Last month, I read this post about essentials from Joy The Baker. And I will start my post similarly by saying that it’s hard to define what really is essential in life, but I do know what is important to me…at least right now. Some of the things that are essential to me probably just aren’t but hey, they’re mine. I’m well aware that some of them are luxuries, but for me, these are the things that comprise my favorite elements of life.
Essential starts with my family. If I don’t go home a few times a month for a family dinner or check in with my parents a few times a week, I get a little off. One family dinner sets me right again. I don’t think I’ll ever outgrow that feeling.
Cuddling up with Harry and Andrew is essential, specifically when it involves episodes of Friday Night Lights and laughing late at night (okay, at 8:00 pm, which is when it’s actually happening because I go to bed like an old lady). Feeling safe, loved and happy in the last moments of my day is essential.
Solitude is essential. That time alone each week, to write or think or paint is vital to my happiness. Time in the sunshine is essential. Having something to look forward to, be it a trip or a date with a friend, is essential. Being connected with my closest friends is essential. Long hugs are essential.
My iPhone is essential. And I can see some of you rolling your eyes from here! But I treasure being able to snap a photo or send an email or text and feel connected to some of my favorite people immediately. It’s not the phone, but the connection it brings.
Sparkly manicures are an essential. Big earrings are essential. Black dresses are essential.
Coffee is most definitely essential.
Hot showers are essential. Comfy pants are essential. Good music is essential. Brussels sprouts are essential. Post-It Notes are essential.
Hanging out with my students and reading cool stuff and writing neat things is essential. Making cool stuff is essential. Going out dancing and consuming some truly terrible fried food afterwards is essential. Laughing every single day is essential. Being heard and understood is essential.
Baseball season, with it’s lazy nights of watching at home and chilly nights cheering on the San Francisco Giants with a hot chocolate in hand (bonus points for peppermint Schnapps all up in there) at AT&T park a few times a season is essential.
Chocolate is essential. Good music is essential. Brunch is essential.
Having everything be okay with those I hold dear is essential.
Finding the good in the everyday is essential.
What are your “essentials”?
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A good book to read. My boyfriend. Cuddles with my cat. Blackberries to eat. Long walks through the park and my inspiring friends.
This is a great idea for a post! I might just borrow it
Some of my essentials: my designated TV-watching blanket, coffee loaded with flavoured creamer, GOOD headbands that actually hold my hair back and don’t fall off my head mid-run, leggings, beach days and Words With Friends.
This is great! I’m with you on a lot of them, although you lost me at brussel sprouts. ;P My essentials are internet, time for a good workout (preferably every day), chocolate and other such good food, and, of course, my wonderful friends and family.
I love this post Amy! I need to stop all the craziness in my life and honestly take a second to think about my essentials. I feel so far from my essentials right now, that I don’t even know what they are anymore. I know some of the major ones, but I think I need to ground myself.
But yeah, I love this post. I’m going to think about it a bit.
I love this.
Um, puppies are essential. As are coconut water, pistachios, laughing with my guy, & other happy things. My brain’s a little too fried at the moment to come up with a longer list, haha!
Oh I love this! I too might need to borrow the idea, if you don’t mind?!
We for sure share many of the same essentials. Some of mine… Downtime on at least one weekend night, usually Friday. Fresh air. Snuggling with my cat daily. Milk. Small rewards. Ray Lamontagne.
Love your essentials. I had to laugh at the brussel sprouts because they would be an essential to me too! My essentials, family, working in my garden, cuddles with my pets, books, music, good food, and avocados.
YES! Brunch, hot chocolate with peppermint schnapps, solitude, and cuddle time are all on my essentials list too.