Today, I’m joining Modern Mrs. Darcy in sharing my life of the things that are saving my life right now. She got the idea from Barbara Brown Taylor’s memoir Leaving Church. The idea is to make a list of the things that are saving our lives in the midst of a dreary winter season.
Have you ever heard of SAD or Seasonal Affective Disorder? It’s a type of depression related to seasonal changes. It usually strikes in the winter, and probably caused by lack of sunlight, being cooped up, and an upset of our circadian rhythm (our natural sleep pattern). Add SAD to the usual cold and flu running rampant this season, and it’s easy to see why we focus on the negative.
Well, here’s to the positive! Here’s to finding the light. Here are the things saving my life right now. What’s yours?
1. My birthday. It’s tough having a birthday in the winter because it’s harder to go out. So come winter, my birthday forces me to get out and about to celebrate with my family and friends, redeem some birthday freebies, and get some sun in the process.
2. Mocha. Coffee and chocolate. There’s not much more to it. Starbucks mocha is more expensive than my usual iced coffee with milk and toffee nut syrup, but Starbucks have been giving me mocha Star Dashes so I’m okay with it. I came up with a great mocha recipe for home. Here you go and you’re welcome:
2 cups of brewed coffee
3 tbsp Nesquik chocolate milk powder
1/4 cup of your preferred milk
I didn’t have milk so I used a splash of evaporated milk and a splash of water. It worked well. And because I have a massive sweet tooth, I added a tsp of sugar. Leave it out if you want.
3. Growing Tulips. When I bought the bulbs on sale last late summer, I didn’t know tulips needed a cooling period or they wouldn’t grow. I had to wait until mid-December to plant them. Of course, I took to Pinterest and they’re growing tall and fast! I can’t wait for the blooms to appear.
4. Bible Journaling. I love that this creative way of meditating on the Word of God helps me focus, reflect, and listen.
5. Creative Planning. Because I’m not a natural planner, infusing this analytical process with much needed creativity is such a win.
6. Podcasts. I’ve only recently started listening to podcasts consistently and so far, I only listen to two: Annie F. Downs’ “That Sounds Fun Podcast” and Anne Bogel’s “What Should I Read Next?” I listen when I cook dinner. I’ve subscribed to a few more, but haven’t tuned in. Let me know which podcast you recommend.
7. Knitting and TV Shows. They go hand-in-hand. I would kick myself for not updating my online store and being more business-minded, but I decided to choose grace instead. Anyway, I’m building up my inventory and I’m happy the superhero shows are back. I can’t wait to watch the new show “Powerless” about normal people working for Bruce Wayne’s cousin inventing things that will protect normal people from the consequences of superhero battles.
8. Instant Ramen. Instant ramen gets a bad rap, and when there are great ramen places near me, it’s almost sinful to eat the microwavable ones. But the instant ramen game has gotten better, so when I want/need something warm and soupy, I’ve been turning to the ramen that cooks in 3 minutes. I always add an egg for extra protein.
9. A good cry. It is so cathartic. When the stress and worries pile up, I have a good cry. When the news angers me at the same time it breaks my heart, I have a good cry. When my brain can’t wrap itself around how people are acting, I have a good cry. I keep saying I have a good cry like I turn on a switch to let the waterworks out. It’s not that. It’s just allowing myself to let pent up emotions out and offer them up in prayer at the same time.
10. Reading. I’ve read two great books so far, and they’ve made me excited to read more. Time to pick another book off my towering pile. It’s either going to be Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen or Hacker by Ted Dekker. I’m looking for a C.S. Lewis book. I loved reading The Screwtape Letters last year. Any recommendations for this year? I’ve decided to read at least one Austen and one C.S. Lewis book every year!
What’s saving your life right now? I’m linking up with Modern Mrs. Darcy where a bunch of us are sharing the things that are saving our lives at the moment.
