When I present at conferences, I often kick things off with my "Joy List," a collection of pictures that reflect who I am, what matters to me, and what brings me joy – family, travel, adventures, etc. I shared my 2022 Joy List on the blog last year and now, I'm excited to share my 2023 list with you!
2023 was an intriguing year, both personally and professionally. So, in the spirit of sharing my joys, here's my 2023 Joy List (in no particular order!)
Travel Adventures
Opportunities to travel create enduring memories that we carry with us forever. This year, our journeys were both diverse and meaningful. Ben and I reveled in the warm vibes of the Dominican Republic, soaking in a week of relaxation. As a family, we immersed ourselves in the majesty of the Great Smoky Mountains and all of its surrounding beauty. Our toes also met the sandy shores of various beaches, with one standout being spending Labor Day weekend in a charming 100-year-old beach cabin. Amidst professional and consulting obligations, my travels took me to the cityscape of Boston, all around Florida, and the southern charm of Alabama.
An Appreciation for Rest, Reflection, and Learning
Stepping back from campus leadership this summer allowed me to focus on my consulting clients and other professional projects that I had been delaying. The break also provided valuable time to invest in my own learning and development. I completed fundraising courses through UC Davis and successfully earned my Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. I took on some challenging consulting projects; including some fun strategic planning and assessment work. I also explored the vast landscape of Articifial Intelligence (AI) and its applications for higher education and student affairs.
Joining a Book Club
This summer, I was invited to join a unique book club and I have LOVED this experience! The book club includes about a dozen folks from across the country who are connected personally or professionally to our dear friends Colton and Tyler. We read about 120 pages a week and meet via text every Sunday night for a rapid-fire and hilarious 15 minute discussion. After completing the book, we convene on Zoom for a lively 20-minute discussion, culminating in our individual ratings of the book. With each member selecting a book, we'll eventually vote on the best one at year-end. From relative strangers five months ago, I have discovered a loving, kind, and supportive circle of friends, whom I cherish. This journey has also rekindled my enthusiasm for regular reading. For more details on my summer reading list, check out my summer reading blogs! I will preview my spring reading list in January on the blog.
Halloween Fun
Our family's Halloween tradition involves transforming our yard into a spooky spectacle, complete with witches, skeletons, tombstones, and eerie lighting. Our yard has become a sought-after photo spot, thanks to an 8-foot skeleton that tells "Dad jokes". This year, Ben and I decided to channel our inner gnomes, while our 12-year-old donned the guise of a character from Minecraft Dungeons. See my Halloween Blog for more details and pictures.
Getting Creative
Thomas Merton said "Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time." This year, I worked on many artistic and craft projects that brought me great joy. In particular, I enjoyed making fun floral pumpkins for friends and family and painting a set of 6 ft tall nutcrackers. Expect more creative painting projects in the coming months, and I'll be sure to share progress on the blog.
Giving back
I am humbled to work with so many volunteers in community and professional organizations that are making a difference. From serving on the NPR Community Advisory Board as the Board Secretary, to volunteering in the Orlando community, to serving on NASPA Boards/Institutes, to 100 Women Strong Central FL, my tank is full and I love giving back. In particular, my role as the Co-Director of the NASPA Institute for Aspiring VPSA's has proven to be a special blessing this year. We are excited and eager to welcome ~100 participants to the Institute in January, after a year of working with the talented faculty team & NASPA staff.
... and finally, the Brady-Philbrook clan & extended family
I feel love, support, and kindess every day from my boys (Ben & Fox), from the Brady bunch (Mom, Dad, Paul, Ella, & Jake), my Bonus Mom Tish, my BFF Jenni, my amazing local friends Jenn, Colton, and Tyler, and from my chosen family (you know who you are people!!) Their inspiration fuels me, and I am grateful for their unwavering support, kindness, and love. Thank you for cheering me on more than ever this year!
I am sure that many new joys await in 2024.
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