1.) ...on a Monday. It's been a while we did this. Let's go!
2.) There is the elephant in the room: the elections. I've processed personally and of course, I have thoughts but for now, let's all pretend. Let's collectively be in denial. Let's pretend like this country did not vote in a convicted felon to lead this country. Shall we? We shall. Below are things that will cause you to think, maybe scare you a bit, and teach you how to be better.
3.) How to fight workaholism! Remember that work takes and it never gives back. Remember also that work can never love you back. People can. So invest in relationships: romantic, sure. But more. Always more.
4.) A biomedical scientist answers pseudoscience questions. The amount of mis/disinformation out there is STAGGERING. This might be the biggest threat of the next few decades.
5.) A Harvard professor of happiness answers questions on happiness. A lot of GEMS in that on tackling fear, being aware of your emotions, and how to be happier in EXACTLY ten weeks.
6.) How to make sense of God, especially if you're a skeptic.
7.) A husband in the aftermath of his wife's unfathomable act. I went into that story filled with rage that a woman would murder her own three children. I came out of it even more downcast and terrified of how powerful/dangerous/destructive our minds can be. (If that link doesn't work, here is a paywall-free one)
8.) This woman is housing TWELVE displaced persons in her home in Sudan. And yet even she has been uprooted by the conflict. War is senseless. Violence is insane. And yet. In any case, as you pray and fight and advocate, remember Palestine is not the only place ravaged by violent monsters. Sudan also is. Congo also is. So many places also are.
9.) Did you see however long you were able to suspend belief for the past (whatever amount of time it took to read the above)? Do that for the holidays. There are real tangible threats in our countries (whichever one you come from and/or live in). But there is only ever going to be one 2024 holiday season. So, enjoy it. Decide to actively be free of fear and anxiety (heck, promise yourself to to pick it up again once the clock rings 12:01AM January 2nd). Get rid of social media even. Whatever it takes, be happy this season. Desperately, decidedly so.
See you next time (hopefully not six months from now).
Love,
I
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