A woman who brought aid in the form peer to peer counseling to world disaster areas taught this writer a question that has helped me and so many other people in a troubled world: And so what else is true in your life? Her work was in earthquake, war, flood, and tsunami catastrophes and the question worked for those disaster victims. For most of the readers of this Project, the past year has been a disorienting with so many unanticipated losses so as we celebrate the year end we need to ask ourselves, in addition to the darkness of 2025, “what else is true” in our lives? The answer my friends is not in the wind but in our good hearts.

I have known only a few famous or influential heroes in my life, but what else is true is that I have been guided and befriended by an ongoing community of true friends. It is easy to forget those friends in the hustle and bustle because they have been there for me when I needed them and receded into the background when my needs were met. What else is true is I keep making new friends, flash friends, and yes, even mentors half my age who give me hope so naturally and generously. Life is lived on the street you live, not here in the internet and news services. Joy doesn’t shout influential barbs but rather soothes with the palliative smile and the knowing chuckles of your good people and loved ones. 

A modest proposal for holiday Joy

Concentrate on the good people you have known. Yes there is plenty wrong right now, but 2026 will be a fresh new year with the old problems waiting for your new work. For these days of year end celebrations and the hope of the new solstice light, run an inventory of all the good people who have helped you and loved you even if for only briefly. Forget the troubles, light the home fire and breathe . . . for heaven’s sake breathe. What else besides the troubles and insults weighing on your soul is true about the world in which you live, and the people who are still with you and you love as they love you? That will be good. Wishing you joy.