Living a Joyful Life part 1 redux

Previously Finding Joy

Nyx Ember

I started this series in 2023. And at that time I thought I knew what joy was and that moments of joy were all I wanted.  I was really still learning. My journey was in its infancy.  When I wrote my original article, I was less than a year out of an abusive relationship and I had never in my life been able to do anything I truly wanted to do.  I was not completely cognizant of what I wanted or who I was.  I have come to the conclusion that joy is actually a continuous journey instead a destination. The definition of joy is "a feeling of great pleasure and happiness." What I was really seeking was a peaceful and joyful life. Having lived in so much pain and chaos, even a moment of joy was a relief. We all experience moments of joy but a joyful life is somehow a bit more complicated as it requires you to be intentional. I have found that seeking the wisdom of my elders has taught me some absolutely invaluable lessons in this journey. They have  invested in me  something so priceless: their words, memories and LOVE. I have spent as much time as I could sitting in the presence of some of the wisest and bravest women I could find. Women who have done amazing things often during a time when they faced challenges we struggle to understand today.  Things they bring up in passing that  cause you to do a double take as you ask them to repeat what they said for a story.  And they always have a story, a rich thread woven through time.  These stories are all lessons.

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Winter 2026 Retreat

The Unitarian Universalist Women’s Connection will host its 2026 Winter Retreat from February 27 to March 1 at the Toddhall Retreat Center near Columbia, Illinois, just south of St. Louis. This beloved annual gathering invites women from across the MidAmerica Region to come together for a rejuvenating weekend of community, reflection, and restoration in a peaceful natural setting.

The 2026 retreat theme emphasizes rest, connection, and self-care. Described as a “spa weekend with spirit,” the event includes homemade meals prepared by the Toddhall kitchen, creative workshops, small group discussions, and evening programs that foster mindfulness and shared joy. The Blackburn Lodge at Toddhall—featuring cozy rooms, a fireside meeting area, and tranquil woodland surroundings—serves as the heart of the retreat experience.

Kathy, a Connection Council leader, will coordinate this year's retreat, continuing the group’s tradition of offering four seasonal gatherings annually for Unitarian Universalist women. Registration opens December 5, 2025, with limited capacity of 27 participants, ensuring an intimate and nurturing environment. The weekend wraps up with a closing circle and reflective service on Sunday morning, sending each participant home refreshed in body, mind, and spirit.

Having Fun While Learning and Advocating at our Fall Retreat

Our Fall Retreat at Cedar Valley in West Bend, Wisconsin was a weekend full of activities and relaxation. The weather was perfect, which gave participants a great opportunity to enjoy the beautiful grounds of the retreat center. 

Kerry Hagy told us all about the Permaculture that she and her husband have cultivated on the grounds surrounding their home. It was quite fascinating and inspiring. The earth is our mother and caring for her should be a priority for us all. Ingrid Daudert spoke to us about “The Skin of Mother Earth,” which reinforced a lot of the information that Kerry shared with us. We also had a craft workshop that involved making ink prints using fruits and vegetables, thanks to Sage.

We managed to fit some advocacy in by taking a field trip to the No Kings March at the local county courthouse. There we met up with our dear friend, Dana and her husband. Lucky for us, Jody had some sign making materials in her car so we could put some together for the occasion.

Our evenings were spent doing puzzles, drumming, singing, reading poems and book excerpts, shopping at our vendors and enjoying the company of such amazing women. I am already looking forward to our next retreat.

-- Karen Kortsch