My Superpower : Catastrophizing

Catastrophizing - viewing or talking about an event or situation as worse than it actually is, or to assume it will have the worst possible outcome. That is the state of the world as I see it. It’s not just for Calgary, but for Canada … and don’t forget the USA now that DT has won a second term … and let’s throw in the world while we’re at it. Wars and wars and rumours of wars. The end of the world as we know it. Any minute now, that red button will be pushed and we'll all be incinerated. 

It would be so easy to join the masses and their doomsday thinking. It seems that it doesn’t matter who, everyone thinks we’re sliding down the hill to the bottom, it’s just that who you talk with gives you different ways to slide to the bottom. One side says it’s going to be through fascism, the other side says it’s going to be through government control and hedonism. More say it’s a collapse of the economy and still others say it will come through environmental catastrophe. Honestly, it seems as if there’s no hope. No matter how you slice it, we’re f*&ked. 

I have found that I do have a tendency to get lost in the weeds of chaos. Ever since September 11, 2001, I have actively followed world events. I did before that, too, but not with such engaged interest. I remember watching key events growing up: the Challenger explosion, watching the white Bronco (OJ Simpson) weave slowly through the streets of LA, even remembering where I was when I first heard that Elvis passed, and hearing that Prince passed, and the crash that killed Princess Diana. So, key events have stuck in my brain. But when the planes hit the Towers, everything changed. It was no longer a matter of random world events, but I started to become very aware of manipulation behind the scenes. 

Don’t get me wrong - I was not oblivious to the build-up to WW2 or Mao’s accession or the Bolshevik uprisings. I am fully aware that things went on behind closed doors and in clandestine corners before those came forth in their full ‘glory’. But those small things? The planning that went into the Night of Long Knives? The meetings before the Czar was arrested? Those I never really thought about. Maybe it’s age. Maybe something shifts along the way … from the awareness of one’s personal circle to noticing things are happening outside that space. And then thinking … if I’m becoming aware of these things now, how much more has been going on for all that time before? And how much more is happening for which I have no clue? 

Add to this - technology. We are all so interconnected that the instant something happens on the other side of the globe, everyone can know about it within minutes. What’s the saying - if a butterfly flaps it’s wings in the Amazon rainforest, it can cause a hurricane in Mumbai? The butterfly effect, chaos theory. Its essence is that the smallest things can have a massive effect on spaces we are completely unconnected to, but, in this way, we actually are connected. Each impacts more than the self. The actual concept was developed and published in 1963, and I’m sure there’s much more to it than that. But it seems to me that, in ways they never imagined, we actually see that playing out now - in an environmental context (as the media is full of problems the world over: earthquakes, flooding, hurricanes, forest fires), but also in a political context. The wars in Ukraine and who comes to their defense; The IDF and …?? War - I thought it was Hamas and Hezbollah, but now Netanyahu is being charged with war crimes? Why not Hamas for the attack they did in October? See? Something’s going on behind closed doors and Average Joe and Jane have no clue. Most people are supporting Palestine to take back their land … but what about all this other stuff?? And the fact is - we know these things, in worlds that we are ignorant of, because of technology. And … the manipulation of details by the media to guide us to a certain way of thinking. And whose idea is this? 

I think, to some extent, there have always been conspiracy theories, people connecting dots in their world in bizarre and strange ways. A footprint that appears to be bigger than normal - Bigfoot! A meteor lighting up the sky - alien invasion! I remember when I worked for organizations and those who had authority over me completely dismissed my ability to contribute to the whole in a positive way. So much that they would not even grace me with any kind of discussion engagement. So, when things happened that had a great effect on me (management change, juggling of responsibilities), not only was I not included in the discussions but I was ‘dictated’ the changes without input of any sort. And if I tried to comment, “If you are not in line with our vision, then you will leave.” A question leads to dismissal? Power. Authority. Despotism. Dictatorship. Is that where capitalism leads? But it’s not just capitalism. It’s any time you have a hierarchy of power. And when Power does not communicate, the commoners connect the dots to make sense to them; even if there is no truth in it. But for me, there was truth - I believed the truth was because I was not "young enough", I was not "submissive enough", I was not "Indigenous enough", I was not "ignorant enough". Was it? I'll never actually know, but those four were common dots to connect common threads from what I witnessed. And boy, could I make a conspiracy theory about that!! 

So, here we are now. On the brink of massive change. An environment that has always been in a state of flux, but now, it’s spreading and increasing. To now, the changes have been minuscule, tiny. Always there, but because of our development, not really noticeable. But now? Change, and - if you listen to the doomsayers - we’re on the brink of complete annihilation! The leader of our nation actually said a few days ago, “It’s really easy when you’re in short-term survival mode; I’ve gotta pay the rent, I’ve gotta buy groceries, let’s put climate change on a lower priority. There’s a sense that affordability is in direct contrast with our moral responsibility to protect the planet.” What?? Do you mean, we are to protect the planet first and then put food on the table and a roof over our head? What kind of shit is that? Oh - it’s coming from a person who has no clue what life is like in the trenches. Just like his finance minister said we can solve our problems of rising costs by removing our Disney+ membership. How did these people get into their positions of influence? How can they be so callous and ignorant of the struggles of their people? Doesn’t it sound so much like the serfs and lords of the manor in days of yore? 

And then on one side of the border is DT, making plans to hunker down and “make America great again” by putting completely ignorant people in positions of great power. And, fears of fascism and loss of rights and a new world control, Handmaid’s Tale in reality. But don’t they see that the other side was becoming just as powerful, only in different ways? If you questioned the zeitgeist, you were ‘canceled’, you were shamed and mocked, the Chinese Struggle Sessions were making a comeback in the hallowed halls of learning. Say something the popular kids found offensive, they were determined to subdue any opposition, anyone deemed enemies of the rhetoric was silenced, and any rivals were crushed and removed. That’s what our leader JT did when people expressed frustration over the lockdowns and forcing of vaccines if they wanted to keep their jobs or travel across the border. Instead, JT froze bank accounts, declared the War Measures Act, and refused to talk to anyone. In a DEMOCRATIC nation.

What a world we are living in! I could completely curl up, pull the covers over my head, and check out. The problem with that soon would be - soon the roof over my head and the food in my fridge would be gone, and I’m sure the government wouldn’t help me at all. Just another casualty of life. Just another number lost in the statistics. Like the collateral damage from war. Unintentional but unavoidable; oops, oh well … what do our leaders have to be concerned about? And - if they are not voted in next time, they have a pension where a year’s income will exceed all the money I’ve ever earned in my lifetime. 

I don’t know if I’m catastrophizing or noticing dots I’ve never noticed before. I don’t know if I’m making a mountain out of a molehill, or if there’s more to my concerns than becoming suspect of anything that I see, read, or hear. I am beginning to doubt everything I hear, I am tagging “and” to everything someone says. And, what have you left out? What have you not told me? What else is there that is not here? I’ve become so accustomed to being the bottom rung of the stepladder, that for far too long I’ve just accepted everything. I can’t do that anymore. I can’t assume that “all will work out.” The sad thing is - I also don’t know who to trust. And that’s not a good way to live either. 

But, without a doubt, things are changing. Sunny days are gone. The smallest hope is to find the occasional ray coming through the clouds and enjoy the moments it warms your face. There will always be moments of gratitude, but the good days are gone. For now, anyway.  

PS. Before posting, I need to include a small addendum … Catastrophizing is very much based on media. On our instant connection and with those that sell media to “get the clicks”. And what gets the clicks? Bad news. And fear. 

I wrote the above last week; this week I got to sub in a Grade 10 humanities class and had a most incredible discussion with a young person. A very intelligent and perceptive young person. Don’t ever think future generations are lost in ignorance. 

This Grade 10 class was reading Factfulness by Hans Rosling, printed in 2018. (Title is a slight play on the concept of ‘mindfulness’.) The basic premise of the book is that when doom and gloom is put forth, it is never put forth in accurate explanations. It’s the bias of the writer/publisher that comes through to manipulate the readers to perpetuate heightened and intensified emotions and contribute to the collective anxiety. No wonder our world is going into such a mess! We have so much information at our fingertips, but we are unable to parse in order to determine what is valid and what is manipulated. 

My chat with this young woman went down the path of critical thinking. This book, on one hand, opens the eyes of the reader to show that things are not as bad as they seem, and that if you take a more global perspective, the gap between various groups is not as great as people think. But, even in the book, there can be a bit of a dismissive tone, a ‘don’t worry so much!’ message, when he, too, comes from a perspective of bias of which he seems to be unaware. This young woman shared with me the need to really reflect on information, even from the source itself, how are the results obtained and how are they manipulated; how does globalization come into play? I admit, knowing that these young people are thinking and being taught how to think, to examine and question is wonderful. I did ask a few questions, on birth rate and cultural identity, and listening to her answers - even though I didn’t fundamentally agree with everything she said - gave me hope. Her answers weren’t randomly given; they had thought and they had values behind them. And maybe from the younger generations, that’s a good place to start. Their values are going to shape their reality - know what they are and live by them. Who can fault them for that? 

In the end, it’s easy for anyone to catastrophize, easy to start down that spiral trail that just goes deeper and deeper. And if you surround yourself with others who are doing this already, they just make room for you to jump on board. If it’s not one thing, it’s another. Someone said to me recently - we’ll all die from something. We are all headed in the same direction … what you fill your lives with determines the quality of your life. I want to be aware of what is going on, yes, I want to be informed of the options and the foundation of those options (not just the stat but how that stat came about), and I want to always be on the lookout for biases - in others, media, and myself, and in the end, nothing is ever completely roses and sunshine or fire and brimstone. But I also want to be perceptive of the moments of goodness around me, even though they might be small. There will always be a bit of both. Sometimes a bit more on one side than on the other - that’s where gratitude comes in! Faith, Truth, Hope, Love. 

Maybe I’ve talked myself out of this as my superpower. Or, maybe by naming it, I realize that that’s a mindset I do not wish to continue. It’s a waste of energy - and it’s best to put energy into other things. Other thoughts, other actions, other perceptions, other beliefs, other mindsets, other knowledge and understanding. Away from fear and towards Hope. Away from anxiety and towards Truth. Away from panic and towards Faith. Away from catastrophizing and towards Love. How ironic that this is at the start of the Advent season. How about I continue this in another place? 

So, if my superpower is no longer catastrophizing (though I’ll likely slip once in a while), what might my superpower be now? What do I want it to be? Hmmm 

I’ve decided my word for 2025: Amor Fati … Love your Fate. I think it fits. At least it will help calm my mind at times like this.

I think I need to search for a new superpower now. 

The Conspiracy of Life

We are living in very interesting times. I’ve been saying this for years, and it seems to only prove to be more and more true. Maybe it’s my way of trying to keep perspective, maintain a sense of optimism, or -at least- dark humour? I heard the other day that because of the people who are now behaving like children, throwing temper tantrums and pointing fingers, we have abdicated maturity, intelligence, and critical thinking for a society of developmentally stunted and egocentric fools. Harsh words, but might there be some truth to it? 

I know there have been times when people have been very divided on certain issues - the Vietnam War, Charlottetown Accord, gay rights. Societies have always had things to struggle over. To pit Group A against Group B. But (is it me?), it seems that we’ve lost some form of thinking as we pit these As against the Bs and whoever has a stronger voice (do not read: science-based concept or well-developed thought) has the “power” to cancel (read: destroy) the other. This isn’t based on critical thinking or sound rationale, science-backed or critically-grounded, it seems to be more and more based on immature drama and a return to over-the-top histrionics. If I don’t get what I want … !!! I am the only one to have a say! You have none - shut up and do as I tell you!

I’m sitting here, genuinely trying to wrestle with how to explain what I am witnessing in the world around me. It stuns me - I would have thought that, if Darwin had any weight to his theories, this would never be happening. It’s as if the world around has gone crazy. Insane. Abdicated all our progress. Regressed back to diapers and thumb-sucking. “You offended me!” “You didn’t affirm me!” “You are a -phobe!” “You are a -ist!” Honestly, name-calling and whining is everywhere! Even from our elected officials in leadership! The thing is, it’s like we have just enough knowledge to use big words, but we have no clue what they actually mean. Or, better yet, they mean what WE tell them they mean … just like a child looking at the grass and calling it pink. Or, worse yet, describing it as something completely unrelated. Twisted. 

But, that’s part of it - words that we once could be assured to have a definite meaning are shifting, oiling into definitions that they never had before, or maybe completely erasing the meaning they have. And it’s not like words have remained static since their creation, but they have been seen in progress, not completely wiping out former meanings within short years. Thus, when a word is used for the purpose of communication, and you are thrown off centre, no longer able to be sure exactly what the person is saying … and often they don’t either, where do you go then? And, I ask you, what is that going to do, not only for communication, but for legacy? For passing knowledge on to future generations? And more …? 

Where I live, since Christmas this year, there has been much talk about a coming drought. The water tables are dangerously low, we are heading into a drought. Water will be rationed. Times will be hard. We didn’t get the snow we usually get, and now we will ‘pay’. All part of climate change. All part of the destruction of the earth. It’s coming, don’t you know? We’ve brought it on ourselves! …. And then the spring rains came. And came. And the talk changed. Maybe things weren’t so bad after all. We were getting water! It was turning around! We won’t have the drought this year! Yay! … And then … 

In the city I live, a feeder water main ruptured last week. And the entire city, as well as surrounding communities (1.5-2 million people?) are now under a strict water conservation advisory. If we don’t do this, we will run out of water. And, man, is there talk about suspicious backroom dealings! So much information not being told, so many threats and fears and ominous intimidation and control. Drought then rain, and now a crisis with the water main break. The threat, then release, and the threat returned. What??? 

Now, I’m not saying it isn’t so. I actually do think it was shitty luck. But I am also saying that I’m sick of not having adequate information and being expected to fall into line without any question. It happened during the COVID pandemic, it’s happening now, and I suspect my nation is not the only one, and this won’t be the last time. I don’t know what or who to believe anymore. And when words change, I’m not sure that what I’m understanding in my confusion is what the message is meant to be. No one is being forthright and truthful anymore. Everyone is manipulating words. For control. For power. I’m not doubting that COVID was real; I know enough people or family of people I know who got very ill, and still are. But many of them got very ill even when they received the vaccines. And me? I don’t think I got it at all. Not yet. 

I’m looking back over so many incidents throughout history, particularly closer to this point in time. And, I suspect there is much going on in those backroom dealings that we, the Common Person, have no clue about. Conspiracy? Probably. But I also have no doubt that there is likely a shred of truth in all or most of it. 

See, here’s the thing. When there is no information, when communication gets hazy and confusing and ambiguous, when our leaders are not transparent and open on what is happening, forthright on facts and why it’s happening and where they get their information from, when they completely ignore the people who voted for them, accuse them and call them names, and appear to keep things “secret”, that is the perfect breeding ground for conspiracies. No information, no truthful information, provides the perfect space and suspicion for others to fill in the gaps. In whatever way they can. And usually, their conclusions are waaaay out in left field, but … hey, even a broken clock is right twice a day. 

“Truth” … an interesting word. Another word that I’m starting to think has different meanings for different people. “My truth”, “your truth”. What is truth? Is it constant? Like the North Star? Or is it always shifting with the wind, like a balloon in a tornado? And if there is no constant, then what good is a word like “truth”? Maybe that’s a word for another entry. 

Suffice it to say for now - in our world today, the lives of the people who populate North America likely are all nose-deep in various conspiracies, hunting for whatever will fit their bias, filling in the gaps with whatever will stroke their ego, pointing fingers at the ultimate “you”, and affirming their state of the ultimate victim. Lost in their world where everyone is like them, and no one can tell them they’re wrong. As for me, I will play my cards close to my heart, I will watch and listen more than I speak, and I will not follow in the footsteps of those I describe, I will be inquisitive but not vocal. I will think for myself and challenge my thoughts and biases. I will ask lots of questions on what do you really mean by … ? 

Intelligence is a far distance from maturity, and further yet from wisdom, and when everyone thinks they’re intelligent … then I have serious misgivings. Too many holes in that cheese. 

Cell Phones - Demon Spawn or God’s Gift?

The first cell phone was sold in 1983. I got my first cell phone in 1996. And I remember my brother getting his first Blackberry around the same time, maybe early '90s. I remember standing on a balcony of a hotel room in Kananaskis and he showed me his new Blackberry, what it was, and how it is helping him with his business and clients. Who would have thought that in 40 years our world could change so much? I guess I shouldn’t be quite so surprised. I remember being in Seoul in 1998 and beepers were all the rage. But every now and then, someone would have a cell phone. Something they would talk on with someone else. Like the phone in your house, but in your hand. I remember sitting in a restaurant in one of the ‘towns’ in Seoul, watching a couple out to dinner. Both on their cell phones. And not a word was exchanged between the two of them. 

Of course, the first cell phones were almost prehistoric compared to what we have now - you could make a call and store phone numbers at best, but today! All the bells and whistles we now have at our fingertips are almost unbelievable! At first, like everything else, the rush of something new. A new toy, a new gizmo, a new distraction. For those of us attracted to the next shiny bauble, it was captivating for sure! Now, I was never one to have enough money to jump on every bandwagon that went by, but the cell phone was something that offered safety. A sense of security. And being a single female, I have always been aware of what I needed to ensure my surroundings were as safe as possible at all times. And, a cell phone fit into that quite well.

I remember when I took the step from cell phone to smartphone. My first iPhone - around 2010/11. An iPhone 4. I was obviously late to the party; I do remember asking a friend about it and he said that it will get to the point where it will be permanently attached to the end of your hand. And, in the last 14 years, as much as I want to say that ‘I control my phone’, there are times when it definitely controls me. And that’s not a good thing. 

Today, over 50% of cell phone owners never switch their cell phones off; 71% of smartphone owners sleep with or next to their mobile phones every night; 75% of cell phone users admit they have texted while driving at least once; 40% of adults check their phones while in the bathroom. Average screen time for children 8-18, 7.5 hrs a day which is equal to 114 days a year. AVERAGE ... which is more time than they spend in school.

Some more stats that are a bit more concerning:

• Compared to teens who only spend an hour a day on electronic devices, teens who spend 5+ hrs are 71% more likely to exhibit suicide risk factors.
• 47% of parents surveyed believe their child has a smartphone addiction.
• 67% of teachers surveyed noticed their students being negatively distracted by mobile devices. 
• 41% of teenagers feel overwhelmed by the number of alerts they receive on a daily basis.
• 85% of teens surveyed claim it is difficult to stop once they start.
• 67% of teens report losing sleep due to tech use late at night. 
• 33% of teens spend more time socializing with close friends online than in person. 
• 52% of teens sit for long periods of time in silence, on their smartphones while hanging out with friends. 
• 26% of car accidents are caused by cell phone use while driving. 
• 51% of Americans between 18 and 40 years are concerned about the impact their phone use has on their physical health. 
• 56% of people believe using their phone less would bring happiness to their partner
• According to 2019 data, 86% of smartphone users will check their devices while in conversation with friends or family,
• On a global scale, more people have smartphones than toilets. 
• 40% of all consumers and 60% of those 18-40 years old admit to using their phones too much.
• On average, people will spend 5 years and 4 months of their life on social media. 

I don’t think people are using their phones for safety. And, for all the information we now have (literally) at our fingertips, we sure don’t seem to be smarter for it. If we did, we’d have better relationships, better health habits, and better self-discipline because we could truly understand the benefits to our life. Instead, our mental wellness is in the toilet, addictions and anxiety and attention problems are skyrocketing. Relationship skills that lead to healthy connections are weakening and starting to vanish. Sure, a lot of this could be blamed on the COVID pandemic of 2020-22, but the fact is that is also when cell phone use increased exponentially. 

I am a teacher. I work in a school. What I witness daily has me concerned for the future of our youth, and by extension, our future society. I often wonder if things were like this when I was a teenager. Were the older people concerned about us in the same way? What were their fears? Teen sex. Drugs. Smoking. Maybe in the city, gangs. The thing is, with cell phones, the bullying and teen pressure have gone global, not just with their school and community acquaintances. And, I think the whole area of sex has really shifted, too. But that’s a huge area for reflection another time. The fact is, there is no kid that does not have a cell phone. Where I work, they are not to have them in the class from grades 5-8, but they do. They are discouraged from use grades 9 and up, but they all are never without them. Their eyes are never far from their cell phones during their time in the classroom, and they never stop playing their games, checking their messages, liking other's posts, and secretly "hiding" them under the table. I could ask them to put their phone away, and the instant my back is turned, they're out again. The picture here (above) tells a very problematic story of what's happening in classrooms today. One class, about 80-90 min long. Each stroke is an interruption to focus, learning, and concentration, for EVERY student in that classroom, not just those that own the cell phone.

Now, I’m not the kind to say cell phones should be banned. Though I do contemplate this for schools! I made a comment in a FB group (substitute teachers) about this and I was shocked at how many were vehemently opposed for two reasons: (1) they wanted to have constant contact with their kid, and (2) if there were to be a school emergency, they wanted their kid to be able to call them. That’s it. For immediate reasons. No thought or concern to serious future problems, just satisfy their instant need now. And the opposition was STRONG. Maybe it’s because I don’t have a kid, but I would hope that IF I got a cell phone for my kid, it would be for one number only - mine. And I would call ONLY during breaks or after school. They could call any time they are not in class. That’s it. But I think I am an anomly; I wonder how many of those strokes in the above photo are from parents? I have no doubt that there are some at least. "Helicopter parents" are not a joke. 

It is my wish, for myself, to endeavour to have absolute control over my phone at all times. I know for myself, that if I am in a meeting or in class, I will not answer my phone, whether it’s a call or an alert. I know that when I am with friends, I will do my best to leave my cell phone in my purse. It is important for me to give 100% undistracted attention to whoever I am with. I do my best to avoid checking my phone or even using it when I am in a class, though I will use it for alarms to signal the end of a time block or class. If nothing else, I believe I need to be a role model for students. How much they notice, I’m not sure … but for those that do, it’s important for me to show life without cell phones, to show how I control it and not it control me. 

I was in a class the other day, and I asked some students - would they describe their cell phone as a tool for empowerment or a chain for enslavement? Most said a chain. The one who said a tool also said he had no problems leaving his cell phone at home during the day. He is a rare creature indeed! 

I truly think that our success as individuals as well as a society will be dependent on whether we control our phones or whether they control us. Our progress will be defined by it - those who manage their phones as a tool will be empowered and will contribute to improvement in society. Those who allow themselves to be controlled by them will find a chain wrapped around their neck; they will be filled with anger and anxiety, they will be unhappy and enslaved to misery. And they won’t know why. 

Demon spawn or God’s gift? 

That’s completely in your hands. And don’t say one day that you didn’t know. 

Happy New Year!

2024 

I don't know if I ever thought that I would get this old, and if so, what would I think or want to think about my life at this point. I don't know if I ever set goals or dreams to achieve by this point in my life. What's the saying - if you don't know where you're going, you'll never know when you arrive? Maybe that's my situation - I'm somewhere ... but is this where I wanted to be? My answer - a vehement no ... but then, where? Where did I want to be? I don't know. And that's the problem. 

Hmm ... 

Many people set New Year Resolutions, things they want to change or become or do in the next year. For me, if I did that, I'd set myself up for failure, I'm sure. For the past few years, instead of NYResolutions, I've been giving my year a word. This will be "My Year of ...." and I'd fill in the blank. Over the last few years, I've given my years the words of Thresholds (2021), Metanoia (2022), and Ruach (2023).  I'm not sure if I wrote on those in the past (maybe I should go back and fill them in?), but this year, I've declared this The Year of Memento Mori.  Remember Your Death. 

That might sound morbid, or depressing, but it's not.  It's meant to contemplate that life has an endpoint, that this life will not go on forever. There is an end that we all will reach. Since I have gone to my share of funerals in the last couple of years, and since I reached the age last October that is the same one when my mom was diagnosed with cancer, I thought this was a good word for 2024. Memento Mori. Remember My Death. I will not live forever.

More fitting - if death is coming (which is a guarantee), what do I think still needs to be completed before I reach that? What 'songs' do I still have in me that need to be sung? What have I not yet done that I still NEED to do? Not want to do, but NEED to do?? Maybe another way, what is my purpose, have I completed that or what do I need to fulfill that? If I was sent to Earth for a reason (and I'd like to believe that is the truth), what is that reason? Have I done that? Completed that? And is there anything for me yet to complete? (certainly not the cleaning that surrounds me!) What has this life of mine led to so far? And where do I yet need to go? After all, if I had completed my mission, I'd be dead, right? And I'm not ... so, that would mean ... ??? 

On my phone, I have a picture. Where most people put pictures of their family or a cute saying or holiday photo, I put a picture that reminds me of my Word of the Year. This year the one I have is the photo to the right >. When I did a search, every picture connected to this word had a skull on it. This photo has the skull, but it also has a candle - to me, there's hope in that candle. It's not finished burning yet. There is still wick (life) left. The skull is there - death is there - but so is there still life.

So, the essence of all of this is - get going. Don't stop now. This is not the time to slow down. Figure out what you want and get doing it. Now is the time to determine that goal and move toward it. Death is coming. You don't want to die with that song still in you. That is my 2024 message to myself. And every time I open my phone, I'm reminded of it. 

How about you? What's your resolution? or what's your word? And how will that play out in your year for you? 

And with that, I better get going. Time waits for no man! (or woman!) Start with ... where am I going? The time for down random paths in random directions is over. Time's a-ticking!