Golden List ~ January 2023

 It's been a minute.

Journaling a few sentences each day has helped loosen up my writing juices.  So with a little extra motivation from a book called, "The Joy Switch", a golden list seemed appropriate to try to get my writing flow moving again!

1. The deep blue skies and beautiful sunshine of this winter day. 

2. Watching my dogs jump high to catch the bright orange tennis ball, such skill!

3. My crazy ball-chasing GSD were quite winded, and on our way back to the house, they discovered a crystal clear deep puddle of water in the road-side ditch that totally delighted and cooled them down.  Their faces of delight were just too cute for me to forbid them from jumping in. That is what hoses are for!

4.  I feel great! In the first week of a January Whole30; my body seems to be enjoying the clean food without the sugar withdrawal! 

5.  Better mental state: I notice with the good feels, my critical part has quieted down and a new joy, appreciation part has come into center stage.  She is applauding the physical choices, my body isn't in THAT bad of shape, so YAY!

6.  Rich time with Jesus; the last few weeks of time off, and mental clarity, I have found my morning time has opened up.  Enjoying His presence, enjoying coffee, my Bible, and a quiet hour each day is the perfect way to start the day.

7. Healthier hair: my hair and I have a weird relationship.  I want it to look healthy, full, and nice; it has been reacting to the stress of my life in recent years with breakage, flat, boring curls.  I went to work about two years ago, applying all the things I had heard or learned would be good.  Silk pillowcases, better shampoo/hair product, head wraps, more frequent trims, etc.  FINALLY, we are getting along again, and it's looking better!

8.  New friends.  So thankful God has brought me some new friends.  Moving to a new place, life-crazy seasons make it very challenging to build new community.  My relational bandwidth was limited.  A new season has come, and new opportunities of relating have opened.  Thank You Lord.

9.  Anticipating vacationing with Hubs! We have a little trip coming up in a few weeks which we have had on the calendar for a few months.  We are both looking forward to some fun adventures together, sunshine and sand in our toes! 

10.  My new "sitting room"; my husband and I traded work spaces in our house.  He needed more controlled uninterrupted space, and I had a vision for our front room that didn't look like an office space.  We switched it up; we got his office in order and I got to create a lovely sitting room to have my quiet time, invite cozy conversations with guests, and create a generally lovely welcoming space! We both love the new arrangement!