Bestest

True, you won't find this word in Websters, but it doesn't stop me from using it all the time.  Probably not as much as I should lately, but I'm working on that starting here.  Trying to see the best in any situation is a tough skill to learn, and once you do, it's even tougher to maintain.

Sadly, I can only relate it to a diet.

When I look back, I can clearly see that my moods, like my diet, are on some sort of crazy mood pendulum, swinging from really happy/positive to my-life-has-no-purpose.  Am I manic depressive?  Possibly, :) but I think I just lose focus of the big picture from time to time and slip into seeing only the bad around me.

When you take the time to just count your blessings, no matter how small, life really isn't so bad.  I know, I know, easier said than done.

So taking a cue from my favorite website, I'm going to copy one of their ideas and make a list of Best Evers.

1.  Best Song:  What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong.  Yes, it's corny, but it's true.  This was our wedding song, and to this day it will bring a smile to my face.  I will have to say that At Last by Etta James (I'm listening to it now) is a very close second.

2.  Best Book:  Really?  I have to pick just one?  Well most of you could probably guess that it would be the last Harry Potter, The Deathly Hallows.  I have had an obsession with Harry since I started reading them ten years ago.  Close second will have to be Charlotte's Web.  There is still something about that story that literally made me want to live on a farm when I was little.  Love.

3.  Best Movie:  You've Got Mail.  If I ever win the lottery, I will reopen The Shop Around the Corner... and add a coffee shop with it.  Love, love love.

4.  Best Life Moment:  This is the hardest one because there are so many!
-I would have to say that the first time you hold your child is one of the most amazing moments God could ever give you.
-Walking down the aisle towards Toby who couldn't stand still because he was so nervous.
-Writing the last paragraph in my first book.  It was a moment when I realized how important it is not to give up on something you want to do.
-Being surrounded by friends, love, tears, and laughter on the night of my mom's funeral.  It was sad and beautiful at the same time.

5.  Best Advice:  Make all of your choices out of love, not fear.  Don't do anything because you're afraid of what will happen if you don't.  Yes, you need to be wise, but when you start living in fear, you really just stop living.

So that's it.  Start today to see the best in your life.... even if it's just the best cup of coffee you've ever had.  Starting small - baby steps - is sometimes the best way.

I hope you have the bestest day ever.