My Favorite Things

This Week’s Writing Prompt

The simplicity of the items Julie Andrews sings about in The Sound of Music’s “My Favorite Things” is striking to me. She prattles off a list of everyday sights and experiences that can be easy to miss—but of great pleasure—when noticed.

Unlike the famed Oprah’s Favorite Things show, Andrews’ list reminds me that so often the things I favor most are not things at all, but something more ethereal or intangible.

The following are a few prompts to get you thinking about your favorite things. Choose one or two to write about or come up with your own items. Think about why you are drawn to these particular things.

My favorite:

• • • • way to spend a Sunday
      • dessert
      • sound
      • color
      • book
      • holiday tradition
      • meal when it’s cold outside
      • work of art
      • thing to do when first waking up
      • movie
      • place to visit
      • season
      • beverage
      • quote
      • thing in nature
      • time of day
      • song
      • way to play
      • piece of clothing

As you find yourself in the holiday season, consider how you can share your favorite things with the people in your life. If your favorite thing is indeed a thing, give it as a gift to someone special. Or, talk about some of your favorite items as you gather with friends and family.  Ask about their favorites too.

Share your response in the comments section below.