One of the most memorable pieces of show music to come out of The Sound of Music was a song called My Favorite Things. The lyrics from the first three verses were captivating:

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens
Brown paper packages tied up with strings
These are a few of my favorite things

Cream-colored ponies and crisp apple strudels
Doorbells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles
Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings
These are a few of my favorite things

Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes
Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes
Silver-white winters that melt into springs
These are a few of my favorite things

(It is interesting to note that a more recent song based on the above, “Favourite Things” performed by The Golden Filter, features Australian vocalist Penelope Trappes. In a breathy, airy, sultry voice, she sings of her own favorite things which include New York, Sydney, Paris, London, Candy, Lollies, Kitties, Bunnies, Vintage Dresses, Vodka, Whiskey, Cameras, and Pictures. It’s a hazy, meandering tune.)

So what are your “favorite things”? Do you even know?

I think it important to be mindful of such things so that you can indulge every so often. Knowing what your “guilty pleasures” consist of, and indulging in them periodically, can take the edge off the less desirable aspects of life. I’m not talking about things that may bring you pleasure on some level but are actually detrimental to your health or your morality. I’m talking about things that bring you pleasure, joy, euphoria, and a certain level of pleasantness, and that are perfectly legit.

Here are some examples, just off the top of my head:

• For some, a warm bubble bath; for others a hot shower that lasts longer than normal.
• For some, high-end chocolate; for others, a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup.
• For some, watching a sporting event live or on television; for others, reading a great book uninterrupted.
• For some, a foot massage; for others, a full-body massage.
• For some, a picnic in the park; for others, a high-brow affair at a 5-Star restaurant.
• For some, listening to great music privately on your headphones; for others, nothing less than the concert hall or arena.
• For some, ice cream; for others, Tiramisu or Crème Brûlée.
• For some, a walk along the beach; for others a walk in the national forest.
• For some, binge watching a favorite TV show; for others, attending a captivating lecture by a thought-leader.
• For some, playing Candy Crush; for others, playing a game of chess.
• For some, going for a walk; for others going for a run.

The list above is far from exhaustive. And not everything on that list floats my boat. But several of them do. It doesn’t matter which. What matters is that I am aware of them and that I indulge in them periodically, but not overindulge. This is a case of moderation, and also a case of “Absence makes the heart grow fonder.” It’s important to remember that if you love pizza and you eat it everyday for ten consecutive days, you would soon loathe it.

And there you have it.