1. Morning walks. If I want to take pictures, I have to wait and go a bit later so we don’t miss the sunrise altogether. Even so, I can feel the light rising, can feel that there’s more of it each day — which seems like a metaphor for this moment, this season: the light is returning.

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2. Practice. I just got done wild writing with my Friday morning group led by Laurie Wagner. I’m so glad that after a momentary delusion, a short break, thinking I could do without it, I was able to get back in when I understood it was essential.

3. Poetry. For a long time, I didn’t fully understand its magic, its medicine. Now I do, and was so happy to see that truth represented during the inauguration ceremony, of which Amanda Gorman was the best and brightest. “For there is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it.” May this be “who we are.”

4. Nourishment, in all its various forms, that which feeds, that which cherishes.

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5. My tiny family. Every night before dinner, Eric peels clementines for me to eat. When Ringo rolls over on his back so I can pet his belly, it seems like there could be nothing better.

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Bonus joy: hanging out and writing with Mikalina, getting my office tidied, hot coffee, donut holes, a good mask (comfort and coverage), sitting in the infrared sauna with Eric, cooking with Eric, laundry, clean sheets, that corner of the couch, good TV (sometimes that means something dumb and easy), podcasts, books, music, stretching, turning the heat down because it feels good to pile on the blankets, gummy vitamins, reading in bed at night while Ringo and Eric sleep.