I love polka dots. Big, small, black, white, multi-colored. I don’t know why. I just do. They’re so happy and brighten my mood. When I come upon them I feel my heart do a little dance. Weird? Maybe. True? Definitely.

Life is complex and, at times, can feel very challenging (like now, for example) so turning towards something simple and joyful is like a balm…a welcome haven. It’s an opportunity to refocus and find respite…a chance for the brain and heart to rest for a bit and swell with joy. Simplicity can foster calm because we don’t have to work at it. We can just receive and be in it and one with it.

When I was little, I loved The Sound of Music and daydreamed of being Maria Von Trapp. Full of sass and ready to face a challenge. Remember when she sang 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…”

For Maria, it was drain drops on roses and whiskers on kittens…for me, it’s polka dots. Oh, and right now, it’s Mars the baby hippo in Kansas and Fat Bear Week contenders in Katmai Park. Pure joy… Maybe simplistic but true, nonetheless. 

At those moments when things feel overwhelming, looking for simplicity, joy and calm is a self care strategy. Something to make the soreness go away, albeit temporarily…

What makes you happy? What are your favorite things?