During a weekend filled with “Happy New Year” wishes, it’s worth considering: what does happy look like? How will you recognize it over the next twelve months?

Admittedly, the word “happy” is loaded. Or used so often that its meaning has been muddled or lessened.

But “happy” is easy to say and pleasant to wish. After all, “Contented New Year!” is a strange thing to cheer as the clock strikes midnight.

Although that’s likely what we mean: a year filled with contentedness, gratitude, health, hope, beauty, and joy.

Hoping you find all of these things. And hoping you recognize them. Even in this very moment.