My eyes quickly consumed this essay, and now it remains in my inbox to return to, more slowly, probably again and again.
For reasons both individual and collective, I feel a lot of dread about the new year. And about the future, generally. I am clearly being tasked with figuring out how to remain clear-eyed about all the harm that is coming, while also figuring out a way to remain connected to, well, pleasure, enjoyment, meaning, and, yes, hope.
The exercise of writing a list of reasons to be hopeful for the new year -- this new year -- is radical and is inspiring me. I admit, I am struggling with easily identifying anything. I also admit I greedily long to hear the rest of your list; I exhaled with relief at the humble nature (lower the bar, then lower it again) of the one you did generously share.
Oh. It just hit me, the one reason for hope I can now identify: having a small community of like-minded people, both in person and virtually, who will keep showing up, through all the horrors, reminding me that I'm not alone. You're not alone.
Well said and thank you for this. I think Billy's statement says it all. No reason needed. Pretty profound when you think about it.
Indeed! <3
I’m pleased this is the first thing I read in 2025. Thank you x
That's so kind. Thank you!
My eyes quickly consumed this essay, and now it remains in my inbox to return to, more slowly, probably again and again.
For reasons both individual and collective, I feel a lot of dread about the new year. And about the future, generally. I am clearly being tasked with figuring out how to remain clear-eyed about all the harm that is coming, while also figuring out a way to remain connected to, well, pleasure, enjoyment, meaning, and, yes, hope.
The exercise of writing a list of reasons to be hopeful for the new year -- this new year -- is radical and is inspiring me. I admit, I am struggling with easily identifying anything. I also admit I greedily long to hear the rest of your list; I exhaled with relief at the humble nature (lower the bar, then lower it again) of the one you did generously share.
Oh. It just hit me, the one reason for hope I can now identify: having a small community of like-minded people, both in person and virtually, who will keep showing up, through all the horrors, reminding me that I'm not alone. You're not alone.