days.
Volunteering also introduces me to many sensitive good people. My highest high happened one freezing winter day: I’d been watching this much needed heavy wool coat in a store window for weeks — and there it was, half price! As I handed over my $48.00 dollars, I asked the young salesman to do me a big favor.
“Will you please take my old coat to the homeless folks on the corner and give it to someone who doesn’t have a warm coat,” I asked. He was delighted! He tucked my old but wearable coat over his arm and raced down the street to the subway. Wow, what a high we both had that day! And it cost us nothing but a thought.
No, I am no “goody goody two shoes”. I am an often selfish woman who just figured out how to get what I like the most: boosts to my self esteem, a chance to learn new skills, and the fun of sharing what I have with others who need a boost. It’s a kind of kinship. I also love dancing, writing, singing at the top of my lungs in the car and chocolate covered cherries. So, what are YOUR favorite things?
Meditation for the Day
“Seize from every moment its unique novelty and do not prepare your joys.” Andre Gide, French writer, humanist, Nobel Prize for Literature
Action for the Day
Today, I’ll open my heart to unique and special moments that come my way. And I’ll ask myself: what are my favorite things – and then work to get them.
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