what's saving my life

one of my favorite podcasters [kendra adachi - aka the lazy genius] has a regular practice of noticing and naming what is making life good in any given season. she calls it 'what's saving my life' and her recent list inspired me to make my own. so here are the things bringing me little bursts of joy in the fall of 2025:

• laughing with archie [he is easy to engage with and loves to have fun and laugh.]

• giving myself permission to spend money on things that bring me joy [i recently realized i was often putting experiences off for 'someday' when there was no real reason not to enjoy them right now.]

• ted group [some friends from church are getting together to eat dinner and watch ted lasso while the kids enjoy their own movie upstairs. sinking into that couch and hearing the theme music begin is a highlight every week.]

• marta the food fairy [my friend has been clearing out some pantry and freezer food and we have been the beneficiaries. we are always excited to see what will show up next and it has made cooking feel like less of a chore.]

• my yellow new balance tennis shoes [these were such a delightful find and they make me smile every time i put them on.]

• the life of a showgirl [admittedly my interest in taylor has increased since she and travis became an item, but i genuinely can't quit this album. it has been the soundtrack of our fall.]

• a weekly rhythm with lots of white space [i'm so thankful for a flexible calendar that has room for both adventure and slow days at home depending on what we need.]

• word searches [i wanted an analog activity i could do outside while jack and archie play that wouldn't get derailed by multiple interruptions, and word search books have been the perfect thing.]

• a very warm coat [we had a sudden early cold snap and i was so happy i had finally gotten myself a long cozy coat last winter to make it more bearable.]

• simply doing what is mine to do [this has been a heavy season for many and it's easy to feel helpless. i can't fix it all, but i can do what is mine to do. i am starting small and helping the people right in front of me.]