Tacos and Tiaras

I'm just being all-zen-and-shit

Storytelling aka Blog

Favorite Things Friday

Gratitude, Luceat Lux Vestra

“I simply remember my favorite things, and then I don’t feel so bad.” – My Favorite Things from Rodgers and Hammerstein, The Sound of Music

I may have a thing for alliteration. LOLz Taco Tuesday, Tacos and Tiaras, Tacos and Tiaras Tuesday… and now FAVORITE THINGS FRIDAY! (Of course this coincides with my BFF-Erika’s Filter-Free Friday although I’m filter-free everyday LOL)

In addition to nightly gratitude, these weekly observances help me with regular reflection on the bigger picture. Think of it like church on Sunday and Bible study on Wednesday. 😉

Speaking of bigger pictures, the image for this post shows my favorite single malt scotch and favorite socks in the foreground. If you look closely at the background, the “Aux Buttes Chaumont – Jouets” poster from Monica and Rachel’s apartment hangs above my couch. On any given day, favorite things may take center stage or they may be quietly present, waiting in the wings.

TANGENT ALERT – I went 1,600 days from June 2014 to October 2018 without drinking alcohol just to see how long I could keep up an alcohol-free streak when I realized I had gone three weeks without a drink. I may have a thing for streaks too.

Some of my favorite things, whether they’re objects or activities, aren’t part of my daily life. I mean, I have to wash my socks sometime! Over the years I learned how to eliminate sentimental or emotional attachment to objects, so now to me, favorite things are the ones that make me light up when I get to enjoy them, and especially when I get to enjoy them with my favorite people! (hee hee I just thought of scotch and getting “lit” hee hee)

With the common work week of Monday through Friday, we find it easy to also fall into the pattern of looking forward to Friday because it means the start of the weekend and having time off from work, so we can enjoy the things we have. If we look too far ahead, we miss out on the present moment.

Why wait until the weekend? Make time during the week to not only feel grateful for all that you have but also to appreciate everything that makes your favorite things possible – the ability to work, the job that provides income and benefits, the time to enjoy them, and the people with whom you may share enjoyment of your favorite things. Make it part of your present even if only through the attitude of gratitude instead of setting your sights on the future that has not yet arrived.

Luceat lux vestra.

Kindness? Deal Me In, Please

Kindness

www.tinylovecards.com

At the end of June, I was on an early-morning Delta flight (wheels up at 0600) on my way to spend 4th of July with family. With it being a short flight, I figured I would write a couple of greeting cards that I had not made time to scribble in before the trip.

The flight attendants had the camaraderie of a family welcoming passengers to their home and making sure everyone enjoyed the brief visit as we headed to our destination. Yes, it’s their job to help passengers stay comfortable, but some flight attendants go above and beyond their duties with even the smallest act of kindness.

We were preparing for our final descent when Chantina stopped by my seat and handed me a little red envelope. She told me that she’s a card writer herself, she wasn’t sure how many cards I receive, but she wanted to make sure I receive at least one for being a card sender. 🙂 #kindnessbreedskindness

Chantina’s tiny gesture – literally tiny because it was a Tiny Love Card – raised the vibration by shining her light. She could have shared a quick, passing conversation about how she likes to write cards too; however, Chantina went one little step further, and because of her, I went to find what other cards, Tiny Love Cards offers.

The Tiny Love Cards line states: “The easiest way to put a smile on someone’s face”. TRUTH! The beautiful designs are available for every occasion including no occasion. I still haven’t narrowed down my first purchase because I want them all!!! hahahaha

Follow Chantina’s example. Actions speak louder than words. She could have kept it to spoken words, but this adorable, tiny Thank You card represents sincerity of her appreciation through sharing her time and energy even if it was only a couple of minutes to write the card. She inspired me to get some of these cards and follow her lead. Most of all, Chantina let her light shine, and it’s contagious. I appreciate that she dealt me into Tiny Love Cards because now I can pass it on to others who were in the dark about these amazing bits of soul shine.

Luceat lux vestra.