I am in the same boat as Beth for hosting. My husband and I have always valued and done it but wondered the same thing if it is worth the effort and just a burden on people’s schedules. We actually just decided to try the open house model this year (didn’t realize there was a name for it!) because we think inviting more people might be better and then I don’t feel as pressured to provide a full meal. We have found the initial people meeting each other and small talk part to be really fun but then it’s less fun trying to figure out what everyone can “do” together during the party especially since we and many of our friends have young toddlers. So the open house model might be a good fit for that. Also I found the book the art of gathering to be both insightful and completely unrealistic for the majority of people.
I keep hearing Beth say America voted for change over stability, and certainly there’s some truth to that. I also think of all the people in my life who HATE change and refuse to accept when things have changed. I think people really just want to go back to what things were before (the pandemic, phones, women were in the workforce, etc.).
Going back to how things were is not available. And that’s devastating to a lot of people. I’m not sure I’ve heard that painful but necessary message from many political leaders. (Not insignificantly, I do think I hear that message from some spiritual leaders eg Thich Naht Hahn, Richard Rohr, etc.)
It seems to me like there’s a whole lot of clinging to the past going on and I’m not sure how America gets through our current struggles without fully grieving what’s gone. If we don’t face our grief how can we ever hope to look forward with clear eyes?
I know it’s cliche but life is just a series of changes… And if we don’t develop skills individually to cope with change in healthy ways, how can we hope to cope with change collectively in healthy ways?
Thanks for this great episode and discussion team 💗
One thing I learned in 2024 is that more Americans than I thought are single-issue voters...and that issue is their preferred worldview. I had family members that I had talked to about them spreading straight up lies about abortion and immigration and Trump himself where their response was, "It might not be true but it matches the worldview I want to have."
Sarah made a comment in this episode about diversity being a strength or it isn't. Where my worldview says "of course it is!", others worldview say "no it isn't, the strength comes in my preferred community." And that is how cultural silos are created because a silo is strong and can hold a lot and be beneficial to the community it serves. I'm not sure how many Americans see diversity, in almost any form, as beneficial unless it directly positively impacts their preferred community. But I also know that my preferred community does value diversity, so I tend to find new friends that think like I do, and reduce/eliminate people in my life that do not think like I do. And I do this because of the strain on those relationships is too hard on my head and heart many times. Maybe I'm part of the problem too. lol
I’m definitely a Beth when it comes to hosting. And I also tend to overthink it. I decided that my word for 2025 is going to be community and really trying to find ways to bring people together. I do think that’s been harder since the pandemic. Even friends houses that I would regularly go over pre pandemic have become less and less. I want to try to bring some of that back but it feels hard to commit to hosting especially when others don’t.
In Tuesday’s episode, Sarah referenced that the Harris campaign always knew they were polling 5 points behind. Can someone give me a source to that info? I got the impression that it was talked about on the show. I was traveling right after the election so maybe I missed it/had my head in the sand. Whatever.
I also must of missed when Beth talked about the movie open house. It does sound fun and I am sad it didn’t work out!
As an introvert, I really struggle with hosting. I generally only do it as reciprocation, and honestly, it's pretty miserable for me from start to finish, as I'm stressed the entire event. Afterward, I feel relief that it's over, but no real glow, just grim satisfaction, lol. I truly envy people who can host and enjoy it, and I do feel guilty about not hosting as much as some of my friends. I think part of it is the whole Pinterest of it all (think of weddings these days) -- everything is so extra, and it's intimidating!
I would definitely have been one of those people afraid of the railroad! 😂 That's totally my 2024 vibe as well - every new technology is scary, moving too fast, and the creators are irresponsible.
I want to make a comment about NYC news (thinking of Beth's Eric Adams statement)...I noticed this becoming more and more prevalent over the past ten years: as local news disintegrates and as "engagement" becomes more important for what's left, NYC news is low hanging fruit. In particular, small TV stations post a disproportionate amount of news from New York City. It's easy because there's a lot of it and it gets immediate reaction--often angry/outraged--from people who largely have never been here.
I have some very weird conversations when I travel to other places to visit family and friends and they have very skimmy knowledge of things that happen here and like, it's never the whole story and it's very rarely anything that New Yorkers give a shit about.
I had kind of the opposite reaction. For whatever reason, those of us out here in the sticks have always known who is mayor of New York, but I've never really known why we cared. It's just an important city and therefore the leader of that city is important. And the fact that Eric Adams is indicted for some pretty serious crimes is bound to make national news. I have no problem with it making national news even though it does not directly affect me. To me, this is very separate from the weird thing where everybody thinks NYC is so crime ridden they can't go there. That's just the conservative media bias. (Keep in mind I rarely watch TV news at all.)
My (Venezuelan) husband keeps talking about all the crime from Venezuelan gangs in NYC and I would like to hear from someone who lives there if this is a real thing that is as bad as he thinks.
I was hoping the discussion of open houses would begin with a definition. I’ve never understood how an open house isn’t just a party. Is it just earlier in the day?
Traditionally my husband and I have had New Year’s Eve parties every year, until the pandemic. Now I go to bed at 9pm every night (because I am a middle aged lady and I have some trouble with sleep.) But we’re having a small get-together this year for the first time in a while. We’re only inviting a dozen or so people and we’re having a hard stop at 1am (which I really wish was earlier but marriage means compromise). We’re at the end of a kitchen renovation so our house is chaos. Our old refrigerator is in the living room and still will be for a while, we have ugly utility shelving in the dining room, boxes everywhere. Some of this will be cleaned up, but the fridge and utility shelving will still be there, and I just need to let it go. Everyone hangs out in the kitchen anyhow 🤷♀️ There’s a point where we just have to prioritize seeing people we don’t see enough. I’ve missed baking during this whole renovation (which has been months and it has been a nightmare) so I will bake some things, and we’ll probably order some trays from this local cheese place we like. I am trying to just be chill about it and celebrate getting through this year.
Open House was pretty common parlance where I grew up in Southern California. For example, I remember wedding receptions sometimes being called Open Houses to indicate that it doesn't matter when you come -- there's not a dinner, or specific time for something. Just kind of a meet and greet with the bride/groom so not just a Midwest thing.
The way I understand an open house is that it's a type of party. It seems looser? My parents had a Christmas open house on December 23rd for 10 plus years. The invitation said our house is open starting at this time. They would invite basically everyone they knew from many different parts of their lives. There's no RSVP, please show up when you can, and stay as long as works for you. There will be food and drinks so there's no need to bring anything, but if you do great! It was a great time to gather all the people in their lives to enjoy their company and wish them a happy holidays.
Thinking on it, I'm wondering if this is more of a midwest/mid-America thing?
See, everything about that is the same as a party for me. Invite everyone, no RSVP needed, show up anytime after x time....that's just a party to me. But yeah, maybe the terminology/definitions are regional.
This may be a better thread to pull after Friday's episode looking ahead, but for anyone who is interested - the astrology of 2025 is WILD. As we think about what 2024 has taught us and what we have learned and what our new parameters are, the stuff in the sky is reflecting that many of those trends will amplify in the new year. WHEW.
I'd love to hear (or read in a Newsletter) what you feel you got right this year and what the team is particularly proud of!
I wasn't surprised that you referenced the previous episode about consumer culture because I was thinking about it as I was listening as well. I really think you can make a strong connection between consumer culture and the backlash to the pandemic response. People demand a frictionless, sacrifice-less government response to crises, and will punish whoever is in power when that turns out to be impossible. I think what a lot of people were voting for this election was to Make America 2019 Again, even though the person they voted for had no plan to make that happen. And so therefore what they were really doing was voting against the guy who came into office in 2021 and failed to Make America 2019 Again. In that sense they are indeed selfish, because they used their vote as a tool of personal raw emotion and animus. (Also, if you want to have a generous view of voters, do not - I repeat, DO NOT - listen to the Focus Group podcast.)
People want frictionless government response. Yes, I think this is correct and also completely unreasonable. A lot of people seem to think there are easy answers to problems, but there aren't. I sometimes wish that everyone would be required to do a stint on City Council or whatever so they would understand that there is no magic wand but instead weighing different costs and benefits
Make America 2019 Again - I have said exactly this. I think THIS is what honestly won the election + MAGA. Those in power refuse to say the hard truth to the American people. Pre-2020 is a thing of the past. My aunt (in her early 70's) often will ask my Mom when will things go back to normal? (I.e. code for pre-2020) Of which she tells her, well, my girls just say this IS normal. We know older people vote (65+) and this pandemic really upset their turnip cart hard. Which is totally understandable. I forget sometimes, that not everyone has kids like my Mom (hahaha which is probably a good thing, we're nuts). But there were several times my mom expressed concern/fear and my sister and I were there to help redirect, give a different perspective, or simply just inform her of something she didn't know. My mom is a very smart/educated woman and reads the paper daily. Also, not always the everyday 65+ person either. Then you have the under 30 crowd and if you aren't close with someone under 30, the changes from pre-Covid is really really hard on them. They feel pretty screwed, and it is hard to argue that they weren't. Plus then the people that truly are paycheck to paycheck, and we feel elevated to say, "You voted for the price of eggs over body autonomy." Yes. Yes they did. They are desperate for relief. These groups of people voted for a crazy train, selfishly hoping that someone will make life easier on them. They want all the comforts that the pandemic brought about, but want to go back to the comforts that were lost because of the pandemic. You just don't get both. I think after this Presidential term, people will be forced to come to grips that the pre-pandemic life is just that.
One of my dearest friends has a caroling party every year. The first hour or so is just everyone catching up, then her husband gets out the sheet music, passes around the song books, and we all carol along in their living room while he plays the piano. It’s definitely chaotic and hilarious, but it has become such a staple of my holiday season. I’m sure it is a huge lift every year, but it truly is one of my most favorite events of the year. It reminds me of the Christmas parties my parents’ friends threw back in the 90s.
One of my goals for 2025 is to invite people over to our home more often. We’re pretty good about bigger gatherings, but I agree with Sarah about having more dinner parties. I’d rather have more in-depth conversations with a handful of people vs lots of different small talk chats.
LOL my husband refuses to go to events that are more than 8 people (and he's including himself and me) so really 6 other people. But he is an introvert, a very personable one, but more than 6 people and he taps out. I love big loud parties, or little quiet ones. So we just have a standing order if it's a big event (work Christmas party) I take my sister. She loves it, I have more fun b/c the person I have brought is having a good time, and my husband is content at home. But he goes to all work things that are small, so my work people actually "know" him more than my sister because he's at the events where we actually talk/catch up/etc.
We do this too:) (I get to be the pianist and it’s one of my favorite events of the season). Our friends had taken a break for a few years and I was so happy they did it again this year.
With all the contemplation of ‘rot,’ I wanted to make a case for hope in this moment. Perhaps we’re poised for real growth. After all, nature teaches us that the process of decay fosters so much new life.
As per usual, Robin Wall Kimmerer writes beautifully about this — I love reading her work in December especially:
Beth, I related so strongly to what you said about your hesitations and experiences with an open house and it confirmed that I am glad I did not do one. I love the idea of it, especially at Christmas time. I will say one thing I did this year that I have done for the last three years, is have a “girls” night with my favorite women. I invited about 16 people and only 8 could make it. Everyone but one RSVPed at least a week before. I wonder if having an open house format may imply to people that a need to RSVP is not as necessary since it implies just dropping in. As the person trying to estimate food and drinks it very much is needed! But what I liked about this was that I told everyone that food and drinks start at seven and the movie starts at eight. So it gave people a bit of a timeline on when they can show up and leave. In the past, I had it in our game room where there was no central table and people just stood around and talked and ate. But this year I wanted to sit down at a dining table and everyone followed me and it was really special to have my table full of friends from different groups getting to know each other. Mixing friend groups usually freaks me out, but I think there was enough people there that people could have their own side conversations. And it was really nice to be able to catch up with people, but also have a relaxing movie which I know the women in my life especially could appreciate. My kids are young, and my husband only has a few friends since moving here so my idea does not necessarily relate to your family’s circumstances, but it might be worth taking a smaller bite like this and then adapt as needed…Also I hope you had the best nap available to you on Sunday!
I found the discussion about people’s votes being selfish interesting. Not that long ago, and probably directed at the same people, the line was that people were “voting against their own self-interests.” The whole “What’s the Matter with Kansas” thing, with the implication they were too stupid to know better. So they went from too stupid to vote for their own self-interests, to being selfish when they claimed to have done so.🤔
I think what I’ve been struggling with in reflecting on 2024 is the burnout piece. I am what the world calls a “knowledge worker” who works from home and has a master’s degree. I believe some would call me an “elite.” And yet, even with all the privileges of being able to work from home with flexibility, I feel stretched so thin. I spend all day on a computer on Zoom client calls and I feel like I’ve had more “what is all this for?” moments this year than ever before. I don’t get to spend nearly as much time with my toddler son as I would like and would like to travel more and set aside more time for leisure, but it all just feels impossible.
So I guess I’m feeling a lot of the dissonance around feeling like I’m bumping up against all the things that people are angry about and also feeling like I don’t know how to individually fix it. I need our work life to change collectively but as I work in the culture and comms space, it seems like companies who leaned hard into “wellbeing” during and after the pandemic are dropping all of that in favor of “efficiency” and profit.
Idk if any of this makes sense. Just some thoughts I had while listening.
I am in the same boat as Beth for hosting. My husband and I have always valued and done it but wondered the same thing if it is worth the effort and just a burden on people’s schedules. We actually just decided to try the open house model this year (didn’t realize there was a name for it!) because we think inviting more people might be better and then I don’t feel as pressured to provide a full meal. We have found the initial people meeting each other and small talk part to be really fun but then it’s less fun trying to figure out what everyone can “do” together during the party especially since we and many of our friends have young toddlers. So the open house model might be a good fit for that. Also I found the book the art of gathering to be both insightful and completely unrealistic for the majority of people.
I keep hearing Beth say America voted for change over stability, and certainly there’s some truth to that. I also think of all the people in my life who HATE change and refuse to accept when things have changed. I think people really just want to go back to what things were before (the pandemic, phones, women were in the workforce, etc.).
Going back to how things were is not available. And that’s devastating to a lot of people. I’m not sure I’ve heard that painful but necessary message from many political leaders. (Not insignificantly, I do think I hear that message from some spiritual leaders eg Thich Naht Hahn, Richard Rohr, etc.)
It seems to me like there’s a whole lot of clinging to the past going on and I’m not sure how America gets through our current struggles without fully grieving what’s gone. If we don’t face our grief how can we ever hope to look forward with clear eyes?
I know it’s cliche but life is just a series of changes… And if we don’t develop skills individually to cope with change in healthy ways, how can we hope to cope with change collectively in healthy ways?
Thanks for this great episode and discussion team 💗
One thing I learned in 2024 is that more Americans than I thought are single-issue voters...and that issue is their preferred worldview. I had family members that I had talked to about them spreading straight up lies about abortion and immigration and Trump himself where their response was, "It might not be true but it matches the worldview I want to have."
Sarah made a comment in this episode about diversity being a strength or it isn't. Where my worldview says "of course it is!", others worldview say "no it isn't, the strength comes in my preferred community." And that is how cultural silos are created because a silo is strong and can hold a lot and be beneficial to the community it serves. I'm not sure how many Americans see diversity, in almost any form, as beneficial unless it directly positively impacts their preferred community. But I also know that my preferred community does value diversity, so I tend to find new friends that think like I do, and reduce/eliminate people in my life that do not think like I do. And I do this because of the strain on those relationships is too hard on my head and heart many times. Maybe I'm part of the problem too. lol
I’m definitely a Beth when it comes to hosting. And I also tend to overthink it. I decided that my word for 2025 is going to be community and really trying to find ways to bring people together. I do think that’s been harder since the pandemic. Even friends houses that I would regularly go over pre pandemic have become less and less. I want to try to bring some of that back but it feels hard to commit to hosting especially when others don’t.
In Tuesday’s episode, Sarah referenced that the Harris campaign always knew they were polling 5 points behind. Can someone give me a source to that info? I got the impression that it was talked about on the show. I was traveling right after the election so maybe I missed it/had my head in the sand. Whatever.
I also must of missed when Beth talked about the movie open house. It does sound fun and I am sad it didn’t work out!
There's a link in the notes to a Pod Save America interview with David Plouffe where he talked about the internal polling data from the campaign. -m
As an introvert, I really struggle with hosting. I generally only do it as reciprocation, and honestly, it's pretty miserable for me from start to finish, as I'm stressed the entire event. Afterward, I feel relief that it's over, but no real glow, just grim satisfaction, lol. I truly envy people who can host and enjoy it, and I do feel guilty about not hosting as much as some of my friends. I think part of it is the whole Pinterest of it all (think of weddings these days) -- everything is so extra, and it's intimidating!
I would definitely have been one of those people afraid of the railroad! 😂 That's totally my 2024 vibe as well - every new technology is scary, moving too fast, and the creators are irresponsible.
Remember all those cartoons/old movies where they tied people up on train tracks...I feel like it was a thing. -m
I want to make a comment about NYC news (thinking of Beth's Eric Adams statement)...I noticed this becoming more and more prevalent over the past ten years: as local news disintegrates and as "engagement" becomes more important for what's left, NYC news is low hanging fruit. In particular, small TV stations post a disproportionate amount of news from New York City. It's easy because there's a lot of it and it gets immediate reaction--often angry/outraged--from people who largely have never been here.
I have some very weird conversations when I travel to other places to visit family and friends and they have very skimmy knowledge of things that happen here and like, it's never the whole story and it's very rarely anything that New Yorkers give a shit about.
I had kind of the opposite reaction. For whatever reason, those of us out here in the sticks have always known who is mayor of New York, but I've never really known why we cared. It's just an important city and therefore the leader of that city is important. And the fact that Eric Adams is indicted for some pretty serious crimes is bound to make national news. I have no problem with it making national news even though it does not directly affect me. To me, this is very separate from the weird thing where everybody thinks NYC is so crime ridden they can't go there. That's just the conservative media bias. (Keep in mind I rarely watch TV news at all.)
My (Venezuelan) husband keeps talking about all the crime from Venezuelan gangs in NYC and I would like to hear from someone who lives there if this is a real thing that is as bad as he thinks.
I hadn't even heard of Venezuelan gangs, but there is a Q&A in the NY Times that I just found: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/23/nyregion/a-venezuelan-gang-reaches-new-york.html
I was hoping the discussion of open houses would begin with a definition. I’ve never understood how an open house isn’t just a party. Is it just earlier in the day?
Traditionally my husband and I have had New Year’s Eve parties every year, until the pandemic. Now I go to bed at 9pm every night (because I am a middle aged lady and I have some trouble with sleep.) But we’re having a small get-together this year for the first time in a while. We’re only inviting a dozen or so people and we’re having a hard stop at 1am (which I really wish was earlier but marriage means compromise). We’re at the end of a kitchen renovation so our house is chaos. Our old refrigerator is in the living room and still will be for a while, we have ugly utility shelving in the dining room, boxes everywhere. Some of this will be cleaned up, but the fridge and utility shelving will still be there, and I just need to let it go. Everyone hangs out in the kitchen anyhow 🤷♀️ There’s a point where we just have to prioritize seeing people we don’t see enough. I’ve missed baking during this whole renovation (which has been months and it has been a nightmare) so I will bake some things, and we’ll probably order some trays from this local cheese place we like. I am trying to just be chill about it and celebrate getting through this year.
Open House was pretty common parlance where I grew up in Southern California. For example, I remember wedding receptions sometimes being called Open Houses to indicate that it doesn't matter when you come -- there's not a dinner, or specific time for something. Just kind of a meet and greet with the bride/groom so not just a Midwest thing.
The way I understand an open house is that it's a type of party. It seems looser? My parents had a Christmas open house on December 23rd for 10 plus years. The invitation said our house is open starting at this time. They would invite basically everyone they knew from many different parts of their lives. There's no RSVP, please show up when you can, and stay as long as works for you. There will be food and drinks so there's no need to bring anything, but if you do great! It was a great time to gather all the people in their lives to enjoy their company and wish them a happy holidays.
Thinking on it, I'm wondering if this is more of a midwest/mid-America thing?
See, everything about that is the same as a party for me. Invite everyone, no RSVP needed, show up anytime after x time....that's just a party to me. But yeah, maybe the terminology/definitions are regional.
This may be a better thread to pull after Friday's episode looking ahead, but for anyone who is interested - the astrology of 2025 is WILD. As we think about what 2024 has taught us and what we have learned and what our new parameters are, the stuff in the sky is reflecting that many of those trends will amplify in the new year. WHEW.
I'd love to hear (or read in a Newsletter) what you feel you got right this year and what the team is particularly proud of!
I wasn't surprised that you referenced the previous episode about consumer culture because I was thinking about it as I was listening as well. I really think you can make a strong connection between consumer culture and the backlash to the pandemic response. People demand a frictionless, sacrifice-less government response to crises, and will punish whoever is in power when that turns out to be impossible. I think what a lot of people were voting for this election was to Make America 2019 Again, even though the person they voted for had no plan to make that happen. And so therefore what they were really doing was voting against the guy who came into office in 2021 and failed to Make America 2019 Again. In that sense they are indeed selfish, because they used their vote as a tool of personal raw emotion and animus. (Also, if you want to have a generous view of voters, do not - I repeat, DO NOT - listen to the Focus Group podcast.)
People want frictionless government response. Yes, I think this is correct and also completely unreasonable. A lot of people seem to think there are easy answers to problems, but there aren't. I sometimes wish that everyone would be required to do a stint on City Council or whatever so they would understand that there is no magic wand but instead weighing different costs and benefits
Make America 2019 Again - I have said exactly this. I think THIS is what honestly won the election + MAGA. Those in power refuse to say the hard truth to the American people. Pre-2020 is a thing of the past. My aunt (in her early 70's) often will ask my Mom when will things go back to normal? (I.e. code for pre-2020) Of which she tells her, well, my girls just say this IS normal. We know older people vote (65+) and this pandemic really upset their turnip cart hard. Which is totally understandable. I forget sometimes, that not everyone has kids like my Mom (hahaha which is probably a good thing, we're nuts). But there were several times my mom expressed concern/fear and my sister and I were there to help redirect, give a different perspective, or simply just inform her of something she didn't know. My mom is a very smart/educated woman and reads the paper daily. Also, not always the everyday 65+ person either. Then you have the under 30 crowd and if you aren't close with someone under 30, the changes from pre-Covid is really really hard on them. They feel pretty screwed, and it is hard to argue that they weren't. Plus then the people that truly are paycheck to paycheck, and we feel elevated to say, "You voted for the price of eggs over body autonomy." Yes. Yes they did. They are desperate for relief. These groups of people voted for a crazy train, selfishly hoping that someone will make life easier on them. They want all the comforts that the pandemic brought about, but want to go back to the comforts that were lost because of the pandemic. You just don't get both. I think after this Presidential term, people will be forced to come to grips that the pre-pandemic life is just that.
One of my dearest friends has a caroling party every year. The first hour or so is just everyone catching up, then her husband gets out the sheet music, passes around the song books, and we all carol along in their living room while he plays the piano. It’s definitely chaotic and hilarious, but it has become such a staple of my holiday season. I’m sure it is a huge lift every year, but it truly is one of my most favorite events of the year. It reminds me of the Christmas parties my parents’ friends threw back in the 90s.
One of my goals for 2025 is to invite people over to our home more often. We’re pretty good about bigger gatherings, but I agree with Sarah about having more dinner parties. I’d rather have more in-depth conversations with a handful of people vs lots of different small talk chats.
I am at a Messiah Sing and it made me think of the caroling party ❤️🎶
LOL my husband refuses to go to events that are more than 8 people (and he's including himself and me) so really 6 other people. But he is an introvert, a very personable one, but more than 6 people and he taps out. I love big loud parties, or little quiet ones. So we just have a standing order if it's a big event (work Christmas party) I take my sister. She loves it, I have more fun b/c the person I have brought is having a good time, and my husband is content at home. But he goes to all work things that are small, so my work people actually "know" him more than my sister because he's at the events where we actually talk/catch up/etc.
How does one obtain an invite to a caroling party?!?! This sounds so joyful <3
We do this too:) (I get to be the pianist and it’s one of my favorite events of the season). Our friends had taken a break for a few years and I was so happy they did it again this year.
With all the contemplation of ‘rot,’ I wanted to make a case for hope in this moment. Perhaps we’re poised for real growth. After all, nature teaches us that the process of decay fosters so much new life.
As per usual, Robin Wall Kimmerer writes beautifully about this — I love reading her work in December especially:
https://bioneers.org/robin-wall-kimmerer-becoming-earth-experimental-theology-ze0z2409/
She nails it every time. ♥️
GINA! I love this so so much!
Beth, I related so strongly to what you said about your hesitations and experiences with an open house and it confirmed that I am glad I did not do one. I love the idea of it, especially at Christmas time. I will say one thing I did this year that I have done for the last three years, is have a “girls” night with my favorite women. I invited about 16 people and only 8 could make it. Everyone but one RSVPed at least a week before. I wonder if having an open house format may imply to people that a need to RSVP is not as necessary since it implies just dropping in. As the person trying to estimate food and drinks it very much is needed! But what I liked about this was that I told everyone that food and drinks start at seven and the movie starts at eight. So it gave people a bit of a timeline on when they can show up and leave. In the past, I had it in our game room where there was no central table and people just stood around and talked and ate. But this year I wanted to sit down at a dining table and everyone followed me and it was really special to have my table full of friends from different groups getting to know each other. Mixing friend groups usually freaks me out, but I think there was enough people there that people could have their own side conversations. And it was really nice to be able to catch up with people, but also have a relaxing movie which I know the women in my life especially could appreciate. My kids are young, and my husband only has a few friends since moving here so my idea does not necessarily relate to your family’s circumstances, but it might be worth taking a smaller bite like this and then adapt as needed…Also I hope you had the best nap available to you on Sunday!
I found the discussion about people’s votes being selfish interesting. Not that long ago, and probably directed at the same people, the line was that people were “voting against their own self-interests.” The whole “What’s the Matter with Kansas” thing, with the implication they were too stupid to know better. So they went from too stupid to vote for their own self-interests, to being selfish when they claimed to have done so.🤔
I think what I’ve been struggling with in reflecting on 2024 is the burnout piece. I am what the world calls a “knowledge worker” who works from home and has a master’s degree. I believe some would call me an “elite.” And yet, even with all the privileges of being able to work from home with flexibility, I feel stretched so thin. I spend all day on a computer on Zoom client calls and I feel like I’ve had more “what is all this for?” moments this year than ever before. I don’t get to spend nearly as much time with my toddler son as I would like and would like to travel more and set aside more time for leisure, but it all just feels impossible.
So I guess I’m feeling a lot of the dissonance around feeling like I’m bumping up against all the things that people are angry about and also feeling like I don’t know how to individually fix it. I need our work life to change collectively but as I work in the culture and comms space, it seems like companies who leaned hard into “wellbeing” during and after the pandemic are dropping all of that in favor of “efficiency” and profit.
Idk if any of this makes sense. Just some thoughts I had while listening.