Here is a list of seven of the simple pleasures in my life. These are the things I look forward to each morning when I wake up.
- Morning Coffee
I usually stick to one coffee a day, but I make sure to enjoy the hell out of it. There’s nothing better in the winter than a hot cup to warm your hands and a little caffeine to warm your veins.
- Listening to a Podcast
One of the benefits of my day job of detailing cars is that I get to wear headphones and have little if any interaction with the general public. It’s nice to be able to show up and throw on a podcast to either learn something or have a good laugh. Some of my favourite podcasts are: The Joe Rogan Experience, The Church of What’s Happening Now, TigerBelly, This Past Weekend, Congratulations, Hardcore History, Your Mom’s House, The Fighter & the Kid, and anything with Norm MacDonald.
- Listening to an Album
I usually rotate between podcasts and albums. Some times I like the conversation, other times I prefer the music. I love to throw on some old country music albums like: Don’t Close Your Eyes – Keith Whitley; Always & Forever – Randy Travis; or Country Club – Travis Tritt. There are also some good modern country albums like: Southeastern – Jason Isbell; Metamodern Sounds in Country Music – Sturgill Simpson; or Behind This Guitar – Mo Pitney. When I’ve had my fix of country, I’ll put on some hip hop, metal, jazz, pop, basically any genre as long as it’s got the goods.
- Writing
During the day I allow myself time to think without any input. I turn off the music and podcasts and just listen for any tunes or words that are floating around. It helps if I’m by a notepad or a guitar but voice notes will help to preserve the idea. You can kill an idea if you don’t act on it soon though. It’s best to stick that idea in the oven as soon as you’ve mixed the batter. This practice feeds my soul and allows me to see the world a little more clearly.
- Gym
I look forward to hitting the gym right after work. It used to be a chore that I’d do on a “when I feel like it” basis. But nothing really productive ever comes from a half-ass commitment. It’s now turned into a part of my routine that I look forward to—of course some days more than others. But overall it makes my supper more enjoyable, my evening more relaxing, and the mirror not as scary.
- Watching a Show
I don’t watch much TV. I’m the guy who skips conversations about Game of Thrones, or whatever the big show is this month. I’m quite “meat and potatoes” when it comes to TV. My favourite show as a kid was Seinfeld. In the world of Netflix and HBO there are so many great options. I recently started watching an episode or two in the evenings when I’ve finished my work. A few good series I’ve found are: Big Mouth, Fargo, or I’ll throw on a stand up comedy special.
- Playing Music with Friends
There’s a kind of magic about playing music with people who are really good at it; it’s like telepathy. It can be a tightly rehearsed piece of work or a loose improv conversation, and either way you’re learning something new. Playing with a band teaches trust, discipline, openness, patience, and versatility. It’s obvious that the music is what’s important in a band but I also think it’s just as important to like the people you’re playing with. I’m fortunate to have found such a group (and a handsome one at that). Drop your ego and hear the other people’s input—they may be hearing something you aren’t.
These are a few of the things that give me a reason to get up in the morning. Take a look at your own day. What do you spend your time doing? Does it bring you meaning or does suck the life out of you? Go out there and enjoy the simple pleasures in your life. Thanks for reading!
Photo: https://www.canadiancoffeeguild.com/calendar/2018/canadian-latte-art
Peace of the Shore 