I’m writing this morning from the great up north. We have successfully opened up our little “home-away- from-home” for the spring/summer season and are eager to start our enjoying our weekend getaways on the shore of Lake Michigan. After a long winter and rough start to spring, we are ready to let the good times roll!
Returning to Ludington after being away for so many months really does feel like coming back home. There are so many memories from my childhood associated with this place, not to mention the time my husband and I have spent together here making new memories, including our wedding and fun weekends spent with family and friends. The simple pleasures of running through the woods early in the morning, reading on the beach, roasting marshmallows over the fire, watching the sunset on my dad’s boat, jet-skiing from one lighthouse to the other, and just getting away from the demands of work and home to relax and play have meant the world to me over the years. These breakaways are what I need to get refocused and refreshed in the midst of life’s busyness.
Being up here reminds me of what’s good in the world, and not only that, but the things in life that bring me delight, happiness, and joy. I was recently reading another favorite blog of mine (A Place To Dwell: Living an Inspired Life of Possibility) and the author wrote, “Let’s make it a point to do more of those things that move our hearts, inspire us, and fire us up. Let’s live the abundantly beautiful lives He is calling us to live — for Him.” YES! Whether at home or traveling to new or familiar places, I want to be doing more of those things that fill my heart to the brim with God’s goodness.
So what things make my up my list of delights? What does “Living the Good Life” look like for me? Here’s my list…
Early morning quiet time with God, long runs through the woods and countryside, talking and laughing with my hubby, road trips, sunrises, sunsets, journaling, blogging in my pjs, getting lost in a good book, being inspired by others and inspiring others, photography, giving gifts for the fun of it, collaging, walking on the beach, listening to music, cleaning / organizing / de-cluttering / simplifying, trying new recipes, throwing the windows wide open to let the sunlight and fresh air inside, hot cups of coffee (especially the creamy latte kind), planting flowers, bible study with girlfriends, encouraging others, dreaming BIG, decorating spaces to invite creativity, connecting with family and friends in-person (preferably over good food and drinks), writing in color, making lists (and crossing items off the list), praying BIG prayers knowing nothing is impossible with God, chocolate, sparkly accessories, the color pink, Runner’s World magazine, traveling and adventures, hiking, preparing and training to meet new goals, the hope / beauty / courage / joy that comes from living life to the full with God and letting His Word dwell in my heart / mind / soul, movies with comedy / romance / suspense, Riesling, trips to the bakery, cruising the streets and shops of small towns, Amber beer, my iPhone, driving with the windows down / music turned up / big black sunglasses on, the smell of fresh-cut grass, watching the farm animals sleep and graze in their pastures, golf-cart rides down the dirt road with my hubby, knitting, entering into another’s story fully present and listening, positive social change and justice efforts, living IRL (in real life) / transparent / honest / true to myself and others.
What things would make your list? What is it you want more of so that you can live your best and most full life now? I found the process of writing it all down and naming it inspiring and empowering. If you’re wanting change and to get back to the most important things in life, I encourage you to take the time and write these things out TODAY, and then do a little bit of them every day to live the good life you’ve been called to live.
Have a blessed Sunday, friends!