Dumbledore

I was supposed to have this post written many days ago. The reason I've been dragging my feet is because I've been feeling kind of heavy and weighed down, and not just by the Klondike Bars I have packed in my freezer. I've been feeling like this planet is maxing out on mean people doing mean stuff to others.  With so much tragedy on the news, my mind has been preoccupied with fear and worry. 

There is certainly a lot of sad things, but there's also always hope and light.  Dumbledore absolutely nailed it when he said, "Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light."  So here's a post that serves no purpose other than to remind me of a few of the lighter and brighter things in life.  Lighten up Francis, and cling to the things that bring you peace.

Family: Over the 4th of July Holiday, we had the opportunity to all get together and celebrate America in our hometown of Idaho Falls.  There were five children ages 2 and under.  It was madness.  The most glorious, heavenly, perfectly imperfect madness. 

LOL: If laughter is a powerful medicine, then baby I'm addicted.  When we got together for the 4th we spent a side-splitting evening watching some Jim Gaffigan stand-up. So therapeutic  Michael and I also turn to Brian Regan, Modern Family, and Wreck It Ralph when we are looking for a good laugh. 

 

Coconut Brownies: Eating is an activity necessary for sustaining life, so it might as well be fun, right?  I've been trying to treat my body good for the most part, but oh how I do love indulgences.  If you want your tastebuds to sing, I dare you to add some coconut extract to your plain old boxed
brownie mix.  You're welcome.

Kindness of Strangers: I was absolutely terrified the other day when I realized I had to go to the DMV with my two tiny sidekicks.  It was something I was majorly stressing about, but a few kind strangers totally saved my bacon.  Every single door I approached was held open by someone seeing that I was coming through with my tank, I mean double stroller.  Something so simple made such a difference in my experience.  Even an elderly gentleman with a significant limp went out of his way to help me get through the doorways with ease.  I also think the lady with the super long green fingernails that assisted me was by far the most cheerful DMV employee I ever did see.  She was quick, kind, and helpful.  This mundane errand was made a little brighter by people that chose to be nice.

Taylor Swift:  I've been a Swiftie since the "Tim McGraw" days.  Yeah, she has a few angry songs, but it feels so good.  I'm even getting better at strumming some "Bad Blood" on my guitar so now I can annoy my husband and children relentlessly without needing the radio or Youtube. Hey! (By the way, should I be offended that my almost 2 year old always "shhh's me when I'm belting out some tunes in the car?)

Prayer/Meditation:  This one is a no-brainer and the most important.  Being in a good place spiritually is the only way to truly thrive in this life.  Personally, I enjoy talking to my Heavenly Father.  It puts things in perspective.  My husband has taught me a lot about praying in a more sincere and real way. Some of his prayers used to sound comical to me, but now I just admire his ability to have honest conversations with his Creator.


These are just a few things that have helped me banish the dark cloud of doom that sometimes blows in.  What is it the grounds you and helps you keep that light turned on?