“Everything that arrests you, everything that delights you, has to be noted.”
- MAIRA KALMAN
One Sunday morning, it hit me that it was time I incorporate the lessons of those I admire into my work. Maira Kalman is one of my favorite illustrators and writers. Hearing her speak the above quote, it dawned on me that I too note all that delights me.
Why on Earth was I not sharing this delight in my work?
Why was I keeping it all trapped in my little notebook?
I had no good answers, so I’m setting it all free.
It truly is an addiction, paying attention to what I am grateful for. It changes my life. This practice alters my perspective and allows me to live in a state of “this is enough” and brings the tiny moments of life into noticeable focus.
I encourage you to try and see what it does to you in the experience of living your daily life.
You can write it all down or just make mental notes. Try it for 30 days.
I’ll be adding mine to the top of this list ↓ as frequently as I find myself arrested and delighted. C’mon, join me!
The constantly updated running list of my everythings:
((( * = linked so you too can have this everything )))
Vulnerability
Odd headlines (EX: Happy the Elephant Isn’t Legally a Person, Top New York Court Rules)
Truth
Deep and aching beauty
Dictionaries
A texted song with a message of something self-confessional
Making up nicknames for each other within sentences of meeting
The way the hosts of the party were so in love
Typing into a device and being able to hear nearly every song recorded
The sound of crackling fire
The sky: sunrises, sunsets, seeing the Milky Way, clouds, rainbows, fog
My muse
Raw oysters
Library book sales
Driving with the windows down and music turned up, hair blowing
July NJ blueberries with heavy cream and a dash of sugar
The poetry (and personality) of Jericho Brown*
The first spring flower poking out of the soil
Knowing beyond the shadow of a doubt true love exists
Building a Spotify playlist with a long-distance friend
Laughing so hard my cheeks hurt
The golden hour
Poetry, period
Especially the poetry of Ocean Vuong *
My very first public DANCE PLAYLIST *
Air-interrupted clouds of freshly grated parmesan atop pasta
The words: rhododendron, spatula, chrysanthemum
Swimming under a moonlit, star-filled sky
Dancing to the music of my favorite DJ (Come! Hang out with us on Twitch) *
Cars with turbo engines
Home
Wisteria in bloom, old and viney
Buttered crusty bread dipped in homemade soup
A brand new bottle of unclumpy nail polish *
The feeling right before guests arrive at a party and everything is ready
The feeling at the end of the party when the guests don’t want to leave
A friend’s perfume lingering after a hug goodbye
Super sunny days
Surf rock
Catching up with an adored friend
Concerts
Museums
Boardwalks
Sideshows at the circus
The promise of the new
Multicolored stripes
Uproariously laughing before falling asleep
Thunder + lightning storms
Flower buds bursting through the soil
Opening the windows on the 1st warm enough day after winter
Day-old butter soggy popcorn
Rainbow colored erasable gel pens *
The first sip of coffee in the morning
A text of “I miss you” from a long lost friend
The chirpy bird outside my window
Unexpected snail mail from a friend
Dancing
Contemplating
Flip flops
Summer
Red painted toes
Naps
Naps in the hammock
A 60 degree March day after nothing but freezing
Sitting by a fire
A day at home, all alone
Hugs from my adult sons
Salted caramel
The ocean
Sound of grade-schoolers across the street outside at recess
The stationary aisle of the supermarket