Since 2017, I’ve been sharing a mid-winter post about What’s Saving My Life right now. Winter in Iowa can be tough….dark, cold, gloomy days, snowstorms, freezing temps, and very little sun. Even though Spring may be less than 50 days away, we still have a lot of winter to get through.

The older I get, the more it’s the little things that get me through the dreary or hard days. I want to spend whatever days/weeks/months/years I have left doing things that bring me joy or make my life easier. I’ve cut out some things that were causing me stress, added space for things that bring calm to my life, and made time for people I love. I hope you find this list helpful and that it helps you add more joy to your days.

If you’d like to read my posts from prior years, click HERE. Many of the things in those posts are STILL working for me right now, including books (always), puzzles, coffee (and tea), and blankets (Unhide Blankets are my favorite).

I’m sharing this post with Modern Mrs. Darcy and other readers. Click HERE to see what is saving their lives right now.

This post contains affiliate links. Clicking on the photo may take you to a site where I will make a small commission if you choose to purchase.

What’s Saving My Life

The Pitt
The Pitt is a show in its second season on HBO. I was an avid ER watcher in the 90s – early 2000s. It was one of my favorite shows. Noah Wyle is back as the lead doctor in the ER at Pittsburgh Hospital. Each episode is one hour in the ER. I’m still in season one, but I absolutely love it.

Thymes Hand Lotion
I first tried this in a shop in St. Simons Island and fell in love with the Olive Leaf scent and quality of the lotion. It appears to be quite popular and is often sold out.

Card/Postcards
Last year, I gave my best friend 50 postcards and kept 50 for myself. We sent each other postcards every single week, and it brought me so much joy. I’ve continued sending her cards this year…not every week, but a few times this year already. Since she lives in Nashville, we don’t see each other very often, but sharing weekly correspondence makes me feel closer to her. I also read THE CORRESPONDENT last year, which reminded me of the joy of sending and receiving personal cards/letters. So, I’ve been sending them to others in my life as well. I hope it brings them joy to receive a card or note from me. Find a set of postcards or cards that will make someone smile (dogs, cats, books, beach, etc.) and send one once a week, and see if it brings you joy.

Shuffleboard and Darts
We decided to change up our basement and make it more of a recreation area, adding a new shuffleboard table and an electronic dartboard. We had a blast over Christmas with our kids playing games, and now, on nights when Pat and I are home, we love battling each other in a game of darts or shuffleboard or having friends over to play with us. Our shuffleboard was handmade by IowaBarnDoor.com, and the dartboard came directly from the Bullshooter website.

Candied Jalapeños
I’ve been liking more of a kick in my food, but not too much, just something to amp up the flavor of egg salad or scrambled eggs. Candied Jalapeños have just the right amount of kick for me.

Tote Bag
This tote bag has been everywhere. My daughter has one and loves it for carrying everything she needs while going to her college classes. Since I’ve been long-term subbing, I wanted a different bag to carry my computer and papers back and forth to school. I typically use a backpack, but in the winter, my bulky winter coat makes it hard to carry a backpack. I love that this bag holds everything but isn’t heavy by itself.

Spindrift
I stopped drinking soda several years ago, and I switched to Spindrift when I realized that they only use fruit juice and not artificial flavors in their sparkling waters. Their new Spindrift sodas are especially good, but hard to find. I also love their Strawberry Lemonade, Raspberry Lime, and Grapefruit flavors.

Neck and Shoulder Relaxer
When I need to relieve tension in my neck and shoulders, I lie on this, and I can feel my back and shoulders stretch and relax.

Minnesota Puzzles
Even though I mentioned puzzles above, I really love these Minnesota Puzzles created by my cousin, Melanie. So far, she has 6 Minnesota-themed puzzles with more to come. You don’t have to be from Minnesota to enjoy putting them together.

Florida Trip
The best way to get through a hard season is to have something to look forward to at the end. I’ll be spending the month of March in Florida with my mom. I have an Airbnb in Cape Coral, and I can’t wait to spend a month there in the sun. My cousin, sister, husband, and daughter will each visit at some point during our time there, so it will be even more fun to tour the area and have fun in the sunshine. Send me all your Cape Coral area recommendations!

What’s Saving YOUR life right now?

I hope something on this list has maybe offered you an idea to bring joy to your life or make something easier for you. If you have something that is helping you during this winter season, feel free to share it below in the comments. I’d love to know about it.