Dear Dartmouth,

2020 – this year that has inspired more memes than any of us want to remember, is finally winding to a close. These last two weeks find us all in the midst of multiple transitions. We are changing terms, changing years, changing seasons, and doing so in the midst of even more changes brought about by an unfathomable number of different events that have all clustered in this one calendar year.

I know that, as I have started to slow down a bit recently, easing into the winter break, it has made me aware that all of this has taken a toll. It’s been a lot, and I’m tired. Maybe you are too. Wherever you are, and however you may be feeling, I hope that this winter break can be a time of reconnection and recreation, of restoration and rest. Eat, sleep, play, laugh, and pause now and then to take it all in.

One of the MANY things I love about this time of year are the many “best of” articles that appear, summing up the events and accomplishments of the prior 12 months. Whatever you’re into, whether it’s podcasts or books, cooking or sports, fashion or film, design or music, there are likely multiple lists out there that can connect you with new ideas, individuals, or releases that can enrich your life. And what makes this even better for me is that there’s actually the time and space to actually read them – especially when the world has offered you piles of snow that seem to make everyone and everything slow down a bit.

At the SWC, our work is largely focused on wellbeing, and we constantly scan the research literature for evidence and ideas that can further our mission of empowering our community to thrive. I suppose it makes sense, then, that one of the articles that stood out to me was a summary of the top 10 insights from different scientific studies of wellbeing from the past year, identified by the team at the Greater Good Science Center. I wanted to share it on our blog and encourage you to give it a look as a tool for reflection. What findings surprise you? Which connect with your lived experiences? And which spark a sense of genuine curiosity, creating a desire in you to learn more?

I find myself thinking a lot about the construct of psychological richness, and how that dimension might be just as important for my wellbeing as happiness, meaning or life satisfaction. The findings about phone calls have a stronger association with connection and happiness than texting might give me the motivation to set aside time for conversations with the people I’m missing right now. The many studies that explore connections between social justice, inequality, diversity, and wellbeing renew my commitment to making our SWC work ever more accessible and inclusive of everyone in our Dartmouth community. And the findings related to empathy and motivation are something I will do my best to apply in both the personal and professional dimensions of my life.

What might you take from this list and apply to your life in a way that could enhance your wellbeing in the new year? Or, if you’re not inspired by these findings, what have you learned and/or unlearned this past year that can help you more fully realize who you want to become and take steps toward creating the life you want to be living?

Finally, and most importantly, please know how much you matter. You are an irreplaceable part of our community, and we stand ready to support you in your challenges and to celebrate your accomplishments. Thanks for all that you bring to Dartmouth and to the world. We look forward to connecting with you in 2021, and wish you abundant peace, love, and wonder, now and into the new year.

Take care and be well,
Todd