Anyone else continually grasping for the good in all of this? COVID-19 has brought on a lot of hardships, stress, distance, and isolation than anything we’ve ever experienced. So I find myself searching for anything good each day to hold on to, mainly because I don’t think I could handle life if I didn’t.

I’ve always been on the optimistic side, so searching for the good is not uncommon for me. Yet lately, I see myself sometimes holding onto the not so good, the things that make me feel sad and hurt. Then, I force myself to change. I find the things I’m now saying are my favorite things in quarantine. The things that bring me joy of any amount. Here’s my list:

Baking

Weirdly enough, I really, really enjoy my weekly bake offs with my sister. I never thought I’d say it, but I look forward to it. I look forward to learning something new and seeing if it’ll turn out. Luckily enough, everything has turned out as edible, which is a win to me.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Yes, I was one of the people waiting outside of Target when rumor spread they were getting a shipment of Nintendo Switches. I grew up playing Animal Crossing and all I’ve wanted during this time is to escape to my own island, pick weeds, and create a cute little community. And Facetiming with my friends while we visit each others islands is a nice break from talking about work or the hardships of life.

Aztec Secret’s Indian Healing Clay

I figured my skin would be glowing without makeup for months on end and I was very, very wrong. This face mask has been helping get my skin clear again and lessening new break outs and I am so thankful!

Flossing

Listen, I know as I enter my 27th year, I should have been flossing more before all of this. I get it. But I didn’t, okay? Now that I floss every day, wow do I see a difference in my teeth and I’ll never go back. The routine is really nice as well.

Thoughts of a Dog Calendar

Greatest. Gift. Ever. I’m so thankful for this daily reminder of something good. Dogs are the greatest things to ever exist and this calendar proves that. Would recommend for 2021. Catch up on 6 months and buy the calendar now!

Walks

When one of your only options to getting out of the house is walking your dog, you quickly begin to appreciate them so much more than you ever did before. We’ve found so many new routes and I have seen Baxter’s confidence and excitement with walks grow so much these past two months, ya can’t help but smile.

Some Good News – John Krasinski

If you haven’t heard of this series, are you okay? Blink twice if you need help. This little series providing good news and only good news will bring a smile to your face no matter what. The series is over now and has been picked up by CBS (which is great, but also mildly concerning) so catch up, rewatch, and enjoy!

Outer Banks

I didn’t think I was going to like this show, but once again Netflix made me a fan of something new. This cast, the shows concept, and the journey you go on is so unexpected and filled with every type of emotion. I can’t stop talking about it and have already watched it through twice.

Brooks Ghost 12

These shoes have been my saving grace for all of the walking and running I’ve been doing. I got them right before quarantine and know I’ve already put so many miles on them, I bet I’ll need a new pair by August. They’re comfortable, light, and just my go-to shoes since I was 16. Check them out!

What are some of the things bringing you joy right now? What do I need to add to my list to try? Tell me the good things in your life. The things that bring you unwavering joy. Take a second to breathe, forget how crazy the world is, and focus on the good. We have the time to focus on every aspect, but don’t forget to give yourself at least 5 minutes of joy.

Thanks for reading,

Cas