Because I’m Happy

THE HOSTS OF THE “Pop Culture Happy Hour” podcast end every fifth episode with a segment called “What’s Making Us Happy.” Hearing the opening music immediately puts me in a good mood. There’s an emotional memory attached from when I first started listening to the show. It was the holidays and I had just moved to California. Talk about special. But no matter where I am this time of year, I always have immense feelings of joy, comfort, and gratitude. According to the New York Times, I’m not alone. People are the happiest on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve. So, why not dig into this feeling and do what the NPR podcasters do every week: Reflect on what’s currently bringing us joy.

Here’s what’s making me happy:

• My Husband – We got married in August on a gorgeous rooftop in downtown Cincinnati surrounded by our closest family and friends. It was magical and it brings a smile to my face every day.
• “Ted Lasso” – I feel almost silly bringing this up, but I can’t remember the last time a TV show has made me feel so good. We binged seasons one and two, and I’m tempted to watch them again.
• This Issue – Just look at the beautiful prints that are made possible via wide-format printing! How inspiring.
• You – I go to work – er walk to my kitchen island and open my laptop every day – because of every single one of you. Thank you for being the reason I love my job and this industry.
• My team – Despite living across the globe and in multiple time zones, the editorial, art, sales, and production teams work so well together. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished this year, including a complete redesign of the magazine, a brand-new website, increased frequency of newsletters, and the introduction of the Brain Squad.
• 2022 Travel – In January, I’m headed to Congress for the annual Women in Print Alliance meeting in Ft. Lauderdale, I’m participating in a panel at EFI Connect in Las Vegas on opportunities in digital print, and I’m speaking at the Wallcoverings Association’s Annual Meeting in Delray, Florida, on interior décor trends. I haven’t been to a wide-format event since February 2020. I can’t wait to start seeing everyone in person.

So, enough about me. I want to hear from you. In the December Brain Squad survey, share what’s making you happy as we wrap up 2021. We’ll post your responses on bigpicturemag.com.

Enjoy the last issue of the year. I hope it makes your “what’s making you happy” list.

In my last Editor’s Note, I asked you to answer this question in our October Brain Squad survey: Do you have a wrapped vehicle that promotes your business? Thirty percent of respondents said yes. Head to bigpicturemag.com/brainsquadwraps to see your peers’ branded billboards on wheels.