When I was younger, I was once told I was very pessimistic by someone close to me. I honestly took those words to heart. I can still recall how that statement made me rethink how I looked at life in general.
It was at this point that I started making mental note how there were plenty of things in my life that were positive. I also realized around that same time that I needed to smile more.
Call it teen angst at it’s finest. But still I did a lot of dwelling on the negative though before this.
Me and My Parents in My Younger Years
However, it was also this moment that I do credit for giving me reason every so often to hit the pause button. When I do that, I find myself being more introspective at the very least. Plus, I look inward to find all the good that in a part of my life.
Don’t get me wrong, my life isn’t perfect by any means. But yet, it is my life. And because it is indeed my life, there are moments and so much to look forward to daily. Plus, there is also many great new memories to be made.
[clickToTweet tweet=”If you had to pick 10 things better that anything except love, what would you pick? #FTSF” quote=”If you had to pick 10 things better that anything except love, what would you pick? #FTSF” theme=”style1″]
I know and don’t take for granted, I am loved by those closest and dearest to me. I couldn’t thank god more for that. But love aside from this, there are many other things that I am grateful for, as well. I am blessed beyond words for all of this and than some.
Therefore, here are 10 things in my own life that are better than anything (except love).
1. Curling up and getting cozy while reading an epic book.
Along with my favorite cozy blanket, I can never seriously resist reading or even re-reading books that leave me yearning for even more. Even when I have had a few close calls with seemingly losing my own reading mojo, I always come back to this fervor and zest for reading. The nearest I can describe my love of books is that the an old sweater that just fits right.
2 Getting all the feels + having a good old cry fest watching the latest episode of This Is Us.
OK judging from all the Facebook posts, I saw on my feed this past weekend, I think I am not alone on this one. But seriously, I can’t get enough of this show. I mean you would think anything that could make me bawl my eyes out that I’d know better and stay away from. But that is not the case. Because the thing about This Is Us is that it is just so damn relatable. One minute I could be so annoyed at one of the characters thinking that they are completely selfish. The next, I am belly laughing out loud at something that same character or yet another character says or does. And still yet, they go and tear my heart out of my chest with the emotional family drama. But why is this show just that good? Because like it or not, we all have these moments and than some in our daily lives with our own families. See totally relatable and normal on so many different levels! Just nice to know that normal is a relative term.
3. That warm filling feeling when I do something to surprise my husband and/or kids.
I don’t know about anyone else. But I am the type of person who would much rather give than receive. Don’t get me wrong, I am not going to turn a gift away. Still the thing is it is just so much better to give in my humble estimation. See it is the feeling, when you realize that someone who is just a part of your heart, is blown over by the smallest or grandest of gestures. It is the look they give you that makes your heart all warm and tingly. It is like Christmas morning and your birthday all wrapped into one!
4. That magical feeling that takes over in Disney’s Magic Kingdom.
OK, most know I am a Disney geek here. But still as I write this, I have goosebumps thinking about that most magical moment when I first lay eyes on the Disney Magic Kingdom sign.
Or enter through the tiny underpass to hear the oh so familiar Main Street music. Or even still the first glimpses of Cinderella’s Castle once safely inside the park grounds. As my oldest would say, “Best Day Ever!”
5. The first warm day of the year when you take the flip flops out of storage to put them back on your feet once again.
Proud New York girl here. So those flip flops go on ice from November to roughly April here. Sometimes longer depending upon the weather. Therefore, that first day when I actually put those flip flops back on my size 6 1/2 feet is a glorious occasion. Granted it may not be exactly pretty, because I most likely haven’t gotten a pedicure since the last time said flip flops were worn. But still nothing like putting the boots away and giving the flip flops a chance to breathe new life again!
6. Realizing that it is 5:30 and still sunny out.
And soon enough the shortest daylight hours days of the year will be all but a distant memory. See I just had this moment this past week actually. Plus, I actually heard birds chirping early in the morning, too. So I was only recently reminded. Therefore, I have faith from these littlest of signs that spring will find us yet. Might still be early on in the game, but that is the glory and wonder of experiencing all the seasons.
7. Getting the perfect photograph when taking pics for a new, upcoming blog article.
This might just be a blogger thing. But for all the bloggers out there who rely on those perfect photos this is the moment when you see it in the lens and just go for it. It is also in the equally satisfying moment when you don’t have to edit or do very little editing to that same photo image. Plus, it is also very much felt when you hit publish to see the positive first comments trickle in to affirm this.
8. The first sip of a hot cup of coffee in the morning.
This is such a simple, but effective remedy for whatever mostly ails in the AM. I am not nor will ever truly be a morning person. But still the luxurious first sips of java in my morning has a way of helping if nothing else.
9. Putting my head to the pillow finally after a long day in my own comfy bed.
And because I am not a morning person. Admittedly, I once was a nighttime creature. But now, I equally long for my bed many days no matter what time of the day. Not that I don’t enjoy my waking hours or all that comes with it. Still, I am a tired mama who needs her rest. So it is in those first moments, when I drop my heavy head to the pillow that makes me thankful that I have a comfy bed, warm blankets and a place to call my own.
10. The way my daughters look at me still like I hung the moon and the stars for them.
They are still young enough to feel this way. While I know they will grow. And the teen years especially might find us at odds. I have hope that they will always somewhere deep down know they are loved more than they can ever quite imagine.
So, I tried to not to bring love into this. But then again love is just all around us. And how could it not be better than anything? And as much hype as there is for Valentine’s Day, love isn’t just for one commercialized day.
Therefore one piece of advice, embrace the love you are gifted by those in your life. Because simply love is better than anything!
*This was expressly written this week for Finish the Sentence Friday for Listicle Friday with Kristi and Kenya, where the sentence thought to complete is: “10 things that are better than anything except being in love”.
Valerie Newman says
You are right. Love is everywhere. It makes us happy. There is really something special about Disney. I haven’t been there in years, since the kids were younger, but it is magical. #6 and #7 are stellar things.
Janine says
Aw, Valerie I most definitely do agree about love. And Disney I am really just a big kid when we visit. Plus #6 and #7 make me smile more than my words might have even conveyed here, too 🙂
Dara says
I love and agree with all of these things! It is great to have so many things in life to feel good about.
Janine says
Aw, I couldn’t agree more and definitely is so much for feel good about in this life 🙂
Kenya G. Johnson says
Reading would have made my list but these days I’m just “getting it done”, I don’t necessarily get to curl up with it. I’m two episodes behind on This Is Us. I’m not ready. And eventhough I’m not a fan of the heat, I do look forward to longer days too.
Janine says
Kenya, I have been there with “getting it done” especially with books that were just so. I try to finish a book even if it may not be the best I have read still. And all I can say about these past two episodes of “This Is Us” is all the hype for them still I was a mess and than some!
William Holland says
What a fun read, a mini glimpse into who you are….except love….the perfect title that made me smile…This Is Us…I cry like a baby when I watch that show…
Thank you Janine and Happy Weekend!
Janine says
Aw, thanks so much Bill and I had really had fun writing this one, too. So appreciate you taking the time to read and tell me this. Plus, This Is Us gets me every single time. Just when I think I may make it through the show without shedding tears, something always changes that for me each week. Thank you again and Happy Weekend to you, too 🙂
Lisa @TheGoldenSpoons says
More reminders of things I forgot on ly list – coffee & a good book! But, we still have a couple similar ones like bed & THis Is Us. Seriously, that show!!! It makes me ugly cry every time which means I should hate it and stay away, right?!?! Not a chance. 🙂
Janine says
Lisa, that is exactly it about This Is Us. I should definitely stay away for all the crying I do watching. But not a chance in the world as it really is just that good and worthy a show to watch! 😉
Tamara says
I know, right?? My kids always think I hung the moon if I make them sloppy pancakes or something. Ah, that’s love.
So many of these conjure up feelings for me! The flip flops! The Magic Kingdom! That was less than a month ago for me. I miss it so.
The photos!!!
Janine says
Aw, that is seriously love! And I know I miss the Magic Kingdom so much. We are going back. But still sad that it is only the one time not the two this year. So spoiled I know, but still 😉
Ruchira Khanna says
Hiya J9,
Happy to be back after a long break from my end….
Loved your 10 precious things. Going to disney, the feeling when i drop myself on my pillow, the first tea in the morning, the feel good thingie for my family is same pinch 🙂
Janine says
Aw, so happy to see you Ruchira and hoping you are doing good, too right now 🙂
Cheryl Blinston says
Yes to books. I love curling up with a good book. I have always been a reader and don’t understand when people say they don’t like to read. Is that a real thing??? And I am going to have to watch This is Us. I keep hearing great things about it. Great post.
Janine says
Thanks Cheryl and I am with you as I don’t know what it is like to not love to read. Also, I highly recommend This Is Us and hope you get to check it out soon.
Kristi Campbell says
I’m planning on catching up on This is Us tonight after a festival at Tucker’s school. I can’t wait! I love that our kids still look at us like we hang the moon. Great post, Janine! I love all the items on your list and am so glad it’s not dark at 4:30 right now although I also look forward to when it’s still light at 8pm.
Janine says
Aw, I am always so happy when I can join in. This actually was such a fun post to write and love that we do agree on quite a bit here, too 🙂
clark says
I identified with the book (read and re-read). I have a friend who says he never reads the same book twice. I’m all, like, ‘how could you not?! At least with books that you really enjoy. The world on the pages is always there when you go back. Granted the surprise element is diminished, but it’s alway the characters that bring me to re-read.
….warm(ing) days of the year too!!
lol
fun post
Janine says
Clark, I am totally with you and will re-read books that I truly enjoyed just as you can re-watch a movie – so too a great book 🙂
Mary says
Its so easy to be negative when you are younger. Everything is so stressful because we have nothing to measure it against. I Love this olds picture of you. I try to thank God daily but I know I could do a better job. OMG This is Us always gets me.
Janine says
Aw, you are awesome, Mary and pretty sure you are doing more than a good job. And OMG, This Is Us seriously gets me each and every time, too!
Pat B says
I think I really should watch This Is Us sometime. It seems to have a lot of followers.
Doing something for someone, especially family members, and making it a surprise more than makes up for any sacrifice of time and effort by the good feelings you get.
Years ago when I was on a boat going through It’s a small world at Disneyland we had two young children and listening to the music and experiencing the moment there tears streamed from my eyes. Happy tears.
Love your #10.
Janine says
Pat, I know I have said it before, but I couldn’t recommend This Is Us more if I tried. And that memory from Disneyland sounded perfect to me. SO many happy tears indeed 🙂
AnnMarie John says
I love this post Janine, and you totally nailed this list and I’m sure that all 10 things are things that I love doing and just makes me feel good as well. It’s really those smiles that you get, that just makes your day.
Janine says
Aw, thank you AnnMarie and it really is those smiles you get even on the craziest of days that make it all worth it somehow 🙂
Diane Roark says
Janine,
It is the little things in life that matter the most. To me, all of these things are very special too. We all need to hit the pause buttons and remember how blessed we are.
I love seeing your teenage picture. Were you blonde?
Thanks for sharing!
Diane
Janine says
Diane, it really is the little things and agree with you whole heartedly. And that pause button needs to be utilized more often I think. As for the blonde, yes I was a blonde (by dye) in my younger years totally 🙂
Echo says
This is so beautiful, Janine! I absolutely love all of things you listed, but man, what a hard list to make,
Janine says
Aw, thanks Echo. Yes I did struggle a bit but once I got started I couldn’t stop until I got all my thoughts out just so.
Seana Turner says
#5 and #6 are really resonating with me this morning. I think I’m longing a bit for spring. Even before the flip flops come out, I love that first morning you open the door and the air smells different… like life is coming back! (LOVE that we were on the same wavelength this week!)
Janine says
I love that we are on the same page, too. And I agree about that the smell of the air in spring. I seriously cannot wait for it now 😉
Christine Carter says
AHHHH JANINE!! I am SMILING SO BIG RIGHT NOW!! Girl, you nailed it! I nodded all the way through this post, agreeing with everything on your list!! (except for Disney, which I still nodded but sadly can’t relate to, but I’m sure I would agree if I had gone to Disney. boo!) We are so much alike, my friend.
This was just wonderful. LOVED this!
Janine says
Aw, love that we are so much alike, Chris. As for Disney this past weekend they raised the rates for park passes so I am little bummed about that. We already have our trip for this year planned. But if the rates continue to increase may need to rethink for future years in all honesty.
Dana says
Oh, the book one is perfect! And I totally get the feeling in Disney World – I feel it every time, no matter how old I am or my kids are. I don’t think that feeling will ever go away.
Janine says
Dana, I knew you’d get the book one totally and Disney, too!! 🙂
Katherines Corner says
This is so lovely, thank you for sharing such beautiful sentiments with us. I love the photos too!! You are blessed my friend. Hugs!!
Janine says
So many hugs right back at you and thanks so much always my sweet friend xoxo <3