SUMMER 2020 FAVORITES
This summer has been different, that’s for sure. These days, it can be especially difficult to look for the little joys in the everyday, but doing so is so beneficial for your soul. I know that my mood, my actions, and even my inner voice are easily shaped by what I am focused on. There were sooooooo many GOOD things about this summer, and when I actively looked for them, they helped to cast the not-so-great stuff into the background.
However, living up to my namesake, zeroing in on the great is not something that comes naturally to me. Like at all. I’m basically a black hole for negativity. So, it seemed only fitting to give a special shout out to the things and people that helped me to be positive. The five quiet heroes listed below have brought me so much happiness this summer. Not only did they bring me hope in the moment, but I was able to carry their effect with me long after our time was through. I became better, looked for better, and found better. In order to repay my personal Batmans, I am sharing my Summer 2020 Favorites with you, my four fans. 😊
1. Midnight Sun by Stephanie Meyer
If you read my Quarantine Reads post, (if not, click here!) you are well aware that I have been waiting for this particular book to come out for almost half of my life. I fell in love with Edward Cullen and the world of Forks in middle school, and have been DYING to learn his side of the story ever since. Guys, this book DID NOT DISSAPOINT. Not only did I find myself falling in love with Edward all over again (shocker), but I found myself feeling…...at home. Stepping back into the Twilight Universe was like taking a step back in time, or greeting an old friend. In a time where stresses, loneliness, and worries abound, it was so nice to lose myself in the pages of Midnight Sun. Suddenly, I was thirteen-years-old again, catching up with people I hadn’t realized I had so desperately missed.
This book came exactly when I needed it most, and I cannot thank Stephine Meyer and the folks at Fickle Fish Films for that. Their little bread crumb releases of quotes and songs throughout the summer gave me weekly surprises to look forward to. Experiencing my Midnight Sun Summer reiterated to me again and again how much joy can be found in the everyday moments of life. Even though I finished it weeks ago, I still find myself wanting to be better and looking for the good because of this book. It’s great. Books have power. Read it now.
The Ghostrunners Podcast has already been called out in my T-H-A-N-K-F-U-L post, (once again, if you haven’t read that, click here!) but they are just so good, they deserved another round of recognition. First off, they are just flippin’ hilarious. I consistently laugh out loud at Jake and Brad’s relatable comedy and scenarios. Fair warning, do not listen while you are working out. My hysterical laughter left me coming thiiiiiissssas close to face planting while doing burpees this week. 😂 Secondly, their podcast comes out on Mondays. Like, come on! Giving me a reason to look forward to Mondays, the day known ‘round the world as the absolute worst? How could that not help someone to look for the positives in life? Finally, Brad and Jake themselves are so good at exuding positivity. They consistently seek out the humorous in any situation they find themselves in. Their examples inspire me to find the funny in the insignificant, irritating instances of daily life. Seriously, if you need a good laugh, hit up the Ghostrunners.
3. Ben and Jerry’s Phish Food Ice Cream
We are alllllllll about balance over here on Negative (N)ellie, and that means a weekly allotment of ice cream. My family PRIDES itself on being ice cream connoisseurs. We are constantly on the hunt for new flavors to try, and although happy to share our finds with each other, I am not ashamed to admit that I hide mine out in the garage freezer for safe keeping. 😂
All of this unnecessary background information was to prove to you, my dedicated readers, that you can trust my ice cream suggestions. I have had many, many types of iced deliciousness this summer, but there is one specific one that I have consistently come back to: Phish Food by Ben and Jerry’s. An oldy but a goody, this perfect swirl of chocolate ice cream, caramel, and marshmallow managed to become an inspirational powerhouse, for me at least. (Hold on, just give me a chance to explain!) Ice Cream makes everyone happy, does it not? Through its’ simplicity, it is able to bring smiles to faces all across the globe. I want to be like ice cream. I want to be so happy and so positive, that I am able to bring a smile to everyone I come in contact with.
Secondly, as stated earlier ice cream is a weekly occurrence at our house. This weekly tradition helps to remind me that even in the hardest times, there is always ice cream. There is good to be found in every week, sometimes you just have to be willing to look on the second shelf in the garage freezer to find it 😉.
I don’t think my family is alone in our excitement levels at the return of sports. The past few weeks, we have been more than happy to watch any sporting event that floated across the tv screen. However, no sport could bring joy to my soul like the triumphant reentry of soccer. (seriously, I think it might be my love language 😉) Watching FC Bayern Munich, the only team worth following, complete runs in their various tournaments was so comforting in these hot summer months. Regaining that familiar schedule spoke peace to my very being, bringing me hope that even in this “new” normal, we can still find pieces of how things used to be.
That feat in and of itself would have labeled FC Bayern Munich superheroes in my book, but then they decided to kick it up a notch. Up the ante, one might say! THEY FLIPPIN’ WON THE TREBLE!!!! For those new to the soccer world, (I mean, if you read my blog, can you really be “new” to the soccer world?) that means they won all three of their tournaments this year. Two in Germany, one for all of the teams in Europe, an incredible accomplishment. To give you some perspective, FC Bayern Munich are one of seven clubs (teams) to manage a Treble, and only the second to do it more than once. Can you say Champions?
Thank you, FC Bayern Munich, for bringing me happiness in this difficult time. I am well aware it is just sports, but for me, watching their campaign and their wins this summer was such a blessing. It helped to pull me out of the world for a minute, and reminded me once again, that good can be found in the little details of our lives.
5. The Chosen by VidAngel
This is the Summer Favorite that I am most nervous to write about, because it carries so much power. This favorite has had the biggest impact on my life, and I know it will have the same on yours. The Chosen, by VidAngel, is a multi-seasonal show, focusing on the life of the Savior and His disciples. I’ll admit, for a mediocre scriptorian like me, it was a little difficult to follow in the beginning. However, once it picks up, it picks up! It is so cool to see the disciples of Christ cast in this light, their humanity so raw, as they deal with similar situations to ones we are facing. It made them more real, which also helped to make their faith more inspiring.
However, The Chosen's depiction of the Savior takes the cake. It takes all of the cakes. I have never seen the Savior portrayed this way, but now I never want to see Him in any other light. Sometimes, for me personally, it can feel like there is this giant chasm between the Savior and myself. How can I connect with someone who did no wrong? The Chosen so eloquently displays Christ's examples of mercy, charity, and humanity. The Savior laughs! He jokes with His followers, He plays with children, and He loves His mom like I love mine. The Chosen helped me to see the true character of Christ, and I can never repay them for that.
2020 has brought many trials and stresses with it, but I have somehow been able to develop a deeper faith and a stronger relationship with my Savior. I owe a big part of that to The Chosen. I know Him now. I talk with my Savior and Heavenly Father like I would talk to my loved ones. I find myself pouring out my soul to Them, knowing and trusting that They do hear and answer my prayers in the best way for me. My eyes have been opened to the real nature of my Savior, and I never want to go back.
Sorry, I know that was a little lengthy. However, I’m weirdly proud of the sheer amount of words I crammed into one post. I think it shows how good my summer actually was. Did I get to do everything I wanted to do? No. Did I still find joy in the last few months? HECK YES! I can honestly say that when I look back on Summer 2020, a thousand good memories wash over me. I had incredible laughs, I fell in love (scandalous!), and I grew into a better person. What more could someone ask a summer for?
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