My Joy List
January 7th-19th: the power of music & connection, and unexpectedly getting snowed in
You’re reading a newsletter from Syd, an NYC-born gal who quit her “golden handcuffs” job and moved to Amsterdam to follow her heart’s calls for a path less traveled. Here, I share the challenges and wins of my own journey from people pleasing & perfectionism to authenticity, balance, joy, & freedom. Beyond this page, I study positive psychology at the University of Pennsylvania, I coach fellow high achievers along their own journey, and I share their stories in a podcast, The Path Less Traveled. You may find comfort, empowerment, inspiration, and/or community. Welcome 🫶🏻
Hi my sunshines!
I’m driving home from a lovely weekend outside NYC right now. I wasn’t supposed to spend the weekend, but a surprising snow shower Saturday morning turned into two days of near constant snow and spinning up creative meals using the freezer and pantry. Plus, fresh chocolate chip cookies. Baking makes me so happy. (Note to self: please remember that.)
I’m amazed by how much continuously returning to the word “trust” is supporting my well-being day-to-day.
On a separate note, I want to experiment with walking life mentoring sessions, ideally in person in Central Park or over the phone. Also new for me (and you!) will be applying all I’m learning about positive psychology to sessions.
If you’re interested in getting your steps in while talking through what you want to evolve in your life and how to make it happen, please, reach out!
And now, on to the list! Happy joy spotting :)
Joy spotting: the practice of noticing little moments of joy surrounding us all the time (more)
The way the light was hitting the wooden rail on the bridge over the stream during my walk at the farm
Finding the dining room prepared with a beautiful candle lit dinner by A after finishing a workout and sauna
Jason’s words of encouragement over dinner
The deep belly laughter when James unexpectedly transitioned from speaking to soulful, belting song during class
Letting my inner child lead when I acted on my impulse to jump out from a side hallway and say “boo” to scare Diana, Rob, and Alex on their way to the concert
Alicia wrapping her arm around me when I started crying during the MAPP concert
The jazz pianist coming over after the concert to ask if my praise of his performance was in reference to Bobby’s passing and the moment of bonding we had over Bobby’s spirit
Eating eggplant parm and chatting with the girls on the floor of Em’s apartment
Jason’s email with his meaning story
The awe of and gratitude for my past self in rereading a few old prose pieces
Jason’s genuine and thoughtful response to my meaning story
Angie’s message sharing Xavier Rudd’s Follow the Sun song
The stink bug that flew my attention from my notebook to the ladybug on the windowsill
The rich sweetness of the roasted butternut squash
Walking around, taking in the nature, while catching up with Amanda
Walking around, taking in the nature, while listening to Dick’s Picks Volume 2
The flakey, buttery crust of A’s pan pizza
Standing in the gentle snowfall with A listening to the quiet of it all
Wishing you a lovely week ahead! May you choose to see the beauty. The above sunflowers remind me that beauty exists even when the form it takes is unexpected. Sometimes it’s the unexpected that makes something so beautiful.
Love,
Syd