This blog is the real, much too bias, hopefully funny, brutally honest account of my life.
You can also learn about me on twitter, where I am way too much myself. https://twitter.com/hlsmith121

Thursday, February 12, 2015

Promote What You Love Instead of Bashing What You Hate

I had the stomach flu this past weekend and I spent WAY too much time on social media. I've noticed the same few issues circulating in a variety of articles, and to be frank, I'm tired of it.
I'm tired of reading why I should be boycotting this, or banning that.
To me, it's a struggle because while I do see the importance of standing up for what you believe in and standing firm against things that cross a moral line, I also think it's important that we not dwell on these issues. They are real and they are scary, but they can be, and are, well on their way to becoming all-consuming. Whether you are supporting or banning, you are still dwelling on these issues, and it won't uplift you the way focusing on the good around us will.
I've compiled below 10 things I love in an effort to promote the positive I need to see in the world.

1. Sunshine
It's actually SUNNY today. I live in the PNW and it is rare to have a beautiful day like this in February. I can't even begin to tell you how happy it made me to wake up to the sun on my face. It's sort of warm and the sun is shining.

2. Valentine's Day
It's coming this weekend. I LOVE Valentines Day. I get it, some people don't like it, but I love the happy go-lucky feeling this day brings. Whether you are a powerful single lady owning it, or a guy so lucky to be in love, this day has something for you. Tell someone (even if it is your mom) that you love them. I promise you won't regret sharing the love.

3. Good Music
I've been listening to the Workday Pop playlist on Spotify for the past few days and it's been the best thing ever. It's updated regularly and has good music. I love a good song more than a lot of things and there is something incredibly awesome about bursting into song and dance because the beat speaks to you.

4. Insomnia Cookies ( aka Reason #428473 I want to move to New York) 
I don't even get to use this service because it's far away, but we live in a country that has companies who will deliver cookies in the middle of the night to people who can't sleep. All you East Coasters are dang lucky. I found the app while I was having trouble sleeping and realized that it is pretty cool that some people can have hot fresh cookies delivered with cold milk to their doorstep until 3 in the morning.

5. Tax Returns
I'm sorry if you aren't getting a return, and as miserable as filing your taxes can be, getting a tax return is pretty much the best thing ever. Sure, I have to be adult with my money and put it away for savings, but still, it's pretty dang cool.

6. Hot Showers/ Bubble Baths
I don't know what it is about hygiene, but there are few things I love more than a really hot shower or a long luxurious bubble bath. It's the best way to cure any ailment, and take some me time.

7. Netflix and Delivery Food
This is one of my favorite solo date nights. I get to stay in my pj's, and watch anything I want on demand, while eating food that was delivered to my door. Honestly, I do this way more than I should but still, it's awesome.

8. Good Books
I've always loved to read, and the reason for this, is the feeling I get when i'm lost in a really good book. That feeling of being a part of something else, of being the silent character in a captivating story. My favorite book is A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray. If you like historical fiction or fantasy, or both, GO READ THIS BOOK. I've read it every summer since I was a freshman in high school. It's a trilogy and each book gets better and better. It reignites my love for reading every time I read it.

9. Good Friends and Family
I have been blessed with some of the best friends I could ask for. I've been close with many of them for years, and it's awesome. Having a friend to turn to when the going gets rough is a great thing to have. Family is great too. Honestly, my friends are extensions of my family. I have a support circule of wonderful people whom I love.

10. Laughing
I love to laugh. I have a great boyfriend who is funny and makes me laugh on a daily basis. It's the best kind of medicine because it's free and it usually multiplies itself. I like to laugh until my belly hurts, and tears are streaming down my face. It's a good feeling.

So there you have it. 10 things I would like to promote and see more of. I challenge you to do the same. Make a list of 10 things you can focus on when the going gets rough and it seems like the sky is a little too gray for your taste.