i feel it so deeply in my bones

In my notes app I keep a note titled simply, “Why I love life.” After going through various mental health struggles, it felt important to have a constant reminder of the beauty of being alive. So I created this list, and every day I try to add something. Not just objects, but memories, feelings, connections. With how dark the world is getting, and the injuries that I seem to perpetually have, I can feel myself leaning towards hopelessness. Now, more than ever, it is important to remind ourselves of the everyday magic that gives love and light to our existence. I thought that I’d share this little list of hope and try to cast a light into your inboxes and your hearts.

And what better way to get to know someone than to know the things that they love? Enjoy this little journey into my soul :)

The smell of rain
A good book
Raspberries
When I can truly feel Jesus with me
The sounds of nature
Pink Skies summers
Seeing family for the first time in a while
Small coffee shops
The feeling after going on a run
Swimming
When I summit a peak and get to see the view
Baking for others
Pink lemonade
Art galleries
Wild flowers
Handwritten notes from someone I care about
Praying with my friends
The art of noticing
The way the sun feels on a lazy summer day
Sunday brunch after church
Fruit
The sound of rain hitting my roof at night
Cozy nights in
Autumn leaves falling and a cool breeze
Skiing with friends and a good playlist
Finding a new song that I love
The feeling of Home
Appreciating the little things
Feeling understood
Warm hugs from someone you love
Deeply loving someone
Giving
Sewing accents onto clothes
Sundresses

Getting dressed up for a night out
Gold jewelry
Long showers that are hot and steaming
Self-care nights
A hot cup of tea in my favorite mug that my aunt gifted me
Pasta
Quality time
Sitting in comfortable silence
Complimenting strangers
Fun coffees
Casual/innocent physical touch
Being there for someone
Traveling to new places and making memories
Stories that are so captivating, they transport me
The feeling of classical music
Holding hands and squeezing tightly
Toasted everything bagels with cream cheese from my favorite cafe
Learning something new
Hearing someone talk about something they’re passionate about
Eye contact in the middle of conversations
Adventuring
Poetry that speaks to my soul
”I saw this and thought of you”
Steady connection
Shared smiles
The way people look when they’re laughing

Saturday farmer’s markets with my family
Freshly baked bread, right out of the oven
Gardens that people have invested time and care into
The strawberry rhubarb pie that my dad made when I was ten
Having my own mug that no one else uses
Spending time with animals
Being outside by myself
Walking swiftly and having epiphanies
The cozy feeling of our cabin
The sound of flowing water
Lying under a weeping willow
Rewatching my favorite movies
Putting on my comfort sweatshirt
Standingon the beach with the tides gently lapping at my feet
Seeing mountain peaks in the distance
The smell of freshly mowed grass in the summer
Knowing that there are so many little blessings
When the first flower pops up after winter
The sound of aspen trees shaking in the wind
Looking back on family history
Lighting a candle in a clean room
The way that light shines through trees
Putting on my favorite perfume
Freshly baked cookies

Ice cream on a summer day
Hope is the thing with feathers
Porch swings
My Grandma’s house
Washing my face after a long day
Riveting conversations that feel like we can talk forever
Meeting new people with shared interests
Bible verses
That moment in rom coms when they realize that they’re in love
Peonies
Bouquets arranged by someone I love
Getting food and catching up
Cooking for the people I care about
When I’m studying and it finally clicks
Getting new opportunities
Wearing clothes because I love them, not because they’re popular
Seeing people who express themselves freely
Being around kids, their laughter and honesty
The anticipation of boarding a plane
Long car rides with gorgeous views

When every single song in the playlist feels perfect for the moment
Reading something that feels like it was meant for me
Family reunions
Thoughtfulness
Taking care of someone and being taken care of
When I stick my head out of the car window and feel the wind
Favorite childhood books
Sunsets
Making people smile
talking with my best friend for hours
The color pink
Hydrangeas
“Fearfully and wonderfully made”
Golden hour
Rereading a favorite book
Summer at the lake
Getting a card in the mail
Open meadows
The smell of old books
Dancing in the kitchen
Warm sweaters
Wearing my favorite pair of heels
” We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race”
Being proud of someone’s accomplishments
Being curled up in my pjs with blankets, tea, pillows, a candle, and a book
When it’s cold outside but warm inside
When I feel like I can write and write and write