Struggles & Thinking on My Favorite Things [Video]

Some readers may have noticed that I’ve been finding it difficult to write recently. This is partly because I haven’t been feeling well and have been trying to catch up on household tasks before hospitalization. I’ve also been wondering about the usefulness of blogging. So, all things considered, I took an unannounced break.

Despite undergoing therapy, I need surgery after all. Although therapy helped, it obviously can’t fix a rectal prolapse, which is now also affecting my overall health and intestinal function. Surgery is scheduled for July 22. It should take about two hours, and I’ll need to stay in the hospital for two nights.

I’m at peace with it. However, I’m not supposed to climb the stairs for a month afterwards, so a twin bed is going in the dining room for me. I can’t do any work either, not even make the bed! Poor hubby; it’s going to be a hectic month for him. But at least I’ll be independent this time. After my back injury, he even had to help me out of bed. Thank goodness he loves to cook!

In the meantime, I’ve had to rest more, which is hard for me. I keep thinking about everything I should be doing. However, the rest has helped, and I was able to finish all my spring cleaning, albeit much more slowly. With the house is in good order, it should be easier for Hubby to manage, and I should be able to relax more easily!

I’ve been rereading the Mitford Years series by Jan Karon, which I find delightful. Now that I think about it, I realize that it’s probably because the characters embody my definition of the true dolce vita: “a slow life of simplicity, filled with appreciation for the little things, a focus on loving people more than possessions, and the joy of walking with Jesus day by day.” I sense this in the tales of Father Tim, his parishioners, and the villagers, and I find the books both restful and invigorating.

I like how Father Tim asks his future wife what she doesn’t love, since she seems to love everything. And she lists a few of those things. The two often discuss such topics. Isn’t that the key to getting to know people and form true, lasting friendships? It’s about knowing and appreciating the little things about each other.

Today, on the other hand, I’m learning from Julie Andrews’ performance of ‘My Favorite Things’ in The Sound of Music. According to the song, reflecting on our favorite things makes us feel better. I love the songs in that film, and I think music is a wonderful gift and a great remedy. I’ll keep this in mind during this difficult time, counting my blessings and remembering all that the Lord has given me!

1. Reading
2. Espresso, cappucino & pizza
3. Music
4. “Apperitivo” in the piazza
5. Comfy materesses, wool blankets & feather pillows
6. The Psalms and the gospel of John
7. Cats, birds, hedgehogs & butterflies
8. Goats and chickens
9. Hot vegetable soup
10. Ice cream
11. Mountains and sunsets
12. Soft wool blankets
13. Flowers
14. Ladybugs
15. Waves lapping the beach at the seaside
16. Walks in the gentle rain
17. Pasta with cream sauce
18. Salmon, asparagus, potatoes, and cherries
19. Coffee with friends
20. Old movies

Fortunately, my list of least favorite things is much shorter – and they’re in a very specific order. And thankfully, most of the time I can avoid them!

1. Any animal with more than 6 legs
2. Mosquitos
3. Dogs (sorry dog lovers!)
4. Greasy food
5. Summer heat
6. Waiting in long lines

Think about some of your favorite things today. No matter what you’re going through, you’ll probably find that it lifts your spirits!

📷 Image credit.