What's Saving My Life Right Now
Nine random things
I listened to this podcast episode, What’s Saving My Winter Life, yesterday as I drove to an appointment and back. The podcaster,
, shares a list of things that are saving her life this winter, and she encourages her listeners to make their own. So, I quickly jotted nine things down and want to share them with you.
But first, let’s discuss the phrase, “What’s saving your life right now?” This idea comes from author Barbara Brown Taylor. Near the end of her memoir, Leaving Church, she tells the story of being invited to speak at a gathering. “Tell us what is saving your life now,” her host requested. The idea is to share items, big or small, that bring joy, life, and hope into your current season. Here are mine in no particular order:
What’s Saving My Life Right Now
1. Blackout Curtains
When we moved into this home six years ago, we bought what we thought were blackout curtains for the bedrooms. They were thick, white curtains but didn’t block out as much light as we’d hoped. We decided to live with them anyway. I wore an eye mask to bed if I wanted it to be completely dark. Jump ahead six years to a few weeks ago when Tony and I talked about how cold it’s been here. We discussed ways to keep the cold air out and warm air in, and we decided we needed some thicker drapes in the bedrooms. I ordered some, we hung them, and voilà! Not only do they work well for insulation, but I’ve been sleeping better in a darkened room.
2. A Soundtrack
I was searching for a classical playlist I could listen to when writing or relaxing when I remembered music from a movie I loved long ago, Somewhere in Time. The soundtrack is absolutely beautiful! Listening to it brings me joy.
3. A Cozy Throw
Years ago, a dear friend gave me a soft, luxurious, cozy throw for Christmas, and I still love using it so much. As I mentioned, the weather has been colder than usual, so this throw gets carried from room to room to keep me warm.
4. Beautiful Winter Skies
The January skies were dull and gray, but February brought swirly pink and purple skies, gorgeous streaks of clouds, and stunning sunsets. If you know me, then you know I appreciate a beautiful sky.
5. Voxer
This old-school app is saving my life right now because I can connect with friends who live far away. It isn’t always easy to schedule a Facetime or phone call, so Voxer makes it simple to hear my friends’ voices and stay connected. I’ve tried the Marco Polo app, but I’m not always interested in being on a video.🙃 Voxer is perfect because I can leave a voice message anytime, and my friends will respond when it’s convenient.
6. Vuori Joggers
These joggers are advertised as “the pants you’ll never want to take off.” They weren’t wrong! The joggers have a “slim but relaxed fit,” meaning they’re not like baggy sweatpants or skin-tight like leggings. The fabric is incredibly soft, moisture-wicking, and can be washed and dried (which I’ve done many times with no issues of pilling or shrinking). I own several pairs, and I’m wearing them at home all the time right now.
7. Hotel Fragrance Diffuser Oil
Tony and I traveled quite a bit last year, and the first thing I always noticed upon entering a hotel was the scent. After one of our recent stays, I realized I’d once smelled that fragrance at a different hotel. When I got home, I did a deep dive into hotel fragrances (an entire industry is devoted to custom hotel scents!), and I found the scents I was looking for. I'm transported back to wonderful vacations whenever I use the hotel fragrance essential oils.
8. Nighttime Skincare Routine
What’s saving my life about this is that I changed the time I start my nightly routine from bedtime to immediately following dinner. I realized that when it got close to bedtime, I was often too tired to do my whole routine or even want to wash my face at all. I never want to skip my nightly skincare, so switching up the time makes my routine more manageable. The bonus of the new time is that the skincare products have more time to settle in before my head hits the pillow.
9. Morning Coffee
This last item isn’t about just drinking coffee in the mornings but about waking up to my husband either bringing a mug of it to me in bed or having it ready when I come out to the kitchen in the morning. He knows exactly how I like it and makes it perfectly every time. ❤️
"Sharing is a powerful tool for building connections and fostering meaningful relationships." Laura Tremaine
Well, there’s my list of what’s saving my life right now. Take some time, make your own list, and then come back here and share a thing or two.
With love, Natalie xx
This is such a fun list! And, wow, Tony proves to be more of a catch with each newsletter! I'd take a cup of coffee delivered to me in the morning over a bouquet of flowers any day! :)
Oh I love this! My favorite things right now are coffee by candlelight first thing in the morning, the devotional app, Lectio365, and weighted blankets!! My dear friend suggested one when I was struggling and I’ve been hooked ever since! They are so comforting and warm, it feels like a hug 🤗. I’m also a big fan of blackout curtains, they really do make a huge difference to your quality of sleep. Thank you, Natalie for brightening my day - even though it’s pouring rain here in Ireland xx