Love 2016

Christmas is done. All the hype, excitement, and planning hit its pinnacle yesterday, and now things are quiet. Unless you are with extended family or among those who go back out to the stores the day after Christmas, there is no where you need to be. You are in that beautiful lull before New Years, when everything shall begin again.

In light of this wonderful time of year, and in case you are looking for something to do, I thought I would share some entertaining things that I loved in 2016. Perhaps, you are still in your PJ’s, your hands wrapped around a mug of hot coffee, and you want something good to watch or listen to. Here is a special Monday edition of “Love.”

Things I loved 2016

Tv Shows:

This Is Us: In my opinion, this show saved the fall TV lineup. It tells the story of three siblings in their mid-thirties, while also telling the story of their parents at that same age. Through following this family, the show covers touching and important story lines that involve marriage, race, adoption, sibling relationships/rivalry, cancer, and more. And almost every episode has a scene that makes you believe that there still is incredible good in humanity.

Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life: I had the privilege of binge-watching all four episodes with my best friend, and we both had a similar reaction. We had expected the series reboot to be like a pretty little postcard from Stars Hollow, where everyone is doing well and life turned out exactly the way we wanted it to for our favorite characters. But didn’t. Instead it drops us into a time of grieving, questioning, and crisis for all of the Gilmore women—yet it was so GOOD. Sure, I didn’t love every part or what every character is now like, but it took you to another level with Lorelei, Rory, and Emily. It was wonderful to revisit this show, and hopefully the four final words of the last episode means we will be able to visit again soon!

Podcasts:

The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey: Every week, Jamie invites inspiring women (entrepreneurs, writers, speakers, etc.), on her show to share their amazing stories as well as things they are loving or books they are reading. When I am finished listening, I feel inspired and encouraged. Check out episodes #111, #114, or #116 for some of my recent favorites.

The New Activist: A podcast sponsored by International Justice Mission, this show spotlights some of our world’s most important activists, and highlights their work—from seeking to end cyber sex trafficking of children to alleviating the suffering in the Middle East. Check out episodes 12 and 13, for a powerful interview with Jeremy Courtney, the head of Preemptive Love Coalition.

That Sounds Fun with Annie F. Downs: Annie Downs is one of my favorite writers—but she is also really great on this podcast, and she has some wonderful guests. In episode 15, Annie interviews her friend, and former NFL star, Tim Shaw, who left football after being diagnosed with ALS. And in episode 17, she interviews world renowned photographer, Jeremy Cowart, about his vision to build a hotel, where people can literally change the world in their sleep.

Movies:

The Intern: Ok, I know it came out in 2015, but I didn’t watch it until this year! I loved what this movie had to say about mentoring and leadership. I could watch it multiple times (ok, I have).

Me, Earl, and the Dying Girl: (ok another 2015 movie, I don’t go to the theater often) This movie was an incredible story about showing up for someone at their lowest, facing the reality of death at a young age, and how tragedy grows us. It’s real and raw, but at the same time there are quite a few laughs that help break the tension.

For Books I Loved, check out my Favorite Reads 2016!