"Five Things I Can’t Live Without"

I recently read the book “Five Things I Can’t Live Without” by Holly Shumas. I do A LOT of reading and I enjoy most of the books that I read. This particular book was not the most amazingly well written book, nor was it telling a story that was remarkably groundbreaking. However, unlike a lot of the books that I read, the story stayed with me and I found myself thinking about it long after I finished the last page. The author told the story with an honesty, kindness and authenticity that made me think – not just about the “five things” the characters found meaning in but about the five things that I can’t live without.

So, here is my list:

1. LOVE: While I am definitely referring specifically to my wonderful relationship with my boyfriend, I am also referring in general to the amazing feeling of love — of being in love with someone, of loving the things that matter to you, of being loved.

2. MY FRIENDS & FAMILY: Without people to ground you when you are feeling lost, to celebrate your successes, to comfort you when you just need to cry, to laugh with you and to be your best listener/biggest cheerleader/most honest critic, etc. life would be far too empty. Specifically, my sister, my girlfriends and my immediate family have tremendous impact on my life but I am also grateful for the coworker that always encourages me, the cousin I don’t see very often but I know will always be there when I need her and the old friend who sends emails that always make me smile.

3. PILATES: There is something incredible about finding balance in your life — for me, pilates provides that in a way that is both challenging and relaxing. Yoga, meditation, going to the gym — those all help too — but pilates is definitely my favorite.

4. BOOKS: Not only because of the healing power of a hot bath and a good book but because of the amazing ability of books to take you somewhere else and to put your own life in perspective. In addition, my book club friends are a great private club that I can rely on to always be there.

5. SUNSHINE: Not just in the “yes of course we need sunshine just like we need rain” type of gratitude but more in the “I love flip flops, green grass, t-shirt weather, days at the lake and long walks” kind of way. Sunshine reminds me of every wonderful day running around as a kid and inspires me to take longer walks, spend time outside and paint my toenails.

So, that is my list….what is yours?