M. Suzanne Terry

My word for 2021 was joy, and I loved it. I think what made a big difference was the commitment to study it rather than just pondering or wandering about, looking for something that might resemble or cause feelings of joy. Choosing books with joy in the title was a simple way to keep it in the forefront of my mind, so I want to remember that in future years. Some books were humorous, some serious. The ones in this category I finished this year were (sometimes wildly out of order of planned start date):

• The Joy of Being Online All the F*cking Time by Jennifer McCartney
• The Joy of Leaving Your Sh*t All Over the Place by Jennifer McCartney
• The Joy of Doing Just Enough by Jennifer McCartney
• Surprised by Joy by C.S. Lewis
• Spark Joy by Marie Kondo
• The Joy of Less by Francine Jay
• Dear Reader: The Comfort and Joy of Books by Cathy Rentzenbrink
• Dancers Among Us: A Celebration of Joy in the Everyday by Jordan Matter
• Laundry Love: Finding Joy in a Common Chore by Patric Richardson and Karin Miller
• Joyful by Ingrid Fetell Lee
• A Guide to the Good Life: The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy by William B. Irvine
• The Joy of Movement by Kelly McGonigal, PhD

Still working on The Joy of Cooking. It’s so long.

Because I was reading about it and reflecting on it a lot, it was easier not only to notice moments of joy when they happened but also to find ways to seek it out. Savoring a favorite dish, spending time with people I love, remembering habits and hobbies I enjoy rather than just tolerate, creating a comfortable and joyful space to inhabit, etc.

I’ve chosen a new word for next year, but that doesn’t mean I have to stop looking for new ways to explore joy:

• Random acts of kindness, especially toward people in the service industry and retail (because whew – the things I have seen lately, particularly yesterday when finishing up the shopping – they all deserve raises, pastries, and foot rubs)
• Making an even cozier, more joyful home
• Love notes to friends, family, and other loved ones
• Positive gossip (talking about how much you like someone behind their back) (and also to them – see above re: love notes)

I hope you all have at least one solid moment of joy this week (and every week forever).