Whether you’re just carving out some time to journal solo or gathering with some good people to reflect in community (you can print these out, tear them up, and throw them in a bowl), here are some prompts to help you along…
Courtney's assignment is so challenging that I've spent all morning trying to formulate short brief responses. So if anyone is interested, here are my tentative answers. I'll continue to use this inspiring list as the holidays progress to discuss with others.
1. Best adventure, to join Mia and Sierra, granddaughters in Portland, in the Gay Pride Festival on June 18th. This gave support to Mia, who came out as lesbian, so our whole family participated.
2. Best book: Ramachandra Guha, "Rebels Against the Raj. Western Fighters for India's Freedom" (Knopf, 2022), because of the amazing courage of these heroic women and men, by defying U.S. and English norms to engage in the Indian independence movement; TV show, "Harry and Meghan"(see Roxanne Gay's excellent op ed., on why this show matters in NY Times, 12/21, p.A20). Podcast, "In Our Time", BBC series by Melvyn Bragg. The British dons are incredibly articulate and profound in a huge range of topics.
3. Excruciating reports of civilian casualties in the Ukraine. When will this war ever end?
4. I miss attending the Portland high school classes on "Ethics" for which I volunteered. I'm still wary of attending them (no longer available on zoom), but I hope that in 2023 that I'll be able to go again.
5. I lost 10 lbs., but miss the chocolates that I crave.
6. I still grieve the loss of my younger brother and only sibling from early onset Alzheimer's 4 years ago, and can't find a way to let go of it, that's especially wrenching during holidays.
7. Walking with Sharron in the nearby forest that Courtney and family once did with us. I'd like her, Maya, Stella and John to come again in 2023!
8. Sharron as usual, after 61+ years of marriage. The forthcoming holidays, with lots of relatives coming, present a challenge for me about better boundaries, when relating to other family members.
9. My physical limitations at 84. Arthritis pain increasing, and hard to admit that it restricts me.
10. It's impossible for me to single out any one thing, ordinary or not, because I sincerely believe that I should be grateful for so much to so many people, and also sheer luck, for having made it this far.
Now I'm eager to read reports and maybe advice from our readers. DD
I love these reflections, DD. You amaze me on so many levels--your intellectual rigor, your emotional exuberance, and your undying gratitude. What a way to live! Please give all of your family my love. I share your dream for a walk in 2023 together in Portland. May it be so!
My reflections are vastly amplified by just finishing The New Better Off.
Wow, what any amazing description of what should be the New American Dream!!!
Courtney, I’d love to send you an email about why I’m so motivated after discovering your work. If it’s ok, please forward your email to me at gordongossage@gmail.com
Courtney and any other interested reader:
please review our website. We are co-creating regenerative community in Reno to reflect what many of us desire to share in the world of The New Better Off. Thanks!!!!
Thank you, Stephanie! I found Educated incredible, too, and had the opportunity to meet Tara before reading it, which made it extra special to imagine her within the narrative. Yay for your husband!
Courtney's assignment is so challenging that I've spent all morning trying to formulate short brief responses. So if anyone is interested, here are my tentative answers. I'll continue to use this inspiring list as the holidays progress to discuss with others.
1. Best adventure, to join Mia and Sierra, granddaughters in Portland, in the Gay Pride Festival on June 18th. This gave support to Mia, who came out as lesbian, so our whole family participated.
2. Best book: Ramachandra Guha, "Rebels Against the Raj. Western Fighters for India's Freedom" (Knopf, 2022), because of the amazing courage of these heroic women and men, by defying U.S. and English norms to engage in the Indian independence movement; TV show, "Harry and Meghan"(see Roxanne Gay's excellent op ed., on why this show matters in NY Times, 12/21, p.A20). Podcast, "In Our Time", BBC series by Melvyn Bragg. The British dons are incredibly articulate and profound in a huge range of topics.
3. Excruciating reports of civilian casualties in the Ukraine. When will this war ever end?
4. I miss attending the Portland high school classes on "Ethics" for which I volunteered. I'm still wary of attending them (no longer available on zoom), but I hope that in 2023 that I'll be able to go again.
5. I lost 10 lbs., but miss the chocolates that I crave.
6. I still grieve the loss of my younger brother and only sibling from early onset Alzheimer's 4 years ago, and can't find a way to let go of it, that's especially wrenching during holidays.
7. Walking with Sharron in the nearby forest that Courtney and family once did with us. I'd like her, Maya, Stella and John to come again in 2023!
8. Sharron as usual, after 61+ years of marriage. The forthcoming holidays, with lots of relatives coming, present a challenge for me about better boundaries, when relating to other family members.
9. My physical limitations at 84. Arthritis pain increasing, and hard to admit that it restricts me.
10. It's impossible for me to single out any one thing, ordinary or not, because I sincerely believe that I should be grateful for so much to so many people, and also sheer luck, for having made it this far.
Now I'm eager to read reports and maybe advice from our readers. DD
I love these reflections, DD. You amaze me on so many levels--your intellectual rigor, your emotional exuberance, and your undying gratitude. What a way to live! Please give all of your family my love. I share your dream for a walk in 2023 together in Portland. May it be so!
My reflections are vastly amplified by just finishing The New Better Off.
Wow, what any amazing description of what should be the New American Dream!!!
Courtney, I’d love to send you an email about why I’m so motivated after discovering your work. If it’s ok, please forward your email to me at gordongossage@gmail.com
Courtney and any other interested reader:
please review our website. We are co-creating regenerative community in Reno to reflect what many of us desire to share in the world of The New Better Off. Thanks!!!!
www.RegenesisReno.com/aboutus
Best book: educated by Tara westover
Person who made me feel most heard: my husband
Ordinary thing I am grateful for: any time I don’t look at my phone
Love this list! And I’ve been enjoying your work. Looking forward to reading more in 2023
Thank you, Stephanie! I found Educated incredible, too, and had the opportunity to meet Tara before reading it, which made it extra special to imagine her within the narrative. Yay for your husband!
Loved these! Thank you ❤️