Over the last five weeks, we have been exploring the concept of joy: what it means to us, how it shows up in our lives, and how to share it this holiday season. 

We heard from five Playworks coaches on our Instagram about what joy looks like at their schools. We’ve polled you on whether red or pink starburst bring you more joy, the ways you like to spread joy to others, and what songs make you feel joyful. We’ve explored the science of joy and ways to incorporate it into everyday life. We recapped ten moments that brought us joy in 2021. Focusing on the things that have brought abounding joy has been an excellent way to end this year, and we’re so thankful for everyone who has followed along.

In an effort to carry this momentum into the new year, we asked our staff: 

“What will bring you joy in 2022?”

“Visiting some national parks and hiking with my family!” -Molly Rosen, Pro Trainer

“Friends getting married and new baby additions to the family!” -Lizzie Chmura, Development Manager

“We’re having a family reunion at a dude ranch in New Mexico this summer! I get to see my great uncle, cousins, and teach my kids to ride horses.” -Jon Gay, Executive Director

“Beach days and boat trips with family and friends!” -Jessie Igoe, Development Director

“A couple of my close friends are getting married!” -Kat Saba, Program Associate

“Going skiing and snowmobiling this winter!” -Jared Gustafson, Americorps Coach

“Taking time to travel over the summer!” -Alex McAuliffe, Program Manager

“I’m hoping to take a pottery class this spring and learn how to throw on a wheel! Should be a fun new hobby for 2022.” -Leah Kelly, Development Associate

“Long walks in warmer weather and doggy daycare!” -Daisy, the Development Dog

We are so thankful for everyone who has followed along with our Joy Series, and are excited for all of the joy to come in 2022. Here’s to another year of joy and play!