My Favorite

Isn't it fascinating how children can teach us the simplest yet most profound lessons? One of my favorite things is observing how much my 3-year-old, Arwen, is learning and comprehending about life. She's always asking questions and staying curious about how she can apply everything she takes in.

A few weeks ago, we visited the park for the first time in months (thank you, Utah winters). Upon spotting the swings, she bellowed, "It's my favorite, Mom!" She then bolted to the swingset, and I pushed her for who knows how long. I hadn't realized swinging was her favorite, but it makes sense!

A few days later, while making pancakes for breakfast, she was chit-chatting away when she suddenly blurted, "This is my favorite, Mom!" My heart melted, delighted that she had found another favorite.

These moments have become more frequent. She'll encounter something that sparks her joy and exclaim, "It's my favorite, Mom!" I hadn't realized so many random things had become her favorites, but I quite like it.

That is, until we're cleaning out her toys. I'm looking to donate a few she hasn't played with in months, but as soon as they go into the donation box, she latches onto them, saying, "But it's my favorite, Mom!" Hmm... really? But you never play with it! I still get a good chuckle whenever this happens.

Now, when she says something is her favorite, I ask her why. She doesn't elaborate much beyond saying she really likes it. But it got me thinking...

What are all my favorite things? People know I have an obsession with The Lord of the Rings—it is definitely my favorite. But what else?

When was the last time we sat down and really thought about our favorite things?

At a conference in Texas last week, I complimented a man on his striking green shirt, asking, "Is green your favorite color?" He paused and replied, "I actually don't know. I don't know what my favorite color is."

That surprised me. Who doesn't know their favorite color? Do adults really not know, or have we become embarrassed by our preferences and stopped discussing them? That's sad!

I want to be more like Arwen—confident and vocal about my favorite things. Not just my favorite food, color, or movie, but also activities that spark joy, types of workouts, family activities, conversation topics, or places to visit.

Whenever Arwen declares something her favorite, I now respond with, "You're my favorite, too!" I want her to always know and feel how much she truly is my favorite. The smile that lights up her face in those moments is priceless, and it fills me with immense joy.

Moral of the Story: We probably don't reflect on our favorite things enough. Life's hustle and bustle can lead us to go through the motions. I challenge you to take five minutes this week to list your favorites—and then share them with someone you love. You might be surprised by the joy it sparks!

Maybe Julie Andrews was onto something—perhaps counting our favorite things really is the key to feeling joyful and content. Doesn't that make you think of the song from The Sound of Music?

Hit reply and let me know something that is your favorite! I'd love to know!

Love,

Erica ❤️🌺

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
Cream-colored ponies and crisp apple strudels
Doorbells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles
Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings
These are a few of my favorite things
Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes
Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes
Silver-white winters that melt into springs
These are a few of my favorite things
When the dog bites
When the bee stings
When I'm feeling sad
I simply remember my favorite things
And then I don't feel so bad