Joy is a feeling that is difficult to measure. An absence of pain and adversity can fill our being with joy. At 73 years of age, I realise that I have attained days of tranquillity, which fill me with a sense of gratitude and joy.

SILVIO BONILHA, SÂO PAULO, BRAZIL

Although I am currently unemployed (I was dismissed a month ago), I have been able to spend my days with quality, investing in activities that contribute to my well-being and help me recharge, such as exercising, studying topics that are aggregating to my areas of expertise (luxury retail and its operations), and meeting my dad or my niece with my sister for coffee or lunch during the week. This has been my fuel for a positive perspective for the future.

CYNTHIA GONÇALVES, SÂO PAULO, BRAZIL

Children aged 4 on a field trip, appreciating the smell of fresh basil.

Anonymous

A quiet afternoon in a crowded park recently offered a beautiful glimpse of pure joy. An elderly couple sat on a wooden bench, sharing a single pair of earphones between them. As the music played, they began to sway gently, completely lost in their own world. Their smiles were radiant, softening the lines of age on their faces. In that small, shared moment, the chaos of the surrounding city seemed to fade away entirely.

SHARIF AHMED, MOULVIBAZAR, BANGLADESH

Thinking about emotional intelligence and its role in our professional and personal lives. Listening to Dr Goleman recently revitalised my commitment to being a better person and a servant leader every day. It’s the joy in being kind. Always.

CAROLINA GIANNETTO, ST. SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL

I had very good moments at my birthday party! With friends and so much happiness! Good friends and laughing moments! I’m really grateful!

LÍCIA NEY PIZZOCOLO GONZALEZ, SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL

A moment of joy I notíced recently is related to my work with my High School students. I organized some activities with the support of a huge group of them, as part of the first Future & Career Forum we had at school. Seeing their happiness and satisfaction during and after the event – as a result of their effort and dedication – was a genuine joy for me. I worked a lot to make this event happen, and seeing students’ response to this work made it really meaningful to me.

ADRIANA SILVEIRA, SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL

My daily dose of joy comes by way of Sunny. I had no idea when named as a puppy how apt his name would be.
Rain or shine, he brings sunlight to my heart, leaving muddy paw prints of joy wherever he goes.
Dogs, simply the best.

CHRISTINE DELUCA, SWITZERLAND

The joy of a 10-year-old boy in Bhutan receiving a new Gho (traditional dress), whose single father I help out a little, both psychologically and financially.

PATRICIA

As an educator, I am easily moved by my students’ achievements. This week I had several moments of joy reading the MYP 5 Personal Project reports. I am still amazed by the ability of IB students to create wonderful products and deep reflections. Few things give me as much joy as the fruits of meaningful learning.

FELIPE PREGNOLATTO, SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL

Amid the hectic routine at work and the pressure to achieve results, I took a closer look at a learner who, at that moment, needed support, someone to listen, and empathy. Our weekly conversations took her learning and motivation to another level, and this moment of trust and exchange brought me great joy and satisfaction.

FLÁVIA GUERRISE, SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL

When you’re kind to people and pets, and they simply choose to be with you among others. A picture of my neighbor’s puppy who runs into my apartment whenever the door is open.

ADRIANA BERETTA LONGO, SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL

3 dogs at home… means never-ending love…

MARCIA SIMONE, ITANHAÉM, SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL

One of my greatest recent moments of joy was watching our students lead their own parent-teacher conferences, proudly sharing their learning, achievements, and challenges with their families. Seeing their confidence, their parents’ pride, and the dedication of our teachers reminded me why I love education. It is in these moments that we see our mission come to life: helping children grow into confident, thoughtful, and independent individuals.

AMARAL CUNHA, RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL

Fly fishing on the Clark Fork under a clear blue sky as the fall colors begin to appear on the shoreline.

MICHAEL MARTELL, MISSOULA, MONTANA

For me it is not the big things in life and on the contrary, it is the simple things that I am grateful for. The biggest joy in my life is my family: A family of 5, with 3 adult children and a husband for 32 years.
While there are many small, not super exciting things that make me happy, reading would be top of my list.
Particularly starting the day with coffee and newspaper every morning is something where I happily sacrifice my sleep to get up before my family.

EBRU GÜVER, SCHAFFHAUSEN, SWITZERLAND

Today is my birthday. The past year has been one of the most challenging to date. It was very much a survive day-by-day mindset. This morning, I decided to treat myself to a slice of cake for breakfast and listen to the sounds of nature to really reset and hopefully, usher in a more happy and peaceful year. It also gave me time to reflect on all the years I have lived and how much joy I experienced and to be grateful for those memories. Life is very much hills and valleys.

SANDRA, WASHINGTON, DC

For some, a rainy day is a chance to slip inside with a warm drink and comfy blanket. For a six-year old, it’s a call-to-action for collecting rain drops, cleaning the car, and turning umbrellas upside down. A reminder to play just a bit more.

DEREK, ZUG

This week, my parents celebrated 60 years of marriage. My sister April’s letter to them captured their journey beautifully through a baseball metaphor, fitting for two Toronto Blue Jays fans:

“As the Toronto Blue Jays celebrate 50 years in Major League Baseball, we celebrate Shirley and Armand Dequanne’s “Diamond Anniversary”, marking an incredible 60 years of love, commitment, partnership.
Like any great baseball story, your journey began with a first pitch and a field of dreams ahead of you. Over the years, you have run the bases together, celebrated home runs and learned that sometimes the wisest move is knowing when to take the walk rather than force the play. There were seasons where one of you was in the field while the other was on base, each carrying different responsibilities but always playing for the same team with a goal of winning in life, love and family. And as every baseball fan knows, while all the players contribute, the game simply does not happen without the pitcher and the catcher, working together, trusting one another, communicating through every inning (maybe sometimes one person calling the pitch) and guiding the team through challenges and victories.
That has been the two of you for six decades. It hasn’t always been easy, and surely tough innings, rain delays and extra-inning battles along the way. But through it all, you never gave up on each other (maybe stranded a runner on base for a couple of innings 😄). You adapted, persevered and found a way to win the game. Your Diamond Anniversary is a testament to a championship partnership built on love, sacrifice, patience, and unwavering support. We are so grateful for the example you’ve set and the legacy you have built.
60 years is a bases-loaded home run hit! Congratulations on this milestone, and what a privilege it is to be running the bases with you in the innings of this life.”

BARRY DEQUANNE, ZUG, SWITZERLAND

Tonight we had booked seats at our favorite little restaurant for their Thursday social dining. We had the most lovely evening with two other couples that we didn’t know beforehand, and all went to enjoy our little gallery close by over coffee, discussing art, champagne and culture.

LENE LANE, BREDEM DENMARK

Watching my granddaughter laugh with her father (my Son).

MADDY, ATHENS, GREECE

Dancing last Saturday. It was amazing.

LEONE, BRASÍLIA, BRAZIL

My daughter’s silence while watching the trees is one of the moments of joy the past few weeks have given me. We recently moved from a small island in the Mediterranean, a busy and crowded place, where humans, buildings, and cars have outnumbered the trees, to the point my daughter once asked, “Mama, what is that? – A tree”, I said. For the past weeks, we’ve lived in a place where trees, green parks, and nature form part of every breath. She sits in the car or on the bike and just watches the trees outside.

KATIA, FRANCE

This summer, in one of Prague’s beautiful parks, the sky suddenly opened. While adults hurried for shelter, a little girl jumped joyfully in the puddles. Her infectious joy spread, and one by one, we joined her, laughing, playing, and delighting in the rain. Reflecting on this and the joyful moments I’ve encountered teaching young children, I wonder: perhaps joy is not simply experienced, but embedded in who we are. Emerging and growing when we connect and remain open to wonder.

SAMIRA BELLO, PRAGUE

My moment of joy was yesterday, our grandson was born the day before my birthday! I video chatted with him as he just turned 3. To see the smile on his face and the sunny sky in the background really did the trick. What a darling little boy.

KEVIN MILLER, BERLIN, GERMANY

I have been in education for 40 years – I started very young, and I am not as young as I perceive myself to be – so for a few years now I have been encountering my former students in their capacity as parents, a grandfatherly encounter of sorts. When I look back upon my rookie years as a teacher, I cannot help but be very self-critical, and I cringe, in retrospect, at how my insecurities betrayed themselves in a desire for control, a need to assert myself, and many teaching vices which I would now reject outright. And yet, maybe with the fondness of contemplating their younger years and the benefit of perspective, when I meet some of my first students, their feedback is overwhelmingly positive and affectionate, compassionate in their assessment of my own tentative first steps.
These encounters are moments of quiet joy, a reminder of how our essence transcends even our foibles and failures, and that, albeit armed only with their best intentions, teachers can leave their mark, a reward that is more valuable than any of the worldly measures of success.

GABRIEL RSHAID, BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA

Watching the eclipse on the beach, surrounded by so many strangers, was a beautiful moment of joy. It reminded me how much we need each other, and how naturally we come together to share moments of wonder. In such uncertain times, that feeling of connection made me really happy.

ELENA MARTELLI, VIAREGGIO, ITALY

Every year, I invite Nepali friends from Germany for a hike. This year, we chose Seealpsee. Perfect weather, a beautiful lake, and a first hike for some. But my real moment of joy came when I saw my husband and kids waiting near the lake. They had taken the easier route and beaten us there. No matter how beautiful the world is or how many mountains I climb, my happiness is with my little family—and their beautiful chaos.

SUSMITA MASKEY NIRAULA, ST. ERHARD, LUZERN

My moment of joy was taking my early morning walk in the peaceful Steinhausen Wald and being able to watch the sun rise and just be…

CERI SHEIKH, ZUG, SWITZERLAND

I’m incredibly blessed to have rekindled my Joy of playing the cello after 32 years of working abroad. For the past 6 years, I’ve lived the joy of music via my participation in a regional orchestra in Western North Carolina.

ERIC SANDS, NORTH CAROLINA

Recently, my 11th-grade son decided to learn how to cook. Spending time in a kitchen together has been an amazing way to reconnect with my teenager.

KRISTINA MECELICAITE, BULGARIA

I noticed an elderly lady who was often sitting alone on her balcony. One day, I met her on the street and simply told her, “I’d like to be your friend.” Since then, we have shared many afternoons together, enjoying each other’s company. Seeing her smile again, perhaps after a long time, has brought me a kind of joy that is difficult to put into words. Joy is the quiet freedom of knowing that you carry a genuine and good heart, and that you will always choose kindness towards others.

REBEKA R.H., ZÜRICH, SWITZERLAND

Joyous to have two of my sweet grandchildren enjoying a meal and conversation at my breakfast bar.

JANET HEINZE, GUADALAJARA, MEXICO

I am spending this joyful entrance into my eighth decade with my daughter, Debbie, her husband Tim, and my three-year-old granddaughter, Eloise.

TELMA LEVISON, FLORIDA

Lying in a hammock with my 10-year-old who still thankfully likes to cuddle, listening to howler monkeys and song birds first thing in the morning.

JULIE STERN, NICARAGUA

On my birthday, messages from current and former students, friends, and colleagues around the world brought a wonderful moment of joy. Their messages and our renewed conversations made me reflect on the many remarkable people I have met and the relationships I have built throughout my teaching journey. Some began many years ago, yet have endured across distance and time. It was a reminder that education extends far beyond the classroom: it is about connection, shared experiences, and remaining part of one another’s lives. I am deeply grateful for a profession I truly love.

FUMI MIYATA, NEW DELHI, INDIA

Being present enough to notice the glimmers of joy that are already around us. Giving ourselves permission to intentionally create space for more of them. Sunday morning sauna at Killiney Beach and dip in the chilly Irish Sea. Creating the space to see the sun break through the clouds and reconnect with my amazing wife. Reframe; Reset; Refresh.

BARNABY SANDOW, DUBLIN, IRELAND

Out on a cycle ride this morning. Stopped for a breather (that happens more often than I care to mention at my age), and had the loveliest chat with a dog walker. Nothing deep – the weather, cute dog – but a warm interaction that made me smile for the rest of my ride. The world is more often a good place than not.

GAVIN, UK

My moment was yesterday during my birthday party when I got to dance with my wife to a song we danced to when we first met 27 years ago, Chichi Peralta Procura. It brought back the warm feeling I experienced when I first danced with my wife.

JOE HAMKARI, DHAKA, BANGLADESH

Spending my birthday with my family after 18 years of being away from home.

ANONYMOUS

My husband and I recently spent the weekend in Madrid for my birthday and to catch up with a good friend who had recently moved there. The whole weekend was joyful, but one part in particular stands out: there’s a photo of my friend and me laughing so hard and holding each other’s hands. I can’t remember what it was we were laughing so hard about now, but I remember the laughter and how, with longstanding friends, you can have deep belly laughs. We laughed all day long, I think!

PATRICK RENOUF, SWITZERLAND

My moment of joy is every moment I have the 3 women in my life (my 2 daughters and my wife) together in the same room, seeing them smile and laugh.

EDWARD DE LA PAZ, ORLANDO, FLORIDA

After not seeing each other for 17 years, the four of us, along with other good friends from Ecuador, met up in Bilbao, Spain, for a wedding. It was a joyous occasion connecting with dear friends from the past. It was one of those moments when you realize that true friendship stands the test of time. A reminder that we have to meet up again, SOON!

BLAIR PETERSON, HARARE, ZIMBABWE

My moment of joy came during my wedding this summer. I was struck by how much love surrounds not only my husband and me but also our extended families. Standing under the hot Arizona sun, surrounded by the people who matter most to us, as we took this next step together was truly profound. This has been a year marked by loss for me, which made the opportunity to share such an intimate moment and celebrate love feel especially meaningful.

ELLEN KING, ARIZONA, USA

Very recently, I spent a most pleasant evening at the lakeside in Zurich. Many people enjoyed this wonderful atmosphere, and a group of musicians played music. Following my impulse, I sat down on the wall at the shore, watching the soft movement of the water, the ducks, and the swans. Soon, two unknown people took seats to my right and left, and we shared this beautiful sunset together. What a moment of joy to see them and all the other people enjoying this quiet evening and its pure beauty.

SIMONE JUNOD, ZÜRICH, SWITZERLAND

The kisses I receive every morning from my little dog, Phoebe.

CARMEN SPANGARO, MIAMI, FLORIDA