Hello! The temperatures in northeast Ohio have been frigid these last few days, but nothing like my friends in Maine are experiencing – windchill temperatures in the negative 40’s Fahrenheit – Yikes! We’ve been able to go out safely for walks with Pokey – as long as he is bundled up with a sweater AND a jacket, he’s been fine. It’s so important for me to be able to get out in the fresh air each day – I’m grateful the weather hasn’t been worse here.

I’ve been spending a lot of my free time since my last blog post coming up with my “22 for 2022” list to go along with my 2022 theme of “Joy.” I must say it has been a very enjoyable process, but I feel like the list still needs some tweaking. Nevertheless I am going to share it with you today, and over the next few posts I will elaborate on several of the items on my list (asterisked):

So, here it is, my 22 for 2022:

  1. Buy fresh flowers once a week (or however long they last)
  2. Play Wordle daily *
  3. Keep the word “Joy” front and center in my life *
  4. Visit my mother when I can, and sing with her
  5. Buy one (traditional paper) book per month that I think will bring me joy, or help me contemplate joy *
  6. Get my flute reconditioned and learn to play again *
  7. Celebrate my 50th anniversary of being friends with Beth *
  8. Nourish my body with healthy foods
  9. Read every book Mary Oliver has written
  10. Find ways to bring vibrant color into my life
  11. Take a hike at least once a week, more often when the days are longer
  12. Deliberately insert something that makes me laugh into each day *
  13. Listen to one song each day that fills my heart with joy *
  14. Take a moment each day to truly savor an experience *
  15. Explore spirituality and what I actually think it means for me
  16. Get a professional pedicure once a season
  17. Get a monthly massage
  18. Keep a Joy Journal *
  19. Find 6 apps and/or podcasts that will help me add joy to my life *
  20. Meditate daily *
  21. London trip!
  22. Try to brighten the day of at least one person each day *

More to come!

Have a great week, and stay warm!

Love,

Michelle xoxo