BE Happy

A few things that make me happy right now:

(1) WATER: On April 14, 2016, I got a call from my doctor telling me I had cancer. I was spending spring break in a cottage on the James River in the Kingsmill Resort, in Williamsburg, VA. After the predictable phone calling, texting, googling, crying, sleeping, and staring into the air that follows such a diagnosis, I found myself sitting on the deck of the cottage just feet from the river. I spent a lot of time out near the river on the days that followed. It's there that I was eventually able to find an amazing sense of calm. The water literally gave me strength and a feeling of connectedness with nature that I could feel throughout my body. I know it sounds strange, but I truly feel spending time on the river brought out the braveness and grit that I needed to face the health challenges ahead.

Fast forward four, cancer-free, years later (can I get a WOOHOO?!) and we now own a home on that very same James River. I am so blessed to wake up every morning and look out my windows at the strong, beautiful river. It is so peaceful yet so regal, so tranquil yet so powerful....being near it is transformative.

Now I thought maybe I was being a little kooky, a little dramatic, a little over-spiritual about the way my river makes me feel, but guess what? This is real. It's called the 'Blue Mind'...

Blue Mind: A mildly meditative state characterized by calm, peace, unity, and a sense of general happiness and satisfaction with life in the moment. (Wallace Nichols, via Urban Dictionary)

We've all probably experienced this at times when we are at the beach or on a vacation near water, but being able to experience it daily is an unbelievable gift. I know it won't be possible for all of you to live by water, but I hope this encourages you to spend as much time as you can near water...rivers, lakes, oceans...doesn't matter. Just get out there and let the water do it's magic on your soul.

For reference:

https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/5g947n/why-living-near-water-is-good-for-your-mind

https://people.com/travel/study-shows-living-near-water-increases-happiness/

(2) PERSONAL STYLIST: I'm loving living part-time in Virginia y'all, but my immediate area is pretty limited when it comes to shopping. So, last fall when I had to go to a baby shower I discovered that Anthropologie, my all time favorite store, offers FREE personal styling... ONLINE!!! That's right, all you do is fill out a form telling the stylist what you need/want and she will send you about 5 complete looks including handbags, jewelry, and even shoes! There is no charge and you are not obligated in any way to purchase anything, but if you do want to make a purchase they will give you FREE shipping - and, in my case, free EXPEDITED shipping! Listen, even if you just want to get a few ideas for outfits and end up using things already in your closet- isn't it so fun to just get someone to help you put a look together?! Happy shopping! (Note: Choose 'email' under 'Preferred Location for Appointment'.) https://www.anthropologie.com/help/personal-styling-book-appointment

(3) BALLS: Nothing, and I repeat, nothing makes me happier than my dogs. And nothing, I repeat, nothing makes Ellie happier than her blue ball. I don’t know what it is about this particular ball -Texture? Smell? Taste? Size? But, to say she is obsessed with it would be an understatement. She carries it around with her all day, takes walks with it in her mouth, requests endless games of fetch, and sleeps with it! She is so enamored with it that I can comfortably walk her off leash as long as I have the ball. It’s like an automatic dog obedience toy! Full disclosure... Coco and Zoe could care less about this ball, but…if your pup is predisposed to loving the game of fetch then give it a try! I got mine at Pet Valu, but here is the same one online. https://www.chewy.com/zippypaws-zippytuff-squeaker-ball-dog/dp/182214 There is an orange version for bigger pups FYI.