more reasons to stay alive

Have hope, and don't forget the small but wonderful joys of life. There are things to smile for. 

part i, ii. 

115. Slow mornings with fresh coffee.
116. Watching candle flames dance,
117. And when candle scents fill the room.
118. Impromptu baking/cooking to immediately satisfy cravings.
119. Ombre colored leaves,
120. And forests that explode color.
121. When you happen to leave the house during golden hour.
122. When you wrap your scarf up to your nose, 
123. And only feel the cold on your eyelashes.
124. Chunky, thick cotton sweaters,
125. And when they smell of fabric softner. 
126. Bright blue skies after dark grey days.
127. Having several glasses of wine - but only with the right company. 
128. Late nights in semi-deep conversation.
129. Stress relief through vegetable chopping.
130. The clean, fresh-smelling, after-shower feel.
131. Surprise birthday celebrations.
132. Passing by fresh-smelling flowers on trees or bushes as you walk to class.
133. Porch-swinging
134. Reunions.
135. Reaching the top of an endless set of stairs, with really great views. 
136. Singaporean food, Korean food, Taiwanese food, every food,
137. Especially inexpensive and yet incredibly delicious food.
138. Reminders of the Gospel.
139. Discovering grade school connections, and how small the world is. 
140. Coming home.
141. Slow walking tours with the family.
142. Finishing a job.
143. Ergo breaks at work.
144. Easy, busy days at work.
145. Sunny, breezy days for eating lunch outside.
146. Discovering other people's passions.
147. Lazy Saturday mornings,
148. And Sunday naps.
149. Strolling while holding hands.
150. Spontaneous potlucks with really great home cooked food.
151. Driving into the city at night and seeing the illuminated city skyline,
152. And the sweeping beacon light from downtown.
153. Seeing the sunrise and clouds over the city on the way to work. 
154. Learning new things. From cabbage to baseball to podcasts.
155. Seeing your city win the World Series. Special shoutout to Astros ;)
156. Genuine moments with work people.
157. Impromptu weekends with family.

It took me awhile to get the last dozen or so on this list. I spent so much time thinking about what I was struggling with, what I didn't like, what was less than pleasant. So much so that I neglected to find praises and joys in the things I see every day. How good it is to experience God's blessings and creations.