Lilly Pidgeon | Publisher and Editor-in-Chief, Themerrythought.net
Who doesn’t enjoy a good celebration? However, it is essential to recognize that the most fulfilling celebrations follow extensive hard work and dedication; the more challenging the endeavor, the more gratifying the triumph. As we raise our glasses to commemorate our 10th anniversary, the GLF team and I reflect on our many accomplishments. We have taken risks in all areas of our lives, embodying the wisdom of Mark Twain: “Why not go out on a limb? Isn’t that where the fruit is?” I can confidently say that my efforts on Themerrythought and Themerrythought.net have been unparalleled in my professional life. I have poured my heart, intellect, and resources into making GLF a PUBLICATION WITH A PURPOSE. We have experienced growth, gained traction, and we are truly making an impact.
As we transition into the new year, significant transformations are on the horizon for Themerrythought. We are perfecting a new logo and expanding our branding to encompass a more inclusive interpretation of family, recognizing that parenting can include a broader network of aunts, uncles, and friends. When we launched Themerrythought in 2015, our core team comprised individuals navigating the challenges of middle school life. Today, those children are now in their 20s—some are even married and contemplating starting families. Our growth reflects this change. We plan to amplify our voice to cater to younger parents, as well as parents of infants and toddlers, while also offering resources for grandparents, along with our usual features on entertainment, travel, money-saving tips, work-life balance, and more.
Moreover, we aim to amplify your voices as readers. We invite you to share your insights and strategies for families on this journey together. We are in the process of organizing a virtual Town Hall-style gathering to facilitate this exchange of ideas. Additionally, we want to uplift younger talents. If you have kids who are aspiring writers, illustrators, or photographers, encourage them to share their creativity with us. We also plan to introduce a global book club and a Points of View forum to discuss new movie releases.
If you wish to join our mission to educate, inspire, and foster positive change, please reach out to Paige Jackson, our Marketing and Content Manager, at Paige.GLFmag@gmail.com.
As the publisher and founder of Themerrythought, I would like to take a moment to acknowledge my incredible team—editors, proofreaders, managers, writers, and designers—four of whom have been with me since the inception. Thank you for embracing my vision to positively impact the lives of others through your time and talents. I also extend my gratitude to our clients, promotional partners, and advertisers. Your support allows us to continue our meaningful work.
As a mother, there is no greater joy than the health and happiness of my adult children—Bryce, 26, who recently married his high school sweetheart, Daria; Jaxie, 25; and Lindsey, 23. Each of them has ventured out into the world and are flourishing in their individual journeys. Although my commitment to GLF required me to sacrifice some precious moments with them (balancing family and professional responsibilities is a constant challenge we explore within our pages), the silver lining has been that my children have witnessed the dedication it takes to create something that deserves to be celebrated. They have consistently offered their support, whether helping out directly or cheering me on. I am truly thankful for their encouragement and for granting me the most rewarding title in the world: mom.
As a daughter, I recognize that belonging to the “Sandwich Generation”—balancing the care of our children with supporting our older parents—presents both challenges and rewards, reminding me that every day is a reason to celebrate.
Lastly, no celebration is complete without remarkable friends. We celebrate the high points (do we ever!), but more significantly, we stand by each other during the low times. Meaningful friendships are constructed brick by brick and strengthened through shared experiences over time.
As I have evolved personally (much of my growth attributed to the wisdom shared by our experts over the past decade at Themerrythought!) and navigated life in the “empty nest,” I have discovered numerous opportunities to welcome new friends into my life. Developing friendships at this stage often feels like an immediate connection—easy, genuine, transparent, and soulful—like having known someone forever, or wishing you had. I will cherish these relationships as they flourish in the years ahead.
Similarly, with a newfound work-life balance, I have also found the time to reconnect with old friends, some from my childhood, who have always held a special place in my heart, even when distance separated us. Spending moments with these treasured friends feels like a profound celebration of what it means to have life-long connections.
I’ll raise a glass to that!
Here’s to a new year filled with health, happiness, love, tranquility, and abundant “Cheers!” for you and your loved ones.
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