My word for the year is “joy.” I’ve had to approach 2025 differently than I did 2017, the last time we had [insert apt descriptors and don’t say the name out loud] in office. I’m focusing on joyful experiences. Some at home, some out in the world. I recognize the privilege in such a point of view, and it’s still my survival tactic.

I threw a Penguin Awareness Day party on January 20, a day we really needed to be aware of penguins.

I spent my birthday weekend in at the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, North Carolina. I saw old friends, made new friends, and ran into my boss from 35 years ago.

I had a lovely visit with my mother and sister.

I took on a huge editing project and loved it.

I went to dance and music camp, where I talked with friends and sang songs and marveled at the power of dance and community to make us feel connected and whole.

I painted rocks. Sometimes with penguins.

I helped multiple friends going through hard times. The joy was in being there for them.

I played games spontaneously.

I took a course called Wild Joy in which we contemplated the notion of having to earn joy versus knowing joy as our birthright.

I accepted an invitation to a day at the lake, coupled with conversation and games and a ukulele sing-along.

I went back to the Folk School for a course in creative mending. Delighted in communal stitching and connected with people I hadn’t spent time with in years.

I edited a quirky book on medical terms and assembled a last-minute application for nonprofit funding, feeling the joy of using my skills.

I talked with multiple people about putting themselves in the path of joy.

I signed up for professional development in the fall—and choral concerts to bring joy in the dark of December.

Six years ago this month I started my editing business and enrolled in the University of Chicago’s editing certificate program as I began to wind down my public health career. It’s pure joy to have had two careers that made me feel so lucky to do the work I do!

Embroidery hoop on white cloth featuring a stack of books showing their spines with various designs. The bottom book has red mushrooms. The books are surrounded by peach and lilac flowers. There’s a steaming mug of coffee sitting atop the stack.

Image description: Embroidery hoop on white cloth featuring a stack of books showing their spines with various designs. The bottom book has red mushrooms. The books are surrounded by peach and lilac flowers. There’s a steaming mug of coffee sitting atop the stack.

Design credit to cozy blue handmade. Stitching by the blog’s author.

Musings of Joy