The Stubborn Optimist 13: What did we miss?
When we slow down it's easier to see.
Dear Friend,
I hope you’re well. I’m sending you all of this season’s greetings, and special birthday wishes to all my fellow Capricorns.
As we bid farewell to 2024 and welcome in a new year I want to talk about the power of slowing down.
Just last week, in the run-up to Christmas (notice the language we use, it’s not stroll-up), I was rushing around like a headless chicken trying to fit in a million and one tasks. And then I remembered some advice. The most radical thing you can do for your mindset is to slow down and take five deep breaths.
In-and-out.
In and out.
In,
Out,
In.
Out.
In
and
Out.
My mind calmed. My eyes relaxed. My body eased.
In a few short moments I’d taken myself from frantic thoughts and anxious movements to near-serenity. I began to hear around me birdsong, laughter, and the gentle whistle of the wind.
As I continued my route calmly I noticed things I hadn’t seen mere moments before. A robin peeking out of a holly bush. A slight rainbow shimmering between the clouds. A man cuddling his son sharing his pride in him. Smiling faces. Kind moments.
The wider world is a bit like that too. When we rush through it only the loudest moments grab our attention. I’ve noticed that what makes the most amount of noise is usually anger, stress, and anxiety.
When we slow down in our daily lives, and in the way we observe the wider world, we leave space for the good bits to rear their heads, to whisper progress, to share their joy.
Thank you for taking the time to read this letter, I have lots to share with you to round up 2024.
Reasons to be cheerful (big and little)
This is a bumper edition because I wanted to draw out the many good things that have taken place this year, because, despite it all, wonderful things have continued:
In June a new drug, lenacapavir, was proven to prevent HIV infections in 100% of cases (yes you read that right). It’s a massive breakthrough for a disease which has caused so much pain. Best of all, the company making the new injections is creating an affordable version for 120 resource-limited countries. Source 1. Source 2.
Remember when Julian Alfred won St. Lucia’s first Olympic medal - and it was Gold in the 100m sprint? Here’s the joy of her community celebrating:
Deforestation in the Amazon has halved in two years! Plus 62.4% of the whole forest is now protected by legislation. The many countries that share guardianship for the lungs of our planet are increasing their protection of it. Source 1. Source 2.
Chappel Roan took the world by storm this year, and so many people finally found themselves reflected in her songs. She brought us together. Case in point, this glorious one-day-choir (full body chills):
In 20 years we’ve made huge progress globally to educate more children. The amount of children not going to school has dropped by 40%. A fact even more impressive when you think how much the overall population has grown. Source 1.
This little girl was overwhelmed by joy when she won a Welsh language competition earlier this year:
$272 billion was invested into clean energy in the United States. Even with a new administration the tide has turned and momentum is on the side of green energy. The ball is rolling. Source 1.
Lovely Peter from Uganda was in seventh-heaven experiencing snow for the first time earlier this year:
More than two billion people voted in elections in 2024! Voter turnout rose for the first time in 20 years (not in the UK but we can fix that). And, across the world from Senegal to Bangladesh, Indonesia to Syria - tyrants were toppled! Source 1.
Speaking of Syria, in this incredibly moving clip, two brothers reunited in Aleppo following the fall of the Assad regime:
Reproductive rights around the world are actually getting better, despite the United States:
Source: Think Global Health The absurd wonderful joy of being together. It’s easy to forget that only two years ago we were all isolated from each other. This year has felt like we’re finally together again, and in so many ways that is a complete gift. Here (because I love a crowd singing in unison) is footage from a gig. The semi-finals of the football played on screen as England got through to the Euros final and the beat dropped:
I found many of these incredible stories in this amazing round-up. If you have the time I really recommend reading - it’s a real eye-opener.
Soundtrack for Optimism:
Rounding off the playlist for the year I’ve been drawn to some classics. Howard Shore’s score for The Lord of the Rings movies is perfection. Concerning Hobbits in particular, feels like coming home, so that now begins the soundtrack. I’ve also added in some delightful ditties from Waxahatchee, Liz Lawrence, Valmont, and a sunbeam of a song - Tiny Dancer by Elton John. Here it is as an Apple Music Playlist and on Spotify:
With optimism,
Catherine
P.S. Here’s an amazing recipe for sprouts if you are in need over the festive season.
Lovely Catherine! 👏 👏 👏 playlist downloaded for an optimistic start to 2025. I hope yours is a banger! Xx