1. Morning walks. The gold is starting to fall to the ground and there’s snow in the forecast. I told Eric last night that as much as I love walking with Ringo, there’s also a particular joy going to bed on a Friday night knowing I don’t have to get up early, can sleep as late as I want.

2. Practice. We’ve started to add some half hour lunch break yoga sessions to our schedule at Red Sage and even though it is shocking how quickly a half hour goes by, there’s also a particularly joyful energy to it. I’m feeling extra grateful for my Friday morning writing sangha and our wild-ish writing practice. With the election coming, it felt especially supportive this week.

3. There’s no need to rush. It’s hard when something you want takes a lot of time and effort rather than just manifesting fully formed. And with things that take time, there are also going to be moments when you get frustrated, can’t see the progress you’ve made, and maybe even want to give up. And it can feel like time is rushing by so fast, that it’s running out, and it’s hard not to push yourself. I keep reminding myself that it’s okay to pace myself, that there is plenty of time — even if there isn’t. Especially this time of year when nature is winding down and preparing for a “big sleep” until spring, I’m reminded that it’s not only okay to slow down, to rest, but it’s necessary.

4. Ringo curled up under my writing desk again. It was while we were writing on Friday morning. He’s always close by, but curling up at my feet is something he never really wanted to do, even though I invited him, always kept a dog bed there just in case. He only stayed for 5 or 10 minutes, but I’ll take it.

5. My tiny family, small house, little life. Everything I want or need is right here.

Bonus joy: watching TV, good books, listening to music and podcasts, getting in the pool, the hydromassage chair, sitting in the sauna with Eric, clean sheets, payday, a warm shower, my bed, down pillows and blankets, head lamps, other people’s dogs and kids, pictures of my favorite kids in their Halloween costumes, making and eating good food, hugs, making each other laugh, texting with Chris and “the girls,” texting with Chloe’, sharing reels and memes with Shellie and Kari and Carrie, the miles and miles of trails we have access to, good neighbors, naps, libraries and librarians, poetry and poets, comedy, true crime, glasses, paint, reading in bed at night while Eric and Ringo sleep.