24 Realizations

Hope vs. expectations, this pertains especially to the time and relationship I share with my mother who most certainly is exhibiting signs of dementia at age 86. She’s an old woman and I hope that my presence in her life brings her some happiness. In return, I expect nothing.

Time as currency. It’s the most valuable thing any of us possess and I’m less inclined to spend mine doing things I’m just not interested doing.

My relationship with meat. I think I could make the leap to vegetarianism fairly easily. For now, it’s going to be limited consumption and I’ll be seeking out meats that come from animals who have lived on farms where they are respected and treated well.

Getaways within an hour’s drive can feel just as stimulating as destinations that take far more time and effort to reach. We live in a wonderful location with cool places to visit in every direction.

Long walks have taken the place of runs. Time outdoors always calms my mind, although I do miss the endorphins.

Audiobooks have become a valued companion.

Hiking is an activity that I find increasingly appealing. After finding my way to a couple of new-to-me trails in the past year, I only want to hike more in the new year.

The lack of humanity I witness in our world proves that we are an uncivilized population of humans. Can’t we do better?

Luigi Mangione, and the shooting he allegedly perpetrated in NYC, was the single most politically unifying event our country has seen in decades.

My distrust of officers of the law grew exponentially. I know there are good police officers and corrections officers, but, Jesus, there sure are a lot of folks who possess the combination of authority and heartless cruelty in the peacekeeping field.

Time with my dog grows even more important to me as we both age. My understanding of how limited our shared time is motivated me to seek out opportunities to indulge my good boy and prompted me to plan shorter trips in 2025. I don’t want to be away from him for more than 10 days at a time.

Becoming more familiar with family in Europe has come with the realization that I may not actually like all of them. I understand this sounds basic, but when one grows up without family, idealizing newly found members is something that can easily happen.

Recognizing that even when I’m in a relationship, I still need a fair amount of time alone.

My yoga practice has grown to a four or five day a week thing which brings me both strength and calm.

The desire to pare down what I own is motivating me to look at all of my belongings with a critical eye.

I’m no longer inclined to stockpile things like pantry and medicine cabinet items. Instead, I’m finding joy in using something up and then simply replacing it.

An interest in working in hospitality remains, but only in a limited fashion. I don’t want to work every weekend.

Barbara Kingsolver has become the female counterpart to Richard Russo when it comes to favorite contemporary writers.

The phrase “Let them,” as expressed by Mel Robbins, will be flavoring my attitude and mindset moving forward.

A lack of tolerance towards those who seek to limit the rights of others will dictate my own actions. I see more political activism in my future.

My interest in seeing the Northern Lights is new – and has me thinking of different ways and places to make it happen.

After taking the train to Hudson for dinner last week, it is clear to me that I want to live in an area served by decent public transportation and within walking distance to restaurants. I sort of have that now, but I’d like to take things a little further and eventually not have a car at all.

Life concierge would be my dream job. You know, connecting people with people and with opportunities that inspire, enrich and provide satisfaction.

Remembering to look for the good in others is something I need to work harder at. I’m trying!