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I enjoy making my son dinner. I’ve always enjoyed cooking for my kids. I used to get a great deal of joy out of preparing their school lunches and getting creative by adding some homemade spicy aioli or a little maple pepper bacon fresh from the oven. Now that my son is getting ready to go off to college in just a couple of months (I am a proud Wolverine father), I have taken a little extra joy in making him quick dinners when he comes home from work and before he heads off to the gym. What I’ve come to realize is that it’s not about making meals; it’s just about doing the little things that bring so much joy.
It’s the end of the year when we tend to pause and think back to what has happened over the past 12 months. Whether it’s been a good year, a tough year, or perhaps even a great year (always hoping for the best), it’s the little things that tend to stand out for me more than landing a major project or having a record year. As I sit here reflecting back on those simple things, I just realized I have 20 years of simple joys to reflect on as that’s how long we’ve been in business. So here are a few of those simple joys that have really made the firm a joyous place for me over the years.
It all began with a dog who wouldn’t stop barking and jumping on my “manhood.” I remember sitting in Evelyn’s kitchen when I first thought about starting the firm, and while I was trying to have a serious conversation, her dog, Güero, kept interrupting. We couldn’t help but laugh at the absurdity of the situation. Walking into the office seeing one of Veronica’s children sitting at the desk next to her working right alongside mom emulating what she was doing is a joy to watch. I’ve gotten a lot of joy when sitting down after a long day at a conference, certification program, or client engagement with a cocktail in one hand and Gerri’s friendly, optimistic personality on the other side of the table. It always makes me smile. In addition, receiving those regular emails outlining our team assignments and due dates and even having it color coordinated to make sure there is no confusion as to who is doing what thanks to Amy. Your organization feeds my own neurotic joyous tendencies. Spending time with Heather in the TEA South Bay, as we call it, talking about everything under the sun both literally and figuratively as we walk the beach and discuss projects, clients, and work. I remember those days with pure joy.
As we all reflect back on the year and start to plan for 2025, let’s all take a moment and appreciate the small things…rather the simple things and people that bring us so much joy! And here’s wishing you nothing but JOY in the coming year!
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