I wanted to mention, for a second, the divisiveness—the politicized, sometimes hostile way people push their beliefs. It’s easy to spot. It’s as if someone drags their toe through the dirt. “A line. See?” Then they stand behind it.
That’s what humans do. Especially when they’re scared, threatened, or looking for belonging.
I know it doesn’t have to be us versus them. We could meet in the middle and have some genuinely good conversations. And even though I feel myself react—an “Uh oh, there’s one” sensation washing over me—I try to step back toward myself. I breathe. I notice that engaging can accidentally reinforce the very line I don’t believe in, even if that’s not my intention.
Why can’t they have their line anyway? Let them stay inside their safe beliefs. That’s what I think.
Onward. Forward.
The Olympics are my jam. They’re on all day around here—from figure skating to curling to the biathlon. The highs, the lows, the suspense push me right to the edge of what I can handle.
The married rhythm dance couple from the U.S. qualified for the finals but took second today in what felt like an upset. It’s funny—until the commentators told their story, what was at stake, I had zero investment. Now I know where they got married (Hawaii), their pets (two toy poodles), and… that’s it.
Ooh, yippee! I just looked it up, and there are 13 days left of the Olympics. It always seems to go by so fast, and I was worried. Alas, for not!
Love, Jaclynn
Going On 40 