Lists. Oh how I love to make lists. Most of the time I make lists that will bring me some much needed instant gratification. You know, lists of things that I can do and then cross them off. Having a visual reminder of my accomplishments is truly uplifting. I'm not going to lie, I've even be known to put "wake up" on my list so that I can immediately cross it off and start the day on a positive note. Sometimes when feeling particularly introspective, I make lists that are not meant to be crossed off. Today was one of those days. Here I give to you a list of some things that I think we could all use once in a while.
- A friend.
- A therapist - although I'm not sure these two are mutually exclusive. And upon further thought and consideration, either could potentially be substituted by a good hairdresser or perhaps even a sympathetic bartender.
- A realllllly hard core, side-splitting fit of laughter.
- A good job that provides affordable health care and an actual living wage.
- A hug. Always.
- A buddy, which is different than a friend. Although a friend could be a buddy and vice versa, this is not always the case. For instance, in my family I was the friend and my ex-husband, the buddy. I was there, always, good times and bad, and he was there if you wanted to have a good time. But my goodness! I am not at all trying to suggest I would like my ex back. No thanks. Been there, done that. I'll take an adult buddy, thank you very much.
- Some strong shoulders. Those that could hold up the world for us for just long enough for us to find the strength to do it ourselves.
- Time in the woods, at the beach, in the mountains - nature. Anywhere that one can absorb the quiet, still, unadulterated beauty that is all around us but not always seen or recognized.
- An occasional cocktail or two. Or three. Even better if it can be enjoyed with #1 or #6.
- Someone to remind us that even the worst, darkest storms always come to an end and that the sun will shine once again.
Hang tough. Love passionately. Live large.