These are a few of my favourite things

Forgive me, dear reader, for the latter philosophical interlude. Let me assure you that this little elucidation is a much more trivial morsel: that of new favourites. Be this, as it may, in relation to newfound culinary delights, a recently discovered shortcut, a ‘wow-I-can’t-put-this-down’ novel, a song that although sticks in the mind over and over is surprisingly pleasant therein, a now-adopted personality-defining cocktail, or just a newly learnt word or fact that has to be evinced wherever possible; there is something to be said for the frisson of excitement found when one realises one has developed such a fancy for something as to superlative away and label it ‘the best’. Indeed, it is fresh and invigorating to learn that whilst we can maintain the comfort of our old favourites, we still have room to adapt and take on new likes or dislikes, such as reinventing ourselves to be interested in photography, or taking a sudden shine to the colour purple. I am not insinuating that we should all aim for hipster status, proclaiming new opinions to stand out from the crowd. I just mean to say that it can be a rather good idea to look for new inspiration - seek out new pleasures, frequent new haunts, and by all means cultivate your happiness in whichever tiny things suit. Personally I’ve taken a fancy of late to mangoes, experimenting with spices, trying to voice compliments instead of just thinking them, and making the most of whatever opportunities come my way. I also happen to have a discovered a fondness for sloths.  And further to all this, as a childhood ditty goes, “Make new friends but keep the old; one is silver and the other gold”. It is important that we keep in touch not just with our friends and loved ones but with the essence of ourselves. And it is also important to embrace new potential and develop new friendships. A stranger is a friend in waiting. This may not always be the case, and certainly may not always be a wise mantra to follow (beware of applying this in dark alleyways, for example...) but why not ask someone how they’re doing, and mean it? Why not say hi to an out-of-touch friend? Why not smile at someone who looks a little sad, just to cheer them up? And why not go out and explore the world around you, discover some new favourites for yourself, and make the most of it rather than waiting for that special occasion or rainy day - you only live once...