I recently finished Matt Haig’s book Reasons to Stay Alive (more about that on Tuesday during Show Us Your Books). It wound up being more timely than I’d planned given some circumstances that are ramping up my anxiety which then in turn ramps up my depression.
Fun.
So, in the spirit of that book, and the spirit of my dog, Barkley, who is quite ill but fights every day to stay alive because life is so worth living, I thought it’d be a good time to pause and list all the things that complete my life. What helps keeps a small light burning in the darkest of times. The things that, even in the thickest of the fog, I can stop and appreciate. The things that make me smile, cry, laugh, and just…feel.
All the things that make it possible to live another day.
Sunsets
The ocean. Any water that sits near sand, really
Dogs
My daughter’s laugh. My daughter in general
Iced tea (unsweetened, of course)
Good movies
Bad movies
Music
Books. All the books.
When democracy works
New friends
Old friends
Family
Hugs
Blankets
Naps
Clean sheets
Opening Day
Scented candles
Laughing at nothing in particular
Writing
Bagels, pizza, black and white cookies, egg rolls, Doritos
Fresh manicure and pedicure
Justice
Finally getting that text, email, news you’ve been waiting for
Love
P.S. I don’t think I’ve ever quoted a disco song ever in my life that wasn’t ABBA or a joke but there is a first for everything and I have #noregrets
I love this list 🙂 It all brings a smile to my face.
We’re in the same boat with our dogs. My poor 18 year old boy – I dont know how, but he fights every day to keep going. It’s so tough, isn’t it?
Poor puppy! I know how awful that feeling is Jana. 🙁 “Finally getting that text, email, news you’ve been waiting for”. I can relate to this. I’m still waiting…
So how do you feel about pizza bagels like “bagel bites”?
In all seriousness the book sounds interesting. I love your list, I love the idea of making a list, I should make a list but that’s where my anxiety kicks in and I get nervous that they will go away.
Today at church our sermon will be a conversation about Mental Health.
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Perfect list. Anxiety sucks and I do think its important to always look at the things that make waking up and getting going worth it!
Hang in there. Gus was supposed to die back in August according to the vet and he’s still here. I credit CBD oil but the end is coming. Unfortunately they can’t live forever.
Sending virtual hugs to you, friend. I’m looking forward to your SUYB posts with that book. I read a Christmas book by him last year and loved the cut and dry wit and story. I completely get what you mean about your daughter’s laugh. I don’t know what it is, but when my husband laughs (and I’m the reason he laughed) I love it so much. And dogs and books are forever what keeps me going 🙂 Sending Barkley lots and lots of puppy snuggles!
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