Ready to Bring More Joy to Your Work & Life?

Would you believe me if I told you one of my favourite parts of working at Scotiabank was all the Latin dancing I used to do? Yes, this gringa used to own the dance floor (or at least try to)!

It all started over 20 years ago when I lived in Lima, Peru, for a university exchange and later an internship. Back then, I danced merengue and salsa every single week (tip: if you want to learn to dance or speak another language really well, find a partner who can teach you—trust me, it works!).

Later, when I joined Scotiabank, I was thrilled to keep dancing as part of our offsite events and parties. Dancing brought so much joy to those moments and helped build stronger connections with my colleagues.

Fast forward to last week in Costa Rica, where I had the chance to relive those memories and dance with a Latin dance pro (a fellow Canadian speaker) at a conference. Was I a bit rusty? Oh, you bet. But it brought me so much joy that I didn’t even care about the missed steps.

The experience reminded me of how often we sideline joy in our busy lives, especially during the holiday season. And yet, when we make time for the things that bring us happiness, it recharges us, strengthens our connections, and makes us more productive—not just at work, but in life.

With that in mind, here are 10 quick ways to bring joy into your life this holiday season:

At Work:

1. Host a Festive Team Lunch or Breakfast – Whether virtual or in-person, take time to connect over food and laughter.
2. Secret Santa with a Twist – Give small, meaningful gifts (think handmade or personalized notes).
3. Gratitude Tree – Create a space for your team to share things they’re grateful for.
4. Dance Breaks – Yes, seriously. Play a fun holiday song and let loose! And hey, why not wear an ugly sweater or hat while you're at it!
5. Celebrate Wins – Reflect on the year with your team and toast to your successes (big and small).

Outside of Work:

1. Reconnect with an Old Hobby – Whether it’s dancing, painting, or baking, make time for something you used to love.
2. Take a Walk in Nature – Bundle up and head outdoors to clear your mind and recharge.
3. Holiday Movie Night – Gather loved ones, pop some popcorn, and enjoy a classic.
4. Volunteer – Give back to your community and experience the joy of helping others.
5. Dance Like No One’s Watching – Or, if you’re like me, let the world watch and laugh along with you!

Speaking of dancing… if you need a laugh (or just want proof that rusty dance moves can still bring joy), check out this quick video of me attempting to keep up on the dance floor. 💃 Spoiler alert: I’m not winning any awards, but I’m having a blast.

Watch video here

What’s something you used to love but haven’t made time for recently? I’d love to hear your thoughts—and maybe even challenge you to bring a little more joy into your life this season.

Here’s to ending the year with more joy, laughter, and maybe even a little dancing.

Warm wishes!

Shannon

P.S. If you're looking to bring more joy or engagement to your team or organization in 2025, let's chat. I'd love to see how I can help. Just reply to this email and we can set up a quick call.