Making progress, 2024 edition
I'm back and hope you are still here
First of all, Happy New Year. I hope the holidays treated you well and that 2024 is off to a fresh start. The last twelve months were tough for many, and my heart is with all those suffering. May the coming weeks and months bring resolution, closure, and new beginnings.
I've been MIA over the last two weeks, partly because of the holidays, some because of other work, and a lot because I'm at a loss for what to write. Things aren’t bad or anything. Actually, I feel pretty good about the coming year. But I do feel remiss in letting this newsletter slide recently. Adding insult to my absence, I - for the first time - didn't let anyone know I wouldn't be writing for a few cycles. I'm sorry. Thank you to all who reached out and asked where I was. I didn't go dark for the attention, but I am grateful to be missed.
I wish I had a prelude on what's to come with this newsletter, but I don't. It's beginning to feel like I've exhausted this theme, all things maker-related, and increasingly, my stories are increasingly random and out there - more than ever. (Yes, it's always been a bit of both, but still.)
I love that various stories have resonated with many of you, but it has largely not been consistent. Some of you are here for the builds, like my recent mini camper. And others tell me they appreciate the deeper philosophical dives. Still others, I fear, have signed up for what they thought they were getting, only to be let down. As a result, it's hard to determine a path forward.
Anyway, this short note is a placeholder mid-week to let you know that I am still here and working towards creating new content for this newsletter. Sometimes, life takes a little introspective reevaluation to make genuine progress. But it's best not to go at it entirely alone. So, as always, your suggestions are welcome and appreciated. I hope to hear from you. And I promise you'll hear from me again shortly.
Until next time.
JRC
Many things are happening that are making or have the potential to make the world a much better place. The News tends to focus on all the bad things, as that draws more eyeballs to their profit-centered business. I heard a comment the other day that breaking news is almost always bad, while good news just keeps happening all the time. How about making a list of some of the top things that make your life, your community, and the world better. 😊
Signed,
RCG
I second Cliff’s comments, especially the bit about the breaking news and the good stuff that goes gets buried by the drama.
Sometimes, unexpected twists of fate or sudden changes in what we see as our current reality open up new opportunities to review what we’ve have prioritized, and help us reset our life counter.
I’m one of your readers that enjoys the “deep dives” as much as the “makes,” especially those that bring up memories and stir up thoughts long neglected by time and focus on other things.
So, I look forward and await patiently for the next essay, whenever it comes. And will work on that list Cliff mentioned for myself. It’s going to be a long, fun list!