I’m not quite 30, but it feels like I’m experiencing a midlife crisis. As dramatic as it may sound, I believe I have shared before that I’m resistant to change, so my world has felt a bit upside down. Could it be the pandemic?
For as long as I can remember, some of my favorite things have included –
Animal: Lion
Color: Red
Candy: Reese’s
Singer(s): Alicia Keys and Carrie Underwood
It started in the fall of 2020. I drafted some thoughts about my favorite color, and it just felt…wrong. The guilt was overwhelming, but I bravely drafted a poem in the winter, and finally shared with you all in March my break up with red (click here to read).
Then, at some point throughout my pregnancy, I requested my husband make a candy craving run for Sour Punch Bites. He made a passing comment about why I insist my favorite candy is Reese’s when I don’t even really like chocolate, but never turn down anything sour. I was mortified. And I demanded he never say that again. I could never betray my peanut butter filled chocolate cup. Of course, however, it got me thinking, and I drafted some thoughts about that later on…
So, here I am, as you might have guessed, crippled with shame that I am considering why in the world lions are my favorite animals. For a few years now, the background on my phone has been a snarling lion with a funny pair of black-rimmed glasses. Recently though, I Googled characteristics of a lion, and I read this incredibly unappealing description: “from yawning in public to growling at impudent inferiors…they feel no need to follow social etiquette.” Lions have long bodies, huge heads, and short legs.
Was it the seemingly courageous demeanor that drew me in then? The magical, brilliant mane? Have you noted the arrogant, lazy way in which they walk though? Anyway, writing this out makes it feel official, and I think I am ready to begin my journey toward discovering a new favorite animal.
**Note: I listed my favorite singers above, but please, do not ever think I would, in a million years, abandon Alicia Keys. Am I reconsidering what type of music I dance to when cleaning? Maybe. Am I thinking of ways to split hairs and say I have a favorite singer AND a favorite band? I’m just not emotionally ready to go down that road…
Has the crazy year of 2020 (and, let’s be honest, 2021, too) shaken your core in a similar way!?
britt escribe 
Every new decade presents challenges. Embrace the 30s. It’s when women reach their sexual peak! As for the lion being your favorite animal: sounds like Disney indoctrination. 😉 And maybe the color wheel is spinning as the “in” color changes. We’re not static beings.
LikeLike
As we mature our likes and preferences change. I don’t think of it as abandoning old favorites but as adding to the list. BTW, as a Leo (August 4 birthday) lions are my favorite animal. Biggest thrill was having one walk behind our jeep while on safari in Africa.
LikeLike
Pregnancy brain causes all kinds of shifts. I never liked coffee until my third child was born and I haven’t gone a day without it since, 30+ years. You are entitled to change your mind about anything you want.
LikeLike
This is fun to think about!! There are things I used to love (yogurt comes immediately to mind) that I never could eat again after I was pregnant with my middle child. I am also thinking about things I’ve simply outgrown, but loved as a child – you’ve got me wondering what my favorite animal was? Happy changes!
LikeLike
Haha- change is hard! Favorites can be such a part of our identity that it can be a bit unsettling to notice changes. Embrace the new you and know that you will continue to change:) That’s a good thing, right!?
LikeLike
You know, you’ve got me thinking. *maybe* it’s a midlife thing, or maybe it’s just that you’re evolving and growing into yourself from a different direction. I feel like I’ve had a few of those sea changes (I mean, favorite candy bars are a BIG DEAL), moving from Snickers to 100 Grand bars. And I’ve also discovered about myself that I crave salty stuff more than sweet stuff. So…maybe your favorite color changes. Maybe your favorite animal (or your spirit animal) shifts over time. So do you. =))
LikeLike
Ha! My favorite part is the one about the candy. It’s okay to change your favorites. It’s a way of adding new layers to the self. Maybe they change every other day, maybe they stay the same, maybe it depends on your mood. You had me questioning my own favorites, which I can’t ever narrow down to only one in any given category.
LikeLike