[Grad-postdoc-assn] Stay warm and Happy Holidays!

[Valerie Sloan]

Happy Winter Solstice!

The North Pole reached its maximum tilt away from the sun
yesterday, marking the solstice. A special time of year, a time of darkness
and lights, winter solstice also heralds the beginning of days getting
longer. Below is a painting from northern Vancouver Island, Canada I
thought I'd share.

"Winter Solstice" by Andy Everson of Comox-Kwakwaka'wakw.
[image: Screenshot 2022-12-21 at 6.34.46 p.m..png]
The painting above ~kind of~ resembles this image of model output
<https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/150747/the-freezing-snowy-nightmare-before-christmas>
 of NASA's forecast, in colors at least!
It was -44 F in Bozeman, Montana earlier today. *Keep covered up, and keep
pets indoors.

[image: surfaceanoms_geos5_2022357_forecast.png]
*Thought of the day: *
In addition to gratitude bringing people more joy in life, research is
showing that Acts of Kindness are the Key to Happiness
<https://www.cbc.ca/documentaries/the-passionate-eye/acts-of-kindness-are-the-key-to-happiness-study-1.6682912>.
"In one study, people who did acts of kindness for others became happier,
and actually *stayed happier for* *about two to four weeks* after the study
was over. What really was *important about kindness was* *that you're
**connecting
with another person*. And it might actually have effects on the body. Those
who did acts of kindness for others showed* changes in their RNA gene
expression, in the blood, that were associated with a healthier immune
profile. * . . . Happier people have more friends. They're also more
productive at work. They're more creative. They're physically healthier.
They have stronger immune systems. They even live longer." - Sonja
Lyubomirsky, UCLA.

Thanks to many of you for your efforts in organizing and connecting with
each other and all of us this year. I know we are grateful, and that you
have made a real difference to many!

May you have a cozy, lovely holiday wherever you are.

Val

-- 
Valerie Sloan, Ph.D.
NCAR Early Career Professional Development Lead
& Director of the GEO REU Network
<https://ncar.ucar.edu/what-we-offer/education-outreach/faculty-resources/geo-reu-resource-center>
NCAR Education, Engagement and Early-Career Development
P.O. Box 3000
Boulder, CO 80307-3000
Email: vsloan at ucar.edu

I recognize that Boulder, Colorado, sits on the ancestral homelands and
unceded
territory of Indigenous People, including people of the Arapaho, Cheyenne,
and
<https://www.fairobserver.com/region/north_america/indigenous-peoples-native-american-history-us-canada-colonialism-news-16521/>
Ute Nations
<https://www.fairobserver.com/region/north_america/indigenous-peoples-native-american-history-us-canada-colonialism-news-16521/>
.
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