Sharing Little Treasures

I am a very private, concealed person for the most part and for that reason alone, there are not many people who truly know what some of my favorite things are in life. I tend to keep these little things as treasures and hide them away. I have my theories for why I do this. Mostly, I think, it is because I am afraid. I am afraid to let others know what I enjoy because I am afraid that once it is known, it will all disappear. So I enjoy them internally, rarely letting others see the extent of the joy they bring me. In keeping with my goal of dedicating the next 90 days to making myself healthier in all aspects of my being, I am now going to make myself a little vulnerable and share with any who will read this my secret little joys. Some of you will know some of these things because some of you I have trusted enough to share these things with. However, out of all I have told these things too, there will be but a small few who know the extent of the happiness they bring into my life and how much of a balm they are to my soul. So here they are, in no particular order, just as they come to mind.

The smiles from my children when I have done something for them that only I can do

The pride on my children's and grand children's faces when they accomplish or discover something for the very first time


The smell of fresh cut grass in the summertime

Laughter, in all it's forms, as long as it is from the heart. I love to be around people who laugh freely and with wild abandon, probably because I never give myself permission to do so.  My favorites are a baby's laugh and the "belly" laugh. So few can pull the latter off  genuinely that when I do get to hear it, I can't help but join in!

The color purple

The smell of cumin, which for some odd reason makes me think back to my childhood and the days of rollerskating. (Cumin smells just like Lloyds!)

Creating things. Whether it is writing, sewing, cooking, painting or any other medium, I love to create

Reading. For those who know me this may seem like a no brainer, because I am always reading. But how many of you know the joy I take in reading my favorite childhood stories to small children?

My family. Above all, this is my absolute favorite thing in the world, even when they are trying my patience!

A good cup of double bergamont earl grey tea

Hosting parties/celebrations/family dinners. Again, most know this about me already, but I am not sure they all know exactly how excited and purposeful it makes me feel.

Spinning Wheels by Blood Sweat and Tears and Puff The Magic Dragon. My mom used to lay in the bed beside me and rock herself to sleep while singing these to me when I was a small child taking a nap with her.

Music. From classical masterpieces to heavy metal, I love listening to and playing music. Moonlight Sonata by Beethoven, Life is Life by Opus and Prayer by Disturbed are a few favorites off the top of my head but I literally have thousands of songs I have fallen in love with over the years.

Singing. I love to sing at the top of my lungs when I am all alone (which rarely happens..lol.) or sing softly to a child that is sleeping on my chest. Personally, I don't really care if other people like the sound of  my voice or not. I enjoy singing and that is all that really matters to me

Owls, dragons, dragonflies and butterflies. I love these winged beauties and could watch them for hours!

Taking care of people when they are injured or ill. I am a healer by trade and by experience and I love to be able to nurse those who are sick or injured back to good health.

The poem "My Shadow" by Robert Louise Stevenson. My grandmother used to recite this to me when I was a small child. I can still hear her voice saying each line to this day.

My friends. Each one is unique and whether I see them daily, weekly or once every few years, my friends always hold a special place in my heart. I don't have many "true" friends, but the ones I do have I hold in high esteem.

Winter. Hands down my favorite season. I love the crispness that the cold temperatures bring to the air, the way the snow blankets everything it touches and watching the children play in it.

Drama movies. I have to have a story, something to catch my interest. As a writer, I am a storyteller and so I need some depth in the movies I choose to watch. Schindler's List, Things We Lost In The Fire, The Color Purple, Lovesong For Bobby Long, The Elephant Man; these are some of my favorite films.

A clean house/environment. I cannot relax or concentrate when things are in disarray around me.

A good dirty joke

People watching. I especially love watching the elderly. Whether they are in groups, in couples or alone, I love to see how they relate to the world around them. They have been around, seen so many things and have a lifetime worth of stories, experience and knowledge to share. The elderly and babies are probably my favorite social class of people.

As I said before, I am sure there are those of you who already knew of some of these and those of you who knew of a little more but I am not sure if you knew of the intensity to which my enthusiasm soared when experiencing these things. These are my personal little treasures, the things I can always find happiness in, no matter how troubled my day seems to be going. These are the vitamins of my soul. I ask that you all take a moment and think on the things that you like best in this world, especially on the days when you are feeling your worst. Enjoy your little treasures and share them with the world for in doing so, we make ourselves and this world a much better place to live.

Namaste....