I don’t know about you, but January has always felt heavy to me. Something about the combination of short, dark days, the post-holiday slump, the emotions of a new year, and the worst combination of weather makes January feel three months long—and not a particularly pleasant three months. This year has felt particularly heavy. The constant uncertainty surrounding legislation, fundamental human rights, and the grant money that both of my organizations depend on amid natural disasters galore is grueling.

This year, I am trying to stave off the gloom by finding joy where I can.

Decorating for Valentine’s Day

I have never been a big Valentine’s Day gal. It’s a fun excuse to dress up and go out with a date or buy a cute card, or celebrate your girlfriends, but it’s never been my favorite holiday or felt like anything more than a single day. This year, my house is covered in pink and red. We’ve got candy hearts, Valentine’s M&Ms, pink and red candles, heart-shaped doormats, new dishtowels, cute little garlands… if Target carries it, we’ve got it. And it has truly brought me unexpected joy!

Soaking Up the Sun (when it’s out!)

While this January has felt sunnier than some (at least in West Virginia), I’ve done my best to drop what I’m doing and get outside when the sun does come out, even if it’s just for a few minutes. It’s amazing how much simple sunlight and fresh air do to remind me that everything might actually be okay.

Saying Yes

I’m often stingy with my time. As an introvert, I love spending time alone and need that time to recharge, so I am far from a yes-man and often choose an afternoon with a book and my dogs over a social engagement. But this month, I’ve tried hard to say yes more often and initiate more time with people I know fill my cup.

Taking More Pictures

Now, would my overstuffed iPhone storage agree this is a good idea? Unlikely. But I’m trying to take more photos of things that spark joy and come back to them when I need a little extra! I love the simple reminder that good things are out there, joy exists, and we’ll find it again.

January Book Club

Check out my January reads + reviews here!

What I’m Working On

In my role at TechConnect West Virginia (I’d normally throw in a handy website link for you, but ours is undergoing a huge revamp, so please stay tuned!) I’m working on the following things, none of which I have ever done before:

• Finalizing a brand new strategic plan

• Organizing our board into effective, impactful committees

• Designing constructive, fundable programming for tech entrepreneurs in West Virginia — and making sure it’s enough but also not too much

• Funding that programming as a non-profit during a time when federal funding is completely uncertain

If these are things a) you have worked on or b) might want to either help with or take advantage of, please reach out! I’d love to chat :)

Tech Rec

I’ve recommended the Opal app to multiple friends this month. It’s free(!), and you can set it up to block specific apps on your phone during certain times of the day. For example, all my social media apps are blocked from 8am to 5pm every day. I can override that block but find myself being much more intentional about the times I do it and only using a 5-minute break rather than scrolling into oblivion.

I hope you are finding joy in January and beyond — please send me any and all photos of your joy any time :)