Hi there, my tasty treats!

Our New Yorker of the Week today is Edlyn. She’s in her 50s, lives in the Bronx, and is looking for friendship. If you’re interested in meeting her, email [email protected].

Want to be featured next? Submit here if your 2026 resolution is to find more friends and/or love.

As always, you can submit your events for free here and your paid ads here.

Now, onto the good stuff:

How would someone who loves you describe you?

I'm newly adventurous and vibrant, always ready to say yes to the next experience. My friends say I'm fun and full of energy, though I'll admit I can be too serious at times, especially when I'm problem-solving. But I'm learning that this chapter is all about letting go, laughing more, and embracing whatever comes next with open arms.

What sorts of things do you want to do with your friends?

Dancing, dining and I love the village.

What's something that people might not guess about you?

How serious I used to be compared to the lighter me that has emerged for the last 3 years, finally.

Anything else that the Joy List community can help you with?

More about me, I have an online women's community about resting and playing, I have a music nonprofit that helps kids, I love being outside in nature very often.

Want to try new fitness things in 2026?

2 weeks ago I shared a link for a free first-timer Barrys class. Their referral system lets me see how many people signed up (68) vs how many people have attended (4.) Consider this your reminder to go check it out! This is the link again if you didn’t use it last time.

And if you’re like me, this is a reminder to not compare yourself to the abular adonises that attend these classes. Don’t worry if you can’t run at a superhuman 13 miles per hour. Just making it through is a win. I’m run-walking the whole time.

I ALSO have a referral code for something a little lighter and groovier, the dance cardio class, 305 Fitness. You can use this link to get 2 weeks of UNLIMITED classes for $49. (I once went to a non-beginner class and almost died, so if your cardio needs work… maybe try the beginner ones.)

Gatherings

Double check details before you go, and contact the organizers with questions! The Joy List does not run these events.

Tuesday, January 20: Astronomy on Tap NYC: First Light!

Astronomy on Tap NYC brings professional astronomers and space enthusiasts out of the lecture hall and into local pubs for fun, accessible talks, games, and Q&A. No science background required, just curiosity (a love of space puns doesn’t hurt).

Free. 7-9 PM. Somethin' Else, DeKalb Market, 445 Albee Square W. Info here. (Note from Jillian, there is currently a waitlist which is honestly awesome.)

Wednesday, Jan 21st: Here & Now: A Phone-Free Experience

​​​​​A curated, phone-free social experience for ambitous and intentional people who want more out of their time offline.​​​​​​Upon arrival, you'll check in your phone with our team for safekeeping.From there, your only job is to be fully present and spend quality time with quality people, over a curated menu of drinks and snacks (available for purchase).​​​Who’s Invited:​​Those who value attention, intention, and human connection.​​​​​This is not a networking event. This is a place to feel human again.

$25, 630-9pm, 146 Orchard St. Info here.

Wednesday, January 21: Open Loops: Who Is Allowed to Want?

Open Loops returns on January 21st at Le Petit Monstre with an intimate salon exploring the question: Who is allowed to want? Wanting is never neutral. Some desires are celebrated, while others are shamed, silenced, or made dangerous. Together, we’ll engage in a guided conversation grounded in philosophy, psychology, and lived experience. No background in philosophy required; just curiosity and a willingness to think together.

$20, 7-9 pm. 82 Washington Ave. Info here.

Wednesday, January 21: Junk Journal Hang and Zine Trade

Join us for a night of junk journaling and zine trading at a queer & woman-owned bar, 21+. You can also create collages and other art and we will provide a range of zines for you to bring home. A big rolling luggage containing stickers, tapes, glues, ephemera, magazines, scented papers from the Philippines, and other special paper treats galore will be available for your perusal. Feel free to bring your own art supplies & zines to share.

Free, 7-9:30 PM, 675 Central Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11207. Info here.

Thursday, January 22: songs you can touch: live music and art making

Lean into the fresh energy of a new year with a participatory, interactive concert led by singer-songwriters and facilitators Ben Freeman, Jernie Millán, and CLOVER & Dani Sundream. You'll hear songs from each artist related to the theme of new beginnings and be invited to draw, collage, or paint what you hear. We'll make up new songs together and pause between sets to get to know each other through creative prompts and making whimsical, momentary art together. All art supplies included!

$25, 6-9pm, 327 Grand St. Williamsburg. Info here.

Saturday, January 24: CoSee Corner presents: Bring Your Own Book (BYOB)

Book lovers, this one’s for you: CoSee Corner is launching its first-ever interest marketplace with a cozy BYOB (Bring Your Own Book) hang. 📚Think Meetup vibes + Etsy energy, where neighbors swap stories and pre-loved reads IRL.Bring up to three books to trade for free or sell for $5 each, grab a warm drink, and settle in for good convos and great recommendations.Come solo or bring a friend—leave with a new book and a little extra joy. ✨

$0. 2-3PM. 25 11th Ave. Info here.

Sunday, January 25: Instill: Bondage Meditation

Step into a guided ceremonial journey of breath, ritual, and stillness. Move through an all-levels vinyasa flow that softens into yin and a blue-lotus tea ritual. Enter a gentle bondage meditation for deep rest, surrender, and being safely held. Close with grounding breath and a shared integration circle.

$75. 6-10 PM. 12 W 27th St 2nd floor, New York. Info here.

That's it for this edition. Sending hugs.

Stay cozy,

Jillian