Happy November, everyone!

This week has been incredibly stressful…and honestly so has most of this year. That’s why I’m devoting this month’s obsessions blog post to focus on the positive during this season of joy and thanksgiving.

If this year has taught me anything, it’s to be grateful for what I have – from the bigger things like my health and the wellness of my family and friends, to the smaller things I took for granted like grabbing a spontaneous cup of coffee with a colleague or trying out a new restaurant. I’ve been trying to seek out the small pockets of joy that may seem insignificant, but add up to make each day special.

Without further ado, here’s what I’m very grateful for right now:

1. That my family and friends are safe and healthy. Our wellness is not something I take for granted during this pandemic, and the few friends who have gotten COVID have fortunately survived (but it was an extremely painful experience). This year, more than ever, I’m glad my loved ones are taking steps to ensure their safety and wellbeing.
2. That my own health and safety has not been compromised during the pandemic.
3. Mental health apps and websites – I love my Calm app for meditation, positive stories, and helping me keep a better sleep schedule when I’m stressed. A lot of social media posts have also been about ways to cope with the pandemic and the election, and I love all the helpful advice for self-care.
4. Takeout. I know this may be cheesy, but when I was too exhausted to cook and unable to leave my apartment, having delicious meals delivered was seriously a lifesaver.
5. Books. Since I wasn’t able to go out to museums or attend events on the weekends like I normally would, books became my favorite form of entertainment (sorry, Netflix!). I never got screen fatigue like I do watching shows and loved immersing myself fully into a whole other world. Current faves: The Killings at Kingfisher Hill by Sophie Hannah and Untamed by Glennon Doyle
6. Cozy clothes. I LIVED in athleticwear and sweats for most of this year and honestly I’m here for it. Being physically cozy and comfortable has helped with stress so much. Sydne Summer loungewear is my current cozy obsession.
7. The privilege of working remotely. I know not everyone has jobs or bosses that let them work in a safe environment or from home, and I’m so grateful I work for a company that respects my safety and health.
8. Candles. Y’all already knew I was candle obsessed, but spending alllll of my time in my apartment made me really appreciate how a scent can change a whole room’s dynamic. I’ve now expanded my collection to include spicier candles for day, soothing candles for night, and candles for each of the seasons. I will light a candle when I wake up, then change it out for another as I’m winding down for the night. I even have candles I only light when I’m in a certain mood! It’s the smallest form of self-care and I absolutely adore it. Current faves: Slow North’s Eucalpytus & Lavender and Anthropologie’s Holiday Tin in Mulled Wine.
9. Animals. I may not have a pet, but I can follow 5000 puppy and kitten accounts to lift my spirits and fill my days with cuteness. The Dodo is my personal fave for the sweetest, most heartwarming animal videos!
10. Easy recipes. I’m certainly no cook, but when all my favorite restaurants closed earlier this year, I started to dabble creatively in the kitchen! I loved exploring new dishes and following along instructions to create a meal I could proudly call my own. It definitely inspired a love of cooking I didn’t know was in me!

I definitely have a lot more to be grateful for, but these are the pieces I wanted to highlight today. Let me know what you’re giving thanks for this year, this month, or even daily! Let’s spread some positivity for the holidays!

XOXO

Parisa