I Simply Remember My Favorite Things, And Then I Don't Feel So Bad

If I'm being completely honest, it hasn't been a very good week. I'm on the verge of getting ill, and not feeling quite as optimistic as I usually do. This is probably for three reasons:

1. the weather (I'm still not used to the cold even though I've been back for 3 years.)
2. the job hunt (I'm submitting and getting myself out there, but haven't heard back yet.)
3. a complicated situation (This is more about my sister, but I am desperate to help her.)

But I really don't want to be sad in this post; we can save that for another day (read: I'd rather not). Instead, I'm going to use this post as a way to cheer myself up! So, get ready for a bunch of lists of songs and things that help me feel more cheerful and hopeful about the future.

First up, here are some songs that I've been listening to. They seem to help keep my spirits on an even keel, leaning heavily towards the positive! It's an interesting mix of pop songs, songs from movies and worship songs - but it works.

1. Roar by Katy Perry ("I've got the eye of the tiger, a fighter, dancing through the fire.")
2. Change by Taylor Swift ("These walls that they put up to hold us back will fall down.")
3. Brave by Sara Bareilles ("Say what you wanna say, and let the words fall out.")
4. Cannonball by Lea Michele ("I got this new beginning, and I will fly")
5. Let it Go from "Frozen"("And the fears that once controlled me can't get to me at all.")
6. My Favorite Things from "The Sound of Music" ("When I'm feeling sad, I simply remember my favorite things and then I don't feel so bad.")
7. Go the Distance from "Hercules" ("I know every mile will be worth my while.")
8. Still by Hillsong ("I will soar with you above the storm.")
9. It Is Well With My Soul by Hillsong Chapel ("By Your grace, it is well.")
10. Sinking Deep by Hillsong Young and Free ("Your love so deep is washing over me.")

Here are a few other things that are cheering me up as well:

• my new Keurig (This technically belongs to me & Macky, as it was a wedding present.)
• my new laptop (I am so grateful to my parents + grandmother for this Christmas present.)
• reading Cress (I am enjoying flailing to my friends - *coughs* Judith + Jen *coughs*)
• YouTubers (like Grace and Zoella) 
• neon-colored socks (My baby sister and I are obsessed with these.)
• book mail (Actually, just mail in general. Except when they happen to be bills.)
• living in New York (Because seriously, there is nothing cooler to me.)
• my amazing husband (who knows just what to say, and makes me smile with Viber stickers)
• my family & best friends (who have been so supportive, helpful and loving)
• my sister, Melissa (who is the best roommate/friend I could have asked for in this season)

And then, of course, there's this blog and all of you! It's so wonderful to be able to interact with so many of you via Twitter (seriously, feel free to tweet with me on there). And it's still such a heart-warming experience to see that so many of you visit the blog and leave wonderful comments too (which I have to learn how to respond to better). Plus, I'm obsessed with this amazing new design that Rachel cooked up for me!

So yes, I simply remember these happy things... and I really don't feel so bad.

Here's to hoping that 2014 goes easy on me in the weeks to come, including a breakthrough or two!

YOUR TURN - How has your first week of 2014 been - good, bad or in between? Feel free to share your stories, your favorite pump-up songs and the things that are making you happy right now in the comments. I would love to hear all about them!