My Joy List

What's bringing me joy these days...

Dear Friends:

As you know, I am out of the office resting, but today, rest assured, I am filled with joy. Nine years ago today, Matt and I got married (same date as the Obama’s, but I am willing to argue that we had a better party)! I believe that love is the foundation upon which joy rests and today is all about love in our house, so I’m sharing some reflections, practices, and retail therapy items that I am loving right now.  

Love is one of the clearest expressions of joy that we have, but joy also has incredible range–the people in our lives, the experiences that enrich our perspective, and, of course, the things that make our day-to-day easier add a little flair. 

Here’s my Joy List of things that are filling my cup lately. No sponsorships here, just products and practices I genuinely enjoy. Can’t wait to hear what you think!

• Nightly meditation: Before I get into bed in the evening, I do a short meditation. I keep it very simple,  25 deep breaths-in and out through my nose, as slowly as I can, with my feet firmly planted on the floor. The counting method is from the book The Untethered Soul by Michael Singer. Lately with my Long COVID breathing issues, I am struggling and taking very shallow breaths, which still set the tone for a sound sleep!

• Spending time in nature: I knew I wanted a house with a porch when we moved to New York last year. Fall is my absolute favorite season, and as you can see the view is incredible. I’ll often just sit out on our porch alone, enjoying the view and resting with my eyes open. According to Dr. Eliassen from the Harvard TH Chan School of Public health, "Exposure to green space results in mental restoration and increased positive emotions and decreased anxiety and rumination. Improved mindfulness can result from exposure to green space as well."

• Foods that remind me of my mother:  My mom and dad used to take me and my sister apple picking as kids and now I have the privilege of living close enough to that same farm. I take Bennett every fall, and it’s the best. We got a ton of apples and I used this GF mix to make an amazing Apple Crumb Cake. My mods: add tiny pieces of cinnamon sugar apples (made fresh), No pictures, cause we ate it too fast! For me, the apple picking and Apple Crumb Cake are part of how I am keeping my mom alive for Bennett. 

• Predominantly Black Candle Haus: I am a huge fan of this Black woman-owned candle business, and send these as gifts to clients and partners all the time. Sweet Surrender is my favorite, but I love all the scents.  Plus, owner Mya Sinquefield  sends the sweetest notes with your order! 

• Massaging Eye Mask: This, this, this!! For any and all headache sufferers: YOU NEED THIS! My BFF (who is sending this substack to you on my behalf), has owned this all year but didn’t mention it till a few weeks ago. We are still friends, mostly because I’m sure I’ve been a bigger asshole for most of our relationship. 

Let me know in the comments what’s on your joy list–I want to know about the books, songs, and projects you’re loving. I would love your suggestions for finding joy and maintaining sanity when life gets hard. For now, I hope you’re enjoying sweater weather, apple pies, and cozy vibes, and that you do one thing today that’s solely for your enjoyment and let me know what it is!  

Thank you so much for being here. 

xxMarisa