March 2025

We’re in the third month of 2025 and to say this year has been a lot in a short amount of time feels like an understatement. With the heaviness of the world on most people’s minds I’ve been trying to make it an even bigger priority to find the joy even in the smallest things.

Tomorrow marks one week until my 40th birthday and while I’ll have a separate blog post about that next week, I’ve been reflecting A LOT lately. At the beginning of this year, I told myself I wanted to recognize the moments of joy and if I couldn’t find them, to create them.

As with life everything changes over time but there were some things that I missed from my “younger” years, so I decided to bring them back. 1. Snail Mail. I LOVE getting a handwritten card or note in the mail. It is the simplest, yet most important thing to me. In a world where everyone is connected to technology and a busy life, to receive a handwritten note shows the care, thoughtfulness and time taken out of one’s day. So, I decided I wanted to be pen pals with some of my dearest and closest friends who aren’t in the 716 anymore. While it’s much easier to send a text, voice note or phone call, sending a card gives me and them something to look forward too.

The next item, having at least one “adventure” a month with my niece and nephew. While we try to do activities and attend events regularly, the colder months can be more of a challenge, so in February when my niece said she’d never been to the Buffalo History Museum, I couldn’t believe it, so we went one Sunday afternoon and it was great way to get out and learn a little bit more about our hometown. Also, something to mention, the museum is pay what you can with a suggested amount of $12 but for anyone who is on a budget this is a nice activity to do without breaking the bank.

Movement and hydration, I know everyone hears this all the time, but I have noticed such a difference when I’m not drinking enough water or getting some sort of movement in. My mood is so much better when I prioritize my health and when I feel good, that makes me happy.

Cooking, I never really thought much about it, but lately I find so much joy in cooking for myself and others. It isn’t always a new recipe (sometimes) but just being able to bring people together fills my cup.

Visiting a new coffee shop, Gold Lion Coffee Shop (new to me) and catching up with old co-workers who are now friends. It’s nice to spend a couple hours chatting and enjoying a simple cup of coffee in a new space.

I’m sitting on a few fun committees for the Buffalo Olmsted Park Conservancy and Buffalo Zoo, it’s been nice to have a part in some upcoming events that I’m sure the community will be excited about. :) More on those next month!

While these are just some small things that have brought me joy this year, I’m looking forward to sharing more with you throughout the year.

What are some things that have brought you joy in 2025 so far?

-Beth