It’s that time of year when we promise we’ll change everything we don’t admire about ourselves and finally become perfect. I don’t know about you, but typically life gets in the way and I end the year about the same as I started. Recently, I listened to a podcast about resolutions and heard a lovely idea. Instead of promises about habits, routines, and diets, a person can choose a theme for the year. This suggestion stuck with me, so I am choosing a year of More Joy.

Joy for me can be a lot of things. I have a pretty eclectic taste in everything from music to people. I choose this year to take a raucous romp in Joy. I know it will be challenging, and this isn’t about a rose-colored glasses silver lining denial trip. This is about leaning into the beauty and wonder hiding in every day, even the worst ones.

So, if you like adventure and crave a bit more fun, follow along. I’ll tell you what I am up to, and you can tell me if you relate, if you have done the same thing, or if you think I’m crazy.

First order of business for more fun is a completely free writing challenge. This weekend the University of Iowa “Write Now” group is posting a flash fiction challenge. Click this link to find out more. The challenge includes sections for 3rd graders through adults. No need to be an alumnus or even remember if Iowa is the potato or corn state. Just wait for the prompt to be released on Friday and go for it.

I hope you choose this or some other activity to bring yourself more Joy this weekend. Let me know what you are up to in the comments.