When life feels hard, it helps to name the good. The good things don’t make up for the bad or somehow give the hard stuff meaning or “a reason.” But they do sustain us.

I’ve been trying to cultivate the practice of noticing the good, no matter how small or ordinary. Here is some of what I’ve been naming lately. Scroll to the bottom to share yours!

Apps & Websites

Sure, too much phone time is draining. BUT you know you’re still going to look. Here are some of the most life-giving resources my phone has given me.

Wordle: Wordle! I resisted Wordle because it felt too trendy but I am now very happily following the pack. I love that there is only one word puzzle available each day, so you can’t waste time with it.
Lectio 365: This free app provides a twice-daily devotional (morning & night) to guide you through the Bible. It is a beautiful way to start my morning, and the narrators are so delightful.
Podcasts: I gave up podcasts for lent last year because I couldn’t really think of a bigger sacrifice. I love them. Some of my favorites include Pantsuit Politics, The Next Right Thing, The Lazy Genius, and We Can Do Hard Things.

Getting Out

The winter temps are brutal but so is loneliness. Here are a few ideas for getting out of the house.

Walking: Sunny walks keep me sane throughout the winter. Even if you can’t get out, can you walk around the house? I’m noticing how important movement is for me, especially for managing anxious thoughts.
Friends: Going out with friends is not something that I naturally reach for. It always feels hard because I’m already exhausted from kids and work and life. What I keep learning over and over is that in-person friendship is not something to do with what’s left of you. It’s how you make it through.

Home Making

Our environments affect us each day.

Embracing our home: I have never felt like I’m good at decorating or organizing or anything homey. BUT it’s fun to try. Focusing on tiny changes I can make in our home to make it feel more open and simple has been life-giving for me. Do you enjoy being in your home? Are there small changes you can make?
Decluttering: I love love love decluttering. I have taken so much inspiration and encouragement from The Minimal Mom and other minimalist writers. You might already love this practice but if you’re new to it, I’d encourage you to clear out one bag’s worth of items and notice how you feel.
Hygge: I don’t totally grasp the concept of hygge but I know that it loves coziness and so do I. If we’re going to choose to live somewhere with a winter season, then I need to find ways to embrace it. I get so much joy from adding simple, cozy touches to our home. Favorite candles are a must. This year I set up a big puzzle in a little corner of the house, and I can’t even tell you how happy it makes me see one of the kids pause and put a few pieces together.

New Hobbies

Something fun or creative that has literally no other purpose

Permission: It has taken me a long time to allow myself to do something fun or creative just because I want to. In the past, I pretended that I was doing things for fun, but my brain was always working on the reason why this activity was “worth it.” I have attempted to monetize almost every hobby I’ve ever had. It’s a whole thing, and I’m working on it.
Watercolor: You guys, am I an artist?? Well yes, because we all are. I am so glad that I let myself just play around and try painting with watercolors. I recently invested in professional paints and real watercolor paper, and I smile every time I see them sitting on my dresser.
Library: An easy way for me to embrace creativity in my life is to plan a trip to the library. It’s great for the kids to explore new books, and I try to make time to sneak away to the adult section. I browse books about cooking, interior design, travel, painting, and all-the-things. It provides a quick hit of inspiration in the midst of my everyday life.

Food and Celebrations

This is why we’re here! To celebrate the ordinary

Comfort food: It’s cold out, and nothing feels more comforting to me than opening the slow cooker and taking in tonight’s new dinner. What foods or dishes feel like home to you?
New cookbooks: A lot of my library time is spent in the cookbook section. I’m currently obsessed with Half Baked Harvest.
Valentine pretzels: Valentine’s Day gets me through February, and these pretzels are one of the simplest ways to celebrate.
Super Bowl: I love a good Super Bowl party. Delicious dips and walking tacos and gathering on a Sunday night all feel special to me. I have no need for football in my life but I do need regular celebrations, and this is a great excuse for one.