Today, as I am sure you are aware, is Valentine's Day. I realize it it a pretty silly day - corporate scam bla bla bla - but I personally think it's nice to have a day devoted to LOVE. There is so many sad/terrible things in this world that we hear/see/talk about on a daily basis....consumerism aside, isn't it nice to have a day where everyone is talking about/thinking about/celebrating love? I don't even have a special valentine this year and I am not bothered by it one bit (pinky promise). The Valentine's Day focus should not only be about a significant other (or lack there of), it should be about celebrating ALL of the things that make your heart happy.
So in honour of this special day I have decided to compile a random list of 14 THINGS that I LOVEEEEEEEEE:
1) Papa C & Mama Lu
My incredible, supportive, silly, loving, and fun parents. I wouldn't really know what love is without them. Plus, they are grade-school sweethearts and a super cute pair.
2) Campfires
I am a major fan of campfires. I would seriously love to bottle the smell and spray everything/everyone I know with it. Growing up, I spent many summers camping with the folks and my brother (James) in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. My happiest place would probably be described as sitting in front of a campfire - enjoying the company, roasting marshmallows, looking at the stars and feeling totally relaxed.
3) This photo
This might seem like a strange choice but I seriously love this photo of my pal Jordan. It was taken on New Years day a couple years ago and this was his face after being "banished" from the rest of us (I can't remember why though). It always cracks me up and fills my head with fond memories of the 'old' days.
4) Bronte Creek Project
When I was in Grade 12 I spent my first semester with a program called the Bronte Creek Project. It was by far one of the best (if not the best) choices I have ever made. I am so grateful that I was given the opportunity to take part in such a life changing educational experience. Love!
5) Powerpuffers
These two amazing girls have been mentioned in my last two posts so I don't think much more needs to be said. Deniz & Ana are such special best friends and I love them with my whole heart.
6) Taking Leaps
Sometimes it can be really, really terrifying to take a leap. Whether it is quitting a job you hate, moving on from an unhealthy relationship, speaking your mind or jumping out of a plane.....these things are scary. I made the decision to take as many leaps as necessary this year and to not let fear of ANYTHING hold me back from achieving my dreams. The Roadtrip with Reason is going to be one heck of a leap for me but I am so up for the challenge!
7) My Grandparents
They are another special pair that I have been lucky enough to havearound my entire life. 86 years and counting! I couldn't be more grateful for the overwhelming amount of love they showered me with.
8) Enjoying the view
Autumn is my absolute favourite season. The colourful leaves and crisp air always leave me feeling so joyful. In general I just love recognizing the smells/sights of my surroundings. There is something so special in taking a moment for yourself to just soak it all up and appreciate the beauty of wherever you are. I think I learned how to really do this back in my Bronte Creek Days when we were given time to spend in our magic spot (mine was on a rock in the middle of the creek) and reflect on our day.
Katryna! Treens! Cobs! Tonks! She is my other best friend and full of laughs. Her and I are more like sisters than friends. We have WAY too many inside jokes to count and I wouldn't have it any other way. Someone told us once that we are like two 12 year-old girls when we hang out and it is so very true. FULL of giggles, always. All I have to say is "What's wrong with your feet?"...
10) Opportunity
I LOVE the fact that there are so many opportunities out there for me (& everyone else). I feel like life is one big open road and I get excited by the idea that you just never know what kind of gem you are going to come across! I am so grateful to have the kind of life where the opportunities are endless...
I am a huge fan of traditions - whether it's christmas morning, our competitive easter egg hunt or yearly events that I attend with friends - they are something that is very important to me. One of my favourite traditions is going to the Elmira Maple Syrup Festival with my oldest friend Danielle & our moms. We have been doing this since early childhood and it is something that I look forward to every single year.
12) Live Performance
I love attending concerts, plays, musicals and dance performances SO MUCH. The arts have played a major role in my life and I find so much joy sitting in the audience (or backstage) and watching people put their heart & souls into their pieces. I studied Theatre Production in University which has given me a greater understanding of how intense these crafts are. I respect performers so much and am always amazed by their skill!
13) Social Media
I admit that sometimes social media frusturates me. I wish that people would put down their phones, quit updating their statuses and enjoy living in the moment for once BUT I am also amazed by the community of people out there. Twitter has been so helpful with the planning process for the Roadtrip with Reason. It has connected me to strangers, organizations and places AND has inspired me. There are so many amazing people out there doing amazing things that I never would've known about if it wasn't for social media. For that very reason I love, love, love it!
14) Silliness
Who doesn't LOVE being silly? (Lots of people, actually) but I am not one of those people at all. Being silly means that I am not taking life too seriously. I love laughing and I love making people laugh. I figure if I am only going to be on this earth for 100 years (+/-) then I do not see the point in being too serious. Life is about having fun and doing what makes you happy and accomplishing your goals and dreams. I am going to do all of those things while being as silly as possible.
SPREAD THE LOVE! Big hugs!
-- Becky xo