Silver linings

Still true.

"While the memes and jokes about the 2016 tire fire are funny, they miss a really important point:  There are/were good things about 2016 as well.

"We have a choice to allow the negativity to dominate our thoughts about the year or to remember the great things that happened in 2016.  I elect to focus on the positives, the victories, the unmitigated joys or 2016.  I'll remember going to Portland and Michigan and New York and Wisconsin, getting a new job, the excitement of moving to Chicago, the warm days spent walking, talking, laughing, and enjoying life.  I'll think on the love I had in 2016.  I'll think fondly of 2016 because I am so so glad that it happened.

"That is not to say that I didn't feel stress, sorrow, disappointment, anger, frustration, and disconnection.  And, I know that I also caused heartbreak, heartache, headaches, and disconnection.  But, I won't let that overshadow all that was so so great about 2016.

"From here, looking on to 2017, I am excited about the opportunities.  I choose to be.  2017 gives me the chance to rekindle friendships, make new friends, go on brand new adventures, and live a wholehearted life.  There will be more struggle.  There will be hardship.  But in 2017 I will again dare greatly.

"For me to dwell on the past, on what is no more, is wrong.  For me to live in anxious anticipation of the future is to hold my breath for things that may never happen.  To focus on now, to focus on breathing, to be mindful, to reign in my wild thoughts.... that is my goal."

I love my past because it has brought me here.  I am excited for my future because it holds so much promise.  The work I have to do is right now.  So, whether it's giving to help kids experience the power of travel, or learning to still my mind, or taking care of myself in very tangible ways, or finding someone to listen to my stories and help me own them, or being a better person through self-compassion and gentle care of those around me... that is what I can do in the present to take full advantage of the opportunities ahead with the wisdom I've gained from my past.

Don't just let it happen.  Live intentionally.  Make it happen.

Hamilton

I can't tell you what Hamilton meant to me.  It meant so so so much.

The first time I listened to it, I was intrigued. Trying to drive in the city traffic, navigate, hear the music, follow the story, keep track of which voice was which character... it was so... full.

Back then, my drive home was about 3 hours long, less time if I was headed to the city, of course.  After I left that weekend, I remembered Hamilton and listened to some of it, but couldn't finish it since I didn't start as soon as I left.  I kept trying, but my daily commute just wasn't long enough.  However, I still listened to the first 23 minutes everyday on the way to work.

The next weekend, on my way into the city, I listened to the whole thing.  I stopped for gas at the intermission.  The last notes finished as I found a spot to park.  I dried my eyes, and backed into the spot.  I was so lucky to be alive right then.