The new year has arrived, and it feels more like the last couple of years than I expected. Happily, traveling has resumed and most schools and businesses are open. And yet, COVID-19, with all its mutations and variants, doesn’t want to go away. It’s like the obnoxious, inebriated party guest who can’t seem to find the door. Whenever I hear the latest news, my patience for this invader evaporates, and it’s all I can do not to shout: GET THE #$%^&* OUT OF HERE! (Even keyboard shouting makes me feel better.)

My optimistic self has great hopes for 2022. Last year was—to be perfectly honest—exhausting. We completed a two-year remodel on our Nevada house, then immediately sold said house and moved to Utah. I don’t think anyone is more surprised that I’m living here than me! Go figure. But I love it. Utah is beautiful, the people are friendly, and my writer friends are everywhere. However, we’re also camping out (my husband’s term) in an apartment until our new house is built—and, due to labor and material shortages, they haven’t even dug the hole.

Our current living situation inspired my word for the new year: GRATITUDE. In the midst of tumultuous times, it’s important to focus on and be grateful for the little things that bring joy to our lives. Simple things like this photo of a tiny heart-shaped leaf springing from a rough, sun-bleached rope remind me there’s beauty everywhere. I’m blessed to have many of the big things: a strong faith, a healthy family, good friends, a saintly golden retriever (The Tebow!), plus a warm home and financial security. I’m often reminded that many people don’t have those blessings. How can I be so discombobulated?

The problem is, it often feels like everything is out of my control. Thus, I’m making an effort to focus on the simple pleasures of life. Yesterday was a perfect example. I had an appointment at the DMV, and I swear I was in and out of the office in ten minutes. This wasn’t my first rodeo. I’ve visited DMVs in Colorado, Nevada, and California before, and I’ve never had such a pleasant experience. Utah wins! I still can’t believe registering my car was so easy. Isn’t it great when something you dread turns out better than you expected?

So, what about the cinnamon rolls and movie gym? A few weeks ago, we joined a gym, hoping to get in shape—at least somewhat—and this place has a fitness cinema where you can watch movies and work out on cardio machines. There’s a different movie daily in this cool, dark theater, and it’s totally awesome! Where has this been all my life? And since we’re working out and feel like we deserve a reward (don’t judge), we’ve developed a cinnamon roll habit. Every couple of weeks, we buy cinnamon rolls (usually from Costco) and treat ourselves to one each afternoon. (Just store them in the refrigerator and heat them up.) It’s a small thing, but it’s something to look forward to each day that lifts my spirits.

I hope you can discover simple things that bring you joy. Happy New Year!