My Favorite Things

December 2023

Since today is the last day in my 40's, I thought, let's reflect a little.. but not too much reflection (that can get too deep, too fast).

"Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens

Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens

Brown paper packages tied up with strings

These are a few of my favorite things..."

The Sound of Music is one of my all-time favorite movies. Growing up it only came on during the holiday season, even though, it's not really a holiday movie. Along with the Wizard of Oz, this movie was one of those I would look forward to. You know, back then, you had "TV Guide" to tell you when the shows were coming on, so you could plan out your TV viewing schedule.

Back then, you had to go to the Piggly Wiggly grocery store and buy the TV Guide, just to see what was going to come on TV for the next week. Just image that today.

So, in the spirit of the Sound of Music and the holiday season I thought it cool to share some of my "favorite things".

Feel free to share yours as well.

Family

Over the last 5 years, I have said goodbye to both of my parents. There is seldom a day that goes by I don't think of them. From thinking of the life lessons both my Dad and Mom taught me, to the funny moments and the teary-eyed moments, like recently at Macy's in New York City, while riding an escalator. I value my family more each day. Life is too short. Love Big!

Authentic Relationships

As I have gotten older, I value authentic relationships more than just connections. It's great to have connections on socials, etc., but having authentic relationships with others in both my professional and personal life is most valuable to me. Yes, networking is dead.

Just this week, I had the privilege of having dinner with my "girlfriends". Ya'll, we had the best time. There was just much love and laughs at that table. Enough said.

Belonging

We all want to belong, it's a human characteristic and need. Feeling a part of something bigger than yourself. When you feel like you belong, whether it's in a social or civic organization, your work environment, your social groups, etc., you are more fulfilled. When you feel like you don't belong, you feel completely disconnected. People leave jobs, relationships and more because they feel they don't belong.

Mexican Food

Let's be honest, I could have chips and salsa every single day. I should own stock in the local Mexican restaurants. It's my go-to, feel good, treat myself spot. Oh, and a (or two) good margarita. Yes, please.

New Experiences

Today is the last day of my 40's, tomorrow starts a new chapter in my 50's. When you realize there is probably more life behind you than in front of you, life takes on a different perspective. It really does. But I've also learned that I must be intentional with planning new experiences as they don't just happen. I'll confess, I'm a typical male in that I am creature of habit and making myself go somewhere new can be a challenge.

Real Life vs Fake Life

The older I get the more I seem to "strongly dislike" FAKE. Be Real and Authentic. Be who you are, and I'll respect you for it.

No, I don't care anything about seeing someone's staged life or fake images on socials. Yes, you can always spot the fake. You know, those very staged pics with all of the filters or those highlight posts that touts the wonderful things someone did that they want to be noticed for (aka a"like") whether in career or in personal, or the "look-at-me's", etc. It's like a bunch of 3-year-olds saying "me, me, me, me"...I'm usually not impressed.

But what impresses me the most, is real, authentic individuals who have highs and lows in life, treat others with respect and value others, whether you agree or not. I don't have to agree with you to respect and like you. Differences are a good thing. Heck, I sure wouldn't want a bunch of "me's" in a group. Ha!

Life Moments

You know those moments in life that shaped you. Maybe, at the time, you didn't realize how it shaped you, but later you look back and realize how that one moment, experience, or season in life really shaped you. You may haven't thought about those moments or experiences in years and then suddenly something happens, like a flat tire or escalator ride, that takes you back. You draw from those experiences, are reminded of what really shaped you and reflect from where you came. Treasure those moments. Don't lose them. They are precious.

What are your Favorite Things? Please share in the comments.

Merry Christmas!