Dear Friends,

Imagine something with me: a community where joy is practiced, kindness is taught, and the foundation for a fruitful life is laid in the early years of childhood.

This is the vision behind our “City of Joy” campaign, and it’s more than just a festive idea. It’s a living, growing movement, rooted in self-regulation, nurtured by compassion, and blooming in schools and homes across the country.

As I reflect on the journey this year, one word keeps surfacing: expansion. What began in classrooms in Mansfield City Schools has now grown into communities in Wisconsin, Arizona, and beyond.

We’ve watched the Labyrinth Adventures stories and curriculum take root, inspiring children and families to pause, breathe, and respond with kindness – even when emotions feel big. Every day, we are talking with schools and libraries eager to infuse more joy and kindness into their communities.

Each lesson in the Tia and Lily series teaches more than a story; it offers children tools for a healthy mindset, attention-building, and emotional strength. And now, thousands of children across multiple states are discovering how to tune into their breath, listen with their whole bodies, and make thoughtful choices. These are life skills, and they’re blooming where they’re needed most.

At the same time, I’ve been honored to share my memoir, Right Side of Happiness with educators, caregivers, and leaders. This book was born from a lifetime of listening. I listened to my own breath, to the stories of teachers, and to the quiet courage of children. It speaks to the power of choosing joy, even amidst challenges. This is something we can all practice together this season.

Soon we’ll gather for two very special holiday events in downtown Mansfield, Ohio at the 101 Tea Company (formerly known as Third Cup of Tea) in the Carrousel District. On Friday, Dec. 12 at 4 p.m. we will have a conversation over afternoon hot chocolate for the Right Side of Happiness. On Saturday, Dec. 13 at noon we will host a family-friendly book celebration for Labyrinth Adventures.

At the heart of both events is what matters most: community, connection, and the practices that build a joyful life from the inside out. If you are in the area, please join us! If you are not in central Ohio, follow us on social media to share the holiday joy with us.

As we prepare for the festivities ahead, I hope you’ll join us in creating a City of Joy wherever you are. Whether you’re a teacher helping students find calm in the classroom or a parent navigating busy holiday schedules, joy is within reach. It starts with a breath. A pause. A choice.

With warmth and gratitude,

Annamarie