By Dorothy Rieke

   Julie Andrews once sang a song about “my favorite things.” Favorite things are often those items that appeal to the senses such as sight, taste, and smell. Fashions, perfume, flowers, seasons, animals, and others comprise favorite things.

   At any time, it is inordinately easy to pick and choose favorite things. Inspired with life, we become involved in the wonderful events and happenings. All around us is much evidence of opportunities and possibilities. There is the traditional as well as the new; laughter and joy as well as the sentimental and romantic.

   Favorite things are those that please, delight, and bring appreciation. They remain in our memories and brighten our days. They are often objects responsible for times of quiet, contemplation, and reflection.

   Because favorite things are often objects of beauty that inspire admiration and fondness, they enrich our lives bringing joy and satisfaction. One consideration that many of us do not recognize is that favorite things are often gained through our actions. So, certain traits and characteristics are often responsible for possessing favorite things. These traits play an important role in making our lives special and represent hope and dreams of the attainable.

   The following are my favorite traits or characteristics:

• Thankfulness for what I have.


• My creativity–giving pleasure and rewards of productivity.


• Positive attitude that gives me faith.


• Smiles. Smiling is a two-way street, yielding pleasure each way.


• My confidence in my ability to cope.


• Trust for the future without trepidation and fear.


• Faith in myself to utilize my talents and abilities.


• My determination to improve my actions and my life’s circumstances.


• Appreciation of my family, friends, and business associates.


• Nature’s visual delights such as rainbows, sunsets, and snowfalls.


• Enjoyment and satisfaction in my workplace.


• Appreciation of our country and freedom.

   Favorite things, occupying “center stage in our lives,” then, are the results of certain actions and priorities originating from personal traits formed down through the years. The more good traits one possesses and utilizes, the better chance of living a more rewarding life obtaining those favorite things. In fact, personal traits are hallmarks of our lives enriching and creating a life worth living.