Midnight & mischief
What if the most important resolution was simply to enjoy yourself more?
Hi there,
Tonight, while a lot of people will be getting ready to raucously ring in the new year, I’ll be doing what I always do: staying in, watching the world celebrate with countdowns and fireworks on the television. There’ll be a few snacks, a comfy blanket, maybe Jools Holland’s Hootenanny if I remember, and then bed by 1am, if I even make it that long.
There was a time when I’d feel sheepish about that. Like I should be out at some fabulous party, posting something meaningful on social media or feeling transformed by the turning of the clock. But these days, I’ve let go of the pressure for New Year’s Eve to be profound. I’m far more interested in it being honest.
And honesty, for me, means leaning into joy on my own terms. Which is why today’s topic - play - means more to me than you might think. This isn’t party hats and Prosecco, it’s something deeper and more vital.
In August, I wrote about joy and how we don’t need to earn it. That joy isn’t a prize for being good or productive. But the truth is, even when you know that, joy can still feel elusive. It’s not always easy to access but play is the thing that helps me get back to it.
That’s why I love Dr. Stuart Brown’s idea of play personalities. It’s not about how good you are at having fun. It’s about the kind of fun that speaks to your nature. The way you’re wired to recharge, create, explore and feel most alive.
He identified eight types. And yes, they’re based on research, but more than that, they’re surprisingly insightful. You might be one or two or more of these. You might change over time. You might not know yet, but that’s okay too.
The Joker, who sees humour as connection and finds play in laughter and mischief.
The Kinesthete, who plays through movement - dancing, walking, sports, or even just fidgeting.
The Explorer, who loves discovering new places, ideas or experiences.
The Competitor, who finds fun in games, challenges or anything with a little friendly rivalry.
The Director, who enjoys planning, hosting and orchestrating experiences for others.
The Collector, who takes joy in gathering anything from stamps to playlists to skincare samples.
The Creator/Artist, who finds flow in making, whether it’s painting, baking, sewing or styling.
The Storyteller, who plays through narrative in things like books, podcasts, conversation, theatre, or even daydreams.
I’m a mix of most of these with a major in storytelling and directing and a bit of joker thrown in. I used to think play had to look a certain way, you know, be spontaneous, physical or loud. But when I realised that planning a themed Christmas work do or scripting a podcast counted too, I stopped waiting to be invited to someone else’s version of fun and started designing my own.
So if you’re reading this and thinking you’re not playful, I promise you are. You’ve just forgotten the shape of your play. Maybe your version is curating the perfect reading list or diving into a new recipe. Maybe it’s sorting through old vinyls or watching reality TV. Maybe it’s group chats that descend into memes, or solo walks where you let your mind wander. It doesn’t have to be cute. It doesn’t even have to be shared. It just has to feel like something real is waking up inside you again.
The thing about play is that it brings us back to ourselves. It’s not childish, it’s deeply human. We were built for joy and play is how we access it, not as a reward, but as a right.
Your Best Year Yet is happening right now
We’re halfway through the Your Best Year Yet challenge, and it’s not too late to join.
Each day, we’re peeling back a layer; from reflection and values to purpose and priorities. Today, in fact, is all about joy and play. Which makes this newsletter beautifully timed.
Sign up below to receive the free workbook and daily audio companions. It’s gentle but powerful and a great way to reset with intention before 2026 begins.
WorkWell Wisdom
“The creation of something new is not accomplished by the intellect but by the play instinct.”
- Carl Jung
We often think that change requires force or grit. But what if your most inspired, sustainable, joyful change came from a different place entirely? What if it came from play?
WorkWell Recommends
Read: Play by Stuart Brown
The foundational book that explores how play shapes our brains, relationships and lives. A bit sciencey in places, but full of insight into why play is not a luxury, it’s a necessity.
Watch: Human Playground (Netflix)
This documentary series, narrated by Idris Elba, explores what “play” looks like across cultures, ages and extremes. From unusual sports to ancient rituals, it gently reminds us that play isn’t trivial and that it’s human, primal and endlessly fascinating.
Do: Start the year with a Play Date
Not for the kids, for you. Alone or with friends. Block out 2–3 hours in January for something purely fun: baking something new, trying a dance class, exploring a part of your area you’ve never visited. No productivity. No outcomes. Just joy.
Thank you
This is the final newsletter of WorkWell’s first year and I just want to say a massive thank you.
Writing Noted has been my favourite part of building this whole thing. And that’s down to you - the kind replies, the shares, the screenshots, the way some of you have told me it became part of your month.
Creating something from scratch is never easy, especially alone, but your encouragement has meant more than you know. So again, thank you. I’m so happy to be continuing this into 2026 and can’t wait to grow it into something even richer.
If you’ve enjoyed Noted, I’d love if you shared it with someone you think would too.
Before you go…
New Year’s Eve doesn’t need a transformation arc. You don’t need a reinvention story. And you certainly don’t need to prove your worth through resolutions.
You’re allowed to ease into the new year and begin with lightness and laughter. You’re allowed to play.
Until next time,
Dulcie x
Be gentle with yourself.
Work smart, rest well, play more.
And if you want to start the year off right… maybe add glitter.