Five Favorites: Non-Material Edition

It's that time of year when many people are posting lists of things they are thankful for, Black Friday shopping lists, or general wishlists or favorites lists. Many favorites lists are full of things, such as cosmetics, apparel, or household items. I like the idea of favorites lists, but I wanted to do this one a little differently. Below are five of my favorite non-material things.

1. Exploring.

I am lucky enough that I've gotten the chance to do a bit of traveling to other countries as well as some cities in the US, including New Orleans and Key West. One of my favorite parts about traveling is learning about different cultures and ways of life, which can vary even within a single city. There is always something new to learn, even within whatever city you live in. There is a lot of variety in life when you really take the time to slow down and notice the little things. The above picture was taken on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, purposely out of focus.

2. Pets and animals.

What would we do without our pets and awesome wildlife? When we have a bad day, our pets are there to comfort us. When we're bored, they end up doing something ridiculous and silly. And when we're happy, they're there to celebrate with us. Pets can provide amazing companionship and help us forget about any daily stuff we are dealing with. Wildlife can be pretty amazing too. How incredible is it when a monarch butterfly flitters past? Or when you see an armadillo just off a nature trail, chilling. These creatures can be really inspiring in their own way.

3. Photography. 

Photography is a great way to capture special moments, or even relatively normal moments. The thing about photos is that you can freeze feelings. I like to believe each photo has its own mood, and it transports you someplace else. I also like how an ordinary, everyday object can take on a new personality when captured in a unique way. Here, the sun is rising and I captured it through a hole in a seashell. It gives the sunrise a more muted, yet surprising feel.

4. Home.

Home sweet home. There's no place like home. To many people, home is a sanctuary, and that's the way it should be. I am thankful for the environment my parents provided for me as I grew up, and I'm thankful for my current little family -- my fiance and our two kitties, Turbo and Nitro. It's a place where I can always feel safe and comfortable, and it's a place where we can build memories together. It's really fun sharing a home with the ones you love.

5. Weekends.

Woohoo! Unfortunately this weekend is coming to a close, but the weekend always gives us something to look forward to. A break from work and weekly tasks. Of course, being a homeowner, there is always some sort of work to be done, but it is nice having the choice of when you want to get the work done. This past weekend, my fiance and I went out to a beachfront bar for a couple drinks, then tried a new restaurant for dinner. It is things like this that make weekends seem like mini vacations, and those are always fun and appreciated.

What are some of your favorite things that aren't material things?