In a recent issue of "O" magazine, the writer Leigh Haber created a list of "Twenty Things We Can Agree On." In these divisive times, she thought it was important to come up with something—anything—that we can all feel good about. I've decided to take a stab at writing my own (shorter) list.
Dessert
The Muppets
I have a special fondness for this motley crew because I watched them as a child, but even if you didn't, can you really resist Kermit, Miss Piggy, Animal, and Fozie? Don't like puppets? There are two old grumpy men just for you: Statler and Waldorf.
Flowers*
Is there anyone who has an objection to flowers? Every color of the rainbow, every shape and size, some scented, some not. You can even opt for dried if that's your choice. *If you're allergic, I realize you might not like flowers, but they're still pretty to look at, right?
Fresh Air
Preferably, it's clean and not too hot or too cold, but fresh air is a good thing. No one wants to spend all their waking hours sealed in a building or an airplane. It's good to get out there and take a deep breath.
Sleep
We may disagree on the ideal number of hours, but sleep makes us all more agreeable. No matter your party affiliation, your religious beliefs or country of origin, sleep is essential. And usually, after a good night's sleep, we're better able to tackle whatever this crazy world throws our way.
Please add to the list! What else can we agree on?
Giveaway Winners! Marla Bradeen and petite send your mailing address info to ingrid@ingridthoft.com to claim your copies of The Good Goodbye!
What a marvelous thought, Ingrid. I’m agreeing on the dessert [and voting for the chocolate one], the Muppets [the grandbabies would all vote for Elmo], the flowers, the sleep, and fresh air [although ours is ridiculously hot at the moment].
ReplyDeleteI’d like to add good books to read and whatever movie makes you smile . . . .
Good books! Of course, Joan!
DeleteI agree with your list, Ingrid, and I do think it helps to stop and see what we agree on, what we have in common, which is actually much. My first thought was that all of us here could certainly agree on reading good books, which Joan has mentioned, and the movies she mentioned, too, are something we all seem to have favorites in. I would also add spending time with family, as I had my annual drive-in movie with the grandgirls and my daughter on Friday night. This year the guys came, too, my husband and my son-in-law. And, I would venture to guess that most of us can agree on seeing live plays performed. And, of course, music in all its many forms truly does seem to soothe the savage beast in us and bring joy.
ReplyDeleteI think time with grandchildren would be a crowd-pleaser, Kathy, especially a unique event like a drive-in movie. I've never been to one, and I don't know that I could even find one these days.
DeleteI think perhaps the problem with music is that not everyone likes the same kind of it. I listen almost exclusively to classical, with some jazz and some soundtracks, but no pop, rock, rap, etc. So music is a tough one.
DeleteRick, I love jazz, but I'm really eclectic in my taste of music all around, anything from classic to rock to pop to Latin to Bluegrass. I think the beauty and appealing aspect of music is that everyone's tastes are different, so there's something for each person to find comfort and joy in.
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ReplyDeleteGreat list and I approve of all - particularly the Muppets. I'll add smiles. Who doesn't feel better when someone smiles at them? Well, as long as it's not an evil ha-ha-gotcha smile...
ReplyDeleteHa! The evil gotcha smile is something a lot of us would agree on not liking, Edith! ;)
DeleteI’d add dogs to the list. I find it impossible to be unhappy when mine curl on my lap or snuggle up to me or take me for a walk on a beautiful summer morning. And cats! They rule!
ReplyDeleteI bet non-human companions top many people's lists. I fall into the allergic category, but had pets growing up with whom I loved to snuggle!
DeleteCan't say dogs works for me - and many others - but a cat would be fine.
DeleteAnn, dogs make my list, too.
DeleteWill trade my muppets for dogs and cats
DeleteThanks for the smiles. Loved that you included the Muppets, loved around here for 3 generations. I would add: the music of your choice.
ReplyDeleteAnd getting together with old, dear friends
DeleteI didn't even mention the Swedish Chef or Sam Eagle (was that his name?). Too many good characters to list them all!
DeleteOh, Triss, one of my favorite things now is getting together with old, dear friends. Since our 40th high school reunion in 2012, there are a group of us that have dinner when I come back to visit my hometown, and there are others from my hometown who live as far away as Arizona that arrange to see each other sometime during the year. I'm now looking at reuniting with my college roommate. These gatherings have brought so much joy to my life.
DeleteGrandbabies. Especially when they're five and two and full of beans. Ours are pips.
ReplyDeleteA genuine smile and, if they need it, a helping hand to a stranger - in these days of incivility I am trying to do this as whenever I can (even when I'm driving)... rather than being cocooned in my own need to do something or buy something or get there by...
I would add nieces and nephews to the list, and I agree on the helping hand. People seem so genuinely surprised when you hold the door or offer a hand.
Deletegreat idea Ingrid! The first cup of coffee in the morning? A friend or relation that you adore? Definitely a great book. How about Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood? I'm dying to see that documentary. Maybe when all our delightful and exhausting company leaves...
ReplyDeleteMr. Rogers! Definitely! How could anyone not like him?
DeleteAh, coffee is essential, Lucy. Hahaha!
DeleteThe places in nature that feed us. Trees. Mountains. Water.
ReplyDeleteYes. I can't imagine not seeing the water everyday, Denise Ann.
DeleteI have to say animals, because life would be so boring without them. I might even like animals more than dessert (not to eat, mind you)! And thank you so much for the update about The Good Goodbye. I've sent you an email.
ReplyDeleteI understand, Marla. Always good to keep your animals and your dessert separate.
DeleteThe smell of a baby's head. A good hug, especially from a dearly loved person. Kindness in any and every form. Hummingbirds at the feeder. The first peaches. Fresh bread. The smell of freshly roasted coffee; even if you don't like the taste, nearly everyone loves the aroma. Dare I add chocolate to the list? Why not?
ReplyDeleteRight now I am in between two of the world's most beautiful lakes, and judging by the number of other human beings here, they are also universally loved.
Yes, the smell of coffee. I don't drink it, but I love the aroma. That's a good one, Karen!
Delete"The smell of a baby's head." Yuck!! Definitely a not agree on that one. Kindness, yes, absolutely.
DeleteI love the smell of a baby's head! I guess we have to disagree on that, Rick! ;)
DeleteI remember in the show "Everybody Loves Raymond," the grandfather loved the smell of his baby grandchildrens' heads. And, I find myself giving a baby's head a sniff when I hold one, and thinking how sweet it is.
DeleteMy first mug of New Orleans blend coffee every morning, freshly ground beans in the French Press. Walking the dogs.
ReplyDeleteAh, another French Press devotee. Is there any other way to make great coffee?
DeleteA lot of coffee drinkers around here. That must be why you are all so alert and thoughtful first thing in the morning!
DeleteI'll add dogs - or any pets - and hugs of all kind, but especially those from the grandchildren!
ReplyDeleteHugs from kids, related or not, are always a good thing.
DeleteI'm pretty sure everyone here loves books. :) I'd also add puppies, kittens, and family time. Sadly, none of these are universal, like Ingrid's list.
ReplyDeleteBooks! I hope everyone loves them, and if they don't, they just haven't met the right book yet!
DeleteI'm going to throw my vote to music (big surprise) which several have already mentioned. You might disagree about the genre you prefer, but every culture in every time has made music of some sort, so it must be hardwired into us somehow. And I'll also vote for visual art on the same logic. Every culture has made it, and there are just some times when I don't want words--I want to see through someone else's eyes whether I'm looking at street art or an old master.
ReplyDeleteI agree with both of those, Gigi. Visual art can be painters of the Renaissance or street art and everything in between. There really is something for everyone.
DeleteGigi, when my husband was stationed at the Pentagon, my favorite place to go was the National Gallery of Art. Just being in the presence of all that visual art was so amazing. It just seeped into my soul and filled me with peace.
DeleteFirst off, I love the Muppets but had no idea the old guys were Statler and Waldorf, so thanks for that info. Also, you had me at dessert. In addition to the above mentioned books, hugs, pets, and nature, I would add music, no matter what sort you prefer, music can soothe what ails you.
ReplyDeleteIf the hooligans are grumpy, Jenn, you can start calling them Statler and Waldorf!
DeleteGreat list. I'll add cute baby animal pictures. Even some of the weirdest looking animals are cute as babies, right?
ReplyDeleteMary/Liz
I love, love, love cute baby animals. They are a surefire way to distract me from work!
DeleteGreat lists! It's already been mentioned, but I'll put water high on my list--to drink, to listen to--a stream gurgling, a river flowing, waves at the beach ceaselessly running into land and out again. Music especially--natural (see water) and human-made. People, period. I once saw a middle-aged woman in a fur coat--patiently guiding her elderly mother through the grocery store and check-out line. A toddler at the table next to mine--making two-fisted inroads into its breakfast, completely absorbed. My neighbor's mama dog rolling her pup around in the yard. A sleepy-faced cat climbing across my keyboard to curl up in my lap. Good books. The pleasure of an unexpected call from friend or family.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more about water, Flora. It makes me think of a quote I love by Isak Dinesen: "The cure for anything is salt water: sweat, tears or the sea."
DeleteYou've all captured many of the universal pleasures! I really had to think about what else might fit here. I think the feeling of a hot shower or bath is pretty high on the list. And the sound of a giggling baby. The feeling you get when someone really understands you to the point that they get your jokes, or you can share a joke with just eye contact. Oh, and sunshine! Don't we all find it easier to be in a good mood when the sun is shining?
ReplyDeleteA hot shower or bath is like sleep to me, Susan. I always feel better afterwards. And sunshine is critical; don't we need Vitamin D to survive?
DeleteIngrid, thank you for starting my Sunday with your list and the inspiration to everyone else. These feel more like gratitudes than agreements ( says she who is very allergic to cats and dogs, cuddling with either would be agony!). It is wonderful to read what brings joy to so many. Thank you all.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you on the allergy front, Elisabeth. I'm happy to admire dogs and cats from afar, and I know how much joy they give others!
DeleteThe smell of fresh baked bread...oh my.
ReplyDeleteOh, yes. Who could not love that?
DeleteYeeessss!
DeleteYes! Good one.
DeleteTrees. And the ocean. Both give me deep-rooted happiness.
ReplyDeleteThe natural world, be it water, trees, mountains, etc. definitely should be on the list.
DeleteThis is so brilliant! Yes yes yes. Seeing a shooting star. Finding a four leaf clover. A Rainbow .
ReplyDeleteEveryone loves a rainbow! Good one, Hank. There's something so magical and unexpected (not to mention beautiful) about a rainbow that people can't resist.
DeleteAgreed! I have way too many photos of them! I actually jumped up and down when I see them, so funny!
DeleteComedy. Choose your style or your favorite performers, but I think we can all agree that a good laugh, particularly in ridiculously difficult times, is a basic necessity.
ReplyDeleteA good laugh is definitely something we can all agree on, E.J. Hasn't there been research about how good laughing is for our bodies?
DeleteE.J., how we all need laughter.
DeleteHand written notes of thanks and appreciation......a blessing, both for the sender and the recipient. Who doesn't like to receive a special card or letter in the mail? Thank you Ingrid for this perfect Sunday reflection.
ReplyDeleteYes, Helen! Handwritten notes--which seem to be a dying art--are the best! I always write handwritten thank you notes, and I'm tickled when I get anything handwritten in the mail.
DeleteReal mail! Yes!
DeleteComedy, a good laugh, rainbows, a cat's purr, handwritten notes, dessert, grandchildren's giggles, all covered here, all I can think of to add is that feeling of peace that we sometimes get when we realize yes, despite the odds, everything is going to all right, and a good massage!
ReplyDeleteI love a good massage, Kait! And a general feeling of peace can only be a good thing.
DeleteAnd oh,! When you see a dolphin leap out of the water, you know? Or a whale?
ReplyDeleteDefinitely!
DeleteI didn't read through all the comments so someone else might have said my first thing -- libraries and lava lamps.
ReplyDeleteSherry, those are two new additions! I totally agree!
DeleteChocolate!
ReplyDeleteAlways!
DeleteMoonrises, full moons, starry skies.
ReplyDeleteLooking to the sky can only make you feel better!
Delete