Things that I love

I expect to have more free time this year as I am doing a No Buying Year Experiment. While some of my free time will be dedicated to decluttering and financial strategies, I also want to engage in more activities that bring me joy.

I’ve compiled a list. Here’s my list of things that I love:

1. Sunsets (especially in nature)
2. Lush, rolling green hills
3. The smell of rain
4. My family
5. Fireworks
6. Candles on a clean table
7. A new soft bathrobe
8. Brunch with friends
9. Dinner/lunch out (especially Korean or Japanese food)
10. Date nights (especially when I get to get dressed up)
11. Beach air, the sound of crashing waves, and a view of beautiful blue-green water
12. Relaxing holidays where I can disconnect and recharge
13. A cappuccino – yummy
14. My friends
15. Twinkle/fairy lights
16. ALL the Christmas events including carols
17. Afternoon picnics in nature with family & friends
18. Hiking through rainforest
19. Cats being cute
20. Christmas movies
21. High tea
22. The sound of saxophone music
23. My little house, when it is clean
24. Seeing a musical
25. Christmas light hunting
26. Leaving home to go on vacation
27. Warm summer nights and outdoor social events
28. A big bowl of comfort pasta
29. Deep chats with wine
30. The colour yellow
31. Sparkly tiaras
32. Reading a great fiction book with a happy ending
33. Reading a great non-fiction book where I learn something
34. Playing board games in a group
35. Travelling overseas for fun and adventure
36. Moments of peace and quiet with my Bible
37. Walking alone on the beach
38. Breathtaking views from a mountain
39. Coffee out with friends
40. My church family
41. Coffee at home with my husband
42. Coffee on my own when I get to journal
43. Going to a day spa
44. Getting a pedicure
45. Going for walks with a friend
46. Being present with my children and spending quality time with them
47. Travelling somewhere new
48. Buying and giving gifts for people (being generous)
49. Typing out my blog posts / writing
50. Painting / being creative
51. Volunteering
52. Daydreaming
53. Making a new friend
54. Getting my hair washed and blow-dried at the hairdresser
55. Laughing really hard
56. Taking the time to enjoy the moment
57. Roasting marshmallows over a fire
58. The smell of flowers
59. Spa baths / jacuzzi when on holidays
60. Fishing on a pretty beach or jetty – ideally at sunrise or sunset
61. Clothes swaps
62. Fun nights out with a group of friends
63. Having friends over for dinner or lunch at our house

This was an interesting exercise to do because, if I look at my current calendar and bank statements, my time, energy, and money have not been directed towards activities I love.

I’ve been spending money on ‘likes’ rather than ‘loves’ and missing out on activities that would bring me joy.

I am grateful to have the time to work through this list so that this year I can make some changes.

Stay up to date with my blog by following Finding My Simple Life on Facebook or Instagram.