The Joy List: Lisa Mae Lee Edition

Joy is my inheritance

My Friends-

I have struggled to put today’s note together. The world is a disaster. On top of Long COVID, I was rewarded with a bladder infection this week. It’s F*ck You February and I really miss my dog. I don’t know about you, but I am pretty over this adulting nonsense and am ready to just hibernate till Easter, but apparently, if you’re not a bear that’s just not a thing you can really do.

So what am I doing? Besides going to the doctors, I am exercising my own personal agency and reminding myself, and all of you, that when things are a mess there is almost always something we can do about it. In my case, I am going to rest, I am definitely going to take my antibiotics, and I am going to do something that makes ME happy this weekend. I am going to do joy because I know scientifically that it works. I am also choosing joy because that is my inheritance. It is simply who my mother raised me to be. One of these days I will get around to doing a Substack on the science behind joy, but for today…

I am bringing you my monthly Joy List. This month’s list centers on things my mother absolutely loved, as well as things I think she would love if she were still here.

I can’t wait to hear what you think and do let me know what you decide to purchase or try out!

• Tea Leaves: I am a coffee girl every morning, but as a girl who was used to a bourbon most days and now is basically (temporarily) sober, tea has become my nightcap of choice and I love the teas from Tea Leaves. This is my favorite by far and it is great for a little energy boost which I always need thanks to this Long COVID nonsense. My mother loved a good cup of tea, specifically Sleepytime, but trust me don’t sleep on Tea Leaves!

• Levain Cookies: I absolutely inherited my mother’s sweet tooth! Do you remember those Stella Dora S shaped “Breakfast Treats?” Definitely not an actual breakfast food and they have zero nutritional value but that didn’t stop her from enjoying one each morning with her coffee. My mother loved food that could be shipped, so random but she once got me Omaha Steaks for my birthday, so I know she would absolutely adore the cookies from Levain in NYC. They ship nationwide and for my vegan and GF friends, I can promise the Vegan and GF Walnut and Chocolate Chip cookie is pure magic. I am sure Lisa would agree.

• Warm and Fuzzy Hot Pink Blanket: I have been living under this blanket from anthro after a friend sent it as an early birthday gift. It screams “Marisa!” and perfectly matches my equally pink office. My mom loved a cozy blanket and the color would absolutely have matched her nails!

• Barefoot Dreams Socks: It’s February (duh) and yesterday in upstate NY the high was 22 degrees. I am fully disgusted by the fact that I chose to live somewhere that gets so cold. My mom hated the cold even though like me, she grew up here too. I know she would love these cozy Barefoot Dreams socks! They keep you so warm and are such a lovely little indulgence. The woman lived for small indulgences and that is definitely something else I inherited.

• Pretty Alright Goods Cards: These are adorable and hilarious cards. The brand did not exist before my mom’s death, but I recently bought several cards in a very typical Lisa Mae Lee move, to simply have on hand for whenever I need one. A sassy friend has an upcoming birthday? A funny card for Matt? Someone in need of a pick me up? I am ready to go thanks to my mom and Pretty Alright Goods!

• Generosity: Generosity is one of the ways we experience and spread joy in the world and it is something my mother was always so good at. Regardless of how little she had, there was always something she could do or share with someone else. In honor of her life this month, I look out for things that I can do for others. Obviously, I am not as physically able as I normally am, but I can always text someone to check-in, donate to a GoFundMe, or share my wisdom and experience with a mentee. No matter what is happening in the world, no matter what you’re struggling with right now, there is always a way to help others.

I hope you find your way to joy this weekend.