by Jamie

January 25, 2017

A Happy Revolution {wednesday wonder}

We are covered in snow around our parts. I stopped counting the inches weeks ago. And while it is utterly breathtaking to sit on my couch and watch the hawks, pheasants, and deer against the all-white backdrop, winter can sometimes close in tight and constricting-like.

So when I read a “happy post” from my sweet blogger friend, Lynnette, in which she listed 7 things that are making her happy right now, it was like a breath of springtime:

“Whether you are buried underneath inches (or feet) of snow and ice or are simply feeling a touch of the winter blues, today I want to share a few things that are making me happy right now. Finding happiness in simple things is a surefire way to improve your mood. When you are done perusing my list, perhaps you can take a minute to write your own.”

Her words have stuck with me and after reading her happy things, I decided to start a little list of my own: {Note: I have included links to a few of the things on my list. I’m not being paid or compensated to promote anything, I’m just sharing these with you because I love them.}

#1: A Book of Mormon Challenge

In my new, wonderful Relief Society, we were given a brand new challenge — to read the Book of Mormon by the end of the year. This challenge has been such a blessing to me and I already feel such a unity with the sisters in my ward. Every time I begin the Book of Mormon again I read with a theme in mind to guide my study. This time I am using the “Doctrinal Commentary on the Book of Mormon” by Joseph Fielding McConkie and Robert L. Millet. This has deepened my understanding of the passages I love so much.

#2: Sunrises over the sparkling frozen snow

While summer offers us verdant greens and flowers in every hue, winter gives us diamonds scattered all around.

#3: Hearing my baby laugh

Oh, the glorious sound. I have yet to capture it on video because he gets all camera-shy when I pull out my phone. This little caboose been my most serious baby, but when he smiles or laughs, it melts me. It’s kind of our family challenge right now – to see who can get him to laugh. {Our oldest little bear usually wins.}

#4: My new laptop {whom I affectionately named Marjorie}

This was the Christmas gift from my husband that I most treasure. Now I can blog to my heart’s content all snuggled up in my bed or on the couch, or in my rocking chair. My creativity feels stifled when I’m sitting at the computer desk so this has been such a delight!

And if you know me, you know that all my special things have names (like homes, and cars, and years…) so my laptop needed one as well. Right after opening her on Christmas night I chose the name of Marjorie because one of my dearest heroines is Marjorie Pay Hinckley. Now every time I write, I think of her.

#5: My children’s movies

All January I’ve been listening to the pitter-patter of feet upstairs as my children have created and filmed their own dramatic movies. Little Bear inherited my love for writing, directing, and creating these movies. I am simply fascinated with the unfolding and blossoming of their talents.

#6: Baths in my clawfoot tub

A winter luxury to be sure, especially with the addition of a bath bomb.

#7: Dream Journal + Planner

If there is something to plan, I will plan it. I’m not sure if planning is a talent, a hobby, or an obsession, but whichever it is, it’s one of my favorite things to do. I always look forward to a new year and all of my big plans, goals, and dreams. I have used many planners over the years trying to find the “perfect” one, and I’m pleased to say I’ve found the best one yet (at least for me). With planners, as with anything else, you have to find the one that fits your style and personality. But if you’re anything like me, combining dreams with goals and plans and then turning them into actionable steps is just what I need. {Bonus: it’s white and you know I love all things white!}

#8: Theme Songs

First of all, our family hymn this year is one of my all-time favorite songs. “How Firm a Foundation” speaks powerfully to my soul. Hopefully we can memorize all seven verses as a family this year. And this rendition from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir leaves me in tears every single time.

Secondly, “Miracles” by Coldplay is my personal theme song for the year. I always like to choose a yearly song with touching lyrics and a melody that moves me. This song just fits and so it’s been on replay.

#9: Calm Cleaning

I find cleaning (especially washing dishes) to be so relaxing and meditative. I have always enjoyed cleaning, but even more so now that we are in our forever farmhome. {As a side note, a few tools that I got for Christmas have made my life so much easier: the Hoover Windtunnel Rewind vacuum for the carpet, the Shark Rocket for our wood floors, and the Bissell Steam Mop for the tile.}

#10: Comfort foods

Wintertime & comfort foods go hand in hand, don’t they? I’m loving homemade cinnamon rolls, chicken noodle soup, warm lemon juice with honey, and plenty of cups of hot cocoa (I’ve tried and tried to love the more expensive brands, but Western Family Rich Cocoa with Marshmallows is just my favorite!)

I also found this delicious and filling hot cereal you may love as well (but check your grocery store because it’s much cheaper there.)

#11: Morning Rituals

One of my main goals for 2017 was to create and maintain a set of morning rituals for myself to center me for the day ahead and put my most important priorities first. Prayer and my Book of Mormon reading start off the day, followed by exercise. I am truly enjoying this yoga series on Youtube right now.

#12: Watching movies with my sweetheart

We like to wind down our evenings with a 45-minute movie and are currently enjoying the Heartland series on Netflix for the second time (I’ve always been a cowgirl at heart).

The list could go on and on, but these are just “a few of my favorite things.”