My name is Lauren Murphy and these are my top ten favorite things. For the most part, the things on this list are my favorites because they are things that have been in my life for years. Traditions, movies, pets–things that bring me joy through memory. 

1. Hercules

I don’t really know why I like this movie so much. When I was younger, I was really interested in Greek mythology, so this was a simple storyline I could follow that included all kinds of different greek gods and goddesses. This movie always stands out to me among other disney movies because it isn’t your typical princess and prince love story. 

2. Decorating for holidays

Decorating my house for any holiday, like Christmas, Halloween, and Easter, always puts me into the holiday spirit right away. I love going through our old decorations and looking back at the memories that I relate with them. 

3. Snow 

Something about being locked inside all day wrapped up in a blanket while snow is falling outside brings me so much joy. I could just sit and watch the snow fall for entertainment

4. Car rides alone 

I love driving around with my friends and having fun with them, but the time I get in the car alone with myself is precious. I can choose whether I sit in silence, or scream songs at the top of my lungs. I can listen to the same song over and over, or change every song that comes on 

5. Dressing nice 

There aren’t many times in my life when I have to do my hair and makeup all nice and put on a fancy dress, so when I get to, it isn’t a burden. I have a lot of fun sitting in my room and putting on fancy makeup then picking the perfect outfit. 

6. Candles 

This is a newfound appreciation. I love watching a candle burn and having the scent of it fill up my room as I work through school. I love leaving my room to get something, then walking back in and being blasted with the sweet smell of my candle burning. 

7. Christmas lights 

This is similar to decorating for holidays, in the sense that it gives me joy through the holiday spirit, but looking at christmas lights on other houses appreciates their work. Walking outside on Christmas Eve to come home from my aunt’s house and seeing my neighborhood lit up undoubtedly puts a smile on my face everytime, no matter how old I get 

8. Watching home videos 

Watching either home videos or just old videos on my phone from a few years ago always brings me so many good memories, whether I can remember what happened that day or not

9. My dog

Obvious. He can be a pain, but I absolutely love my dog no matter what. Just looking at him fills me with joy. I especially love when we take him out of the bath and he sprints around the entire house running his body on the carpet, trying to get rid of the clean smell.

10. People enjoying something I made

There is such a strong sense of accomplishment when you work hard on either a gift, a craft, a meal, etc, and the person you give it to genuinely likes it.