Weekend Awareness: Core Values

I had something else in mind for my weekly AWAREness post, but I saw a similar list that Rebecca, and then Amanda, posted this week, and I just had to work on mine.

Marcia once asked me to describe my mom to her. When I started writing the email, I realized how telling it was...to capture little details about how she loved her coffee and a good book, how she had a powder blue VW Beetle when I was a little girl, and how she could engage a telephone pole in a really rousing conversation.

I'm not sure "core values" is exactly how I'd define this list, but it's been a really fun exercise to step back and try to describe myself in such a way. This list is not all-inclusive, but I think it paints a pretty decent picture.

I believe you create your own happiness.

I believe in the healing powers of a soak in a hot bath.

I believe in ample-creamer’d coffee from my very favorite coffee mug.

I believe that an itty bitty Diet Dr. Pepper in the afternoon is good for my soul.

I believe in fuzzy fleece pajama pants and t-shirts from college.

I believe in the amazing softness of babies’ feet, and the wonders of children’s laughter.

I believe in fluffy white towels.

I believe in “To each, his own,” to the very core of my being.

I believe sweat is therapeutic, as long as it’s followed by a shower.

I believe in the importance of date nights.

I believe in spending time alone.

I believe in trying to be the kind of person I want my girls to be.

I believe in no toys at the dinner table…for kids OR adults.

I believe in pets being members of the family, and that a cat’s purr is one of the sweetest sounds on earth.

I believe in being able to cook…good food.

I believe in the magic of sisterhood, because although I don’t have a sister, I am blessed to see it every day.

I believe a creative outlet is a necessity.

I believe in getting lost in a good book.

I believe in being able to use chopsticks.

I believe in gourmet pizza, homemade ice cream, and ice cold beer.

I believe in sunroofs, seat warmers, and singing out loud to the radio.

I believe in family, and I believe that best friends are the family you get to choose.

I believe in the magic of childhood, and I hope my girls do one day, too.

I believe in traveling as far and wide as I can, and in the unmistakable feeling of coming home.

I believe in curiosity.

I believe in hard work.

I believe in not wearing shoes in the house.

I believe in having pedicured toes.

I believe that grammar is important.

I believe in hand-written notes and pretty paper.

I believe I was meant to be a mommy.

I believe in being AWARE of the things that make us uniquely who we are.