Home 9 Health & Wellness 9 Mental Health 9 Gratitude 9 These Are a Few of My Favorite Things – Part 1

In the soft light of morning, when the world feels still, I find my heart overflowing with gratitude for the little things that make life so very sweet. There is magic in these small blessings, a quiet joy that fills my soul with warmth. Here, in this first part of my list, I share with you the treasures that stir my heart and deepen my connection to the simple wonders around me.

WHISKERS ON KITTENS

Yes, I have that song running through my head. But seriously, they are fantastic. I love how our cat’s whiskers were three different colors, all on one whisker.

One morning, I found most of our cat’s whiskers were missing. The cat was sporting short little stubby whiskers instead of the long ones he usually had.

“Where did your whiskers go, buddy?” I asked.

“I cut them,” said my daughter. “I thought they were too long.”

Photo by Edgar on Unsplash

THE SMELL OF GRAPEFRUIT

The scent of grapefruit is like a burst of sunshine, a reminder that there is always room for a fresh start. Whether it’s the flicker of a candle or the softness of essential oils, that bright citrusy fragrance lifts me, offering a touch of cheer on a cloudy day.

Image by Bob from Pixabay

Granny Smith Apples

Oh, how I cherish the tart, crisp bite of a Granny Smith apple. It is the taste of autumn itself, sharp and invigorating. Though our apple tree doesn’t bear these green gems, I find joy in plucking the early fruit, just as it ripens, to mimic their unmistakable flavor. The taste is fleeting, but sweet nonetheless.

Caramel Covered Granny Smith Apples

There is a special kind of bliss in the marriage of tart and sweet. A Granny Smith apple, dressed in the rich warmth of caramel, creates a harmony of flavors that dance upon the tongue. The contrast of the sharp apple and the sweet coating is nothing short of divine, a simple indulgence that fills my heart with pleasure.

Image by John R Perry from Pixabay

Looking for animal shapes in the clouds

Do you remember those days when the sky above became a canvas for imagination? As children, we would lie upon the earth, tracing shapes in the sky, seeking out animals, faces, and stories hidden in the drifting clouds. Recently, I found myself returning to that joyful practice, stretching out beneath the open sky to once again search for the magic above. It’s a small, free pleasure—one with no calories and no care.

Image by Pexels from Pixabay

The Smell of a Newborn Baby

There is nothing in this world quite like the scent of a newborn. It’s pure, untainted by the world, and filled with the promise of what is to come. That delicate fragrance is the very essence of innocence, and every breath of it fills me with awe.

Reading a Book on a Snowy Day

Snow falls softly, a perfect backdrop for the turning pages of a cherished book. The gentle crackle of the fire, the scent of wood and warmth, and the slow drift of snow outside—it is the perfect setting for immersion in a story, where time seems to stand still.

Homemade chicken noodle soup with homemade noodles

There is something profoundly comforting about a bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup, especially when the noodles are made with your own hands. It’s a labor of love, the kind that fills the house with warmth and the heart with joy. Though the noodles in the photo aren’t quite right, I remember the countless moments spent making the perfect batch, one step at a time.

Sitting by a stream in the Rocky Mountains

There is a sacred stillness that surrounds a mountain stream. The sound of water tumbling over rocks is a melody that calms the soul. I recall with such tenderness the days spent beside the stream on our family’s land in the Rockies, the peaceful serenity of the moment filling my spirit with tranquility.

The Flame of a Candle

The soft flicker of a candle flame holds a quiet magic. It’s a gentle reminder that, even in stillness, there is light and warmth. It’s not quite like the crackling fire, but it carries its own special comfort, casting shadows that dance in the corners of the room.

The Patina of Oxidized Copper

Sometimes, beauty reveals itself in the most unexpected places. I will never forget the day I saw the exquisite patina of oxidized copper on a gate in Washington, D.C. It was a quiet, glowing green, rich with history and the passage of time. Though I was quickly cautioned not to photograph the gate, the beauty of that moment remains with me, a reminder of how often the most precious things can be as ordinary as a gate.

Crusty Bread Dipped in Balsamic Vinegar and a Good Olive Oil

Ah, bread. The smell of it, the texture, the sound of the crust cracking beneath your fingers. A warm, crusty baguette dipped in high-quality balsamic vinegar and olive oil is a simple joy, a moment of indulgence. And though I now follow a gluten-free path, there are days when I’ll allow myself a sweet cheat, savoring nearly an entire baguette in one sitting, feeling the happiness it brings.

What about you?

What are a few of your favorite things? Let me know in the comment section below. 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Leisa Watkins is the founder of Cultivate An Exceptional Life. She believes life is meant to be enjoyed and experienced in abundance. She is on a mission to help people break through barriers, build resilience, and avoid roadblocks in life while creating a life they love - despite chronic illness, trauma, and other life challenges. She also shares tips on getting more out of life, despite its challenges, on our Instagram channel. Please follow us.

 
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