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Gathering Joy in the Quiet of Late Winter
The stretch of late winter can feel long, can’t it? The sparkle of the holidays has long faded, and spring still feels like a distant dream, just out of reach. Here in Northern Canada, the days are slow and cold still, wrapped in layers of snow and silence. It’s easy to sink into the weight of it, to let the gray seep in. I’ve been reminding myself that there is still joy to be found, even in this season. And after writing this blog post, maybe even especially in this season.
Last week, I wrote about my Joy List—a simple practice of gathering and naming the little things that make my heart lift, even on the quietest and hardest days. And what touched me most was hearing from so many of you—your own lists, your own moments of joy and light. Today, I want to share our little joys—yours and mine—that I have gathered together and held close. Because the smallest things, the ones we often overlook, are sometimes the ones that matter most.
The Magic of a Joy List
I still believe that joy is something we grow. It’s not always loud or obvious. Sometimes, it’s a quiet presence, like a tiny green shoot breaking through the snow. We have to tend to it.
And some days, that’s harder than others.
Life isn’t always soft and kind. But I’ve found that noticing—really noticing—the good in ordinary moments is what carries me through. And in these long, gray days, when the light feels scarce, I think we need this practice more than ever.
My Late-Winter Joy List
Here’s what’s been bringing me joy lately—small, simple things that make winter feel a little less heavy:
That first sip of coffee in the morning, when the house is still dark and quiet.
Realizing the days are getting just a little bit longer.
The way fresh snow glitters in the golden light before sunset.
Catching sight of a bird that’s returned, a tiny promise that spring is coming.
A hot bath after coming in from the cold, the kind that makes your skin feel alive again.
A handwritten letter in the mail—unexpected, filled with love.
Wrapping my hands around a steaming cup of tea, feeling the warmth seep in.
Joy from You: Shared Moments of Light
After sharing my little Joy List last week, so many of you sent me yours, and each message felt like a little gift.
“Hearing my kids’ laughter echo through the house.”
“The way my dog greets me like I’m the best part of his day.”
“Writing a letter by hand and sealing it with a special stamp.”
“The smell of fresh bread coming out of the oven.”
“A perfectly timed song coming on the radio.”
“Dew drops on a spider’s web in the early morning light.”
“Watching the sun melt frost off the windowpane.”
“A spontaneous hug from someone I love.”
“Finding an old book with a handwritten note in the margins.”
Reading these, I felt so deeply how personal joy is. And yet, how universal it is too. No matter where we are, who we are, or what we’re going through—there are small, beautiful things waiting to be noticed.
A Message That Moved Me
A reader sent me this message, and it’s been sitting in my heart ever since:
“Thank you for sharing your little joys with the world. In the midst of a tough day, reading your words reminded me to slow down and find the beauty in what’s already here. Your Joy List has inspired me to start my own, and it has changed the way I move through my days. I feel lighter, more present, and just a little more at peace.”
This. This is why I share. Because joy isn’t just something we feel—it’s something we pass along. It ripples outward.
Your Turn: What’s Bringing You Joy?
I’d love to hear from you. What’s on your Joy List right now? What’s keeping you warm, lighting you up, making these late-winter days a little brighter? Reply in the comments or send me a message—I’d love to keep adding to this growing list of light.
And if you haven’t made a Joy List yet, maybe this weekend is the perfect time. Write it down, tuck it into your journal, or keep it in your phone. Because even in the grayest days, there’s always something worth noticing.
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Sending warmth and joy your way,
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I live and create on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabeg peoples, lands that remain under their original stewardship. I honor their enduring connection to this place and their care for it over generations.
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