I've been discussing this exact "vibe shift" with friends and family of late. The villains (e.g., crypto bros, bad faith culture warriors, Musk, Putin, etc.) have taken a lot of Ls recently, which has provided some unexpected hope to close out what's been a decidedly tough year.
Funny you should mention this....have you come across the Dutch author Rutger Bregman? In English his book is called Humankind. If you've not read it, now is a good time..!
I absolutely adore the photo of the two of you in this article. You both look really relaxed, happy and just you. Happy 2023 and I hope our paths cross at some point this year!
Jan 2, 2023·edited Jan 2, 2023Liked by Brent Hartinger
I'm no Pollyanna, but I think most people, especially those who have to live in real life, got exhausted by all the angry some time ago, and it's time for the Internet chatterati to catch up...or go away. That said, I do think people of goodwill who write on Substack can do much to encourage people to get out of the house, and chat with people, including and especially those they don't know, who have different perspectives. You and Michael are great role models for this. Only then can we start to have honest conversations based on mutual concern.
Brent, I share your joy regarding McCarthy! I laughed at the end if each vote. I’m just waiting for enough moderate Rs to say screw this and vote for Hakeem.
I also am feeling more optimistic and I think the last US election cycle helped push me in that direction. I’m just feeling content now, something I hadn’t felt for a long time.
I remain oblivious to the ridiculous shenanigans in DC. I hold the opinion that all politicians are, well, politicians. I much prefer to focus on the people living in reality--real jobs, real bills, real life. And that has helped me remain very optimistic. There are so many people out there doing great things, changing lives and perspectives one conversation at a time. Like you and Michael!
I’m honored to have made your list of recommended Substacks, but I consider myself fortunate to read of your adventures and perspective each week. That’s where we grow--in learning the stories of those who don’t live life just as we do. And let me tell you--rural Mississippi has been ripe for that! I look forward to pushing the envelope even more this year in writing about our life here--especially the flack we get because we don’t go along with the entrenched classism and racism that is still alive and well here.
I truly hope our physical paths cross one day so we can share some wine, a good meal, and wonderful conversation!
Dear Brent: You know, once I figured out the trolls of our society weren't going to change their tune, I started tuning them out. I rarely read or watch anything about Trump and his minions anymore as they say the same cockamamie statements over and over again. My attitude definitely improved after a couple of days of denying myself the toxic waste that comes from them. But I did listen to a YouTube broadcast yesterday about how we're about to trade the House leadership of Nancy Pelosi for Kevin McCarthy? or whomever the Republicans choose as their "Speaker of the House". The difference will be glaring and tragic. But, on that high note, have a happy new year and may the rest of 2023 be better, as some quickly forgotten government personage once said.
Goodness, thank you for the shout-out! Seriously, being in the same series of paragraphs as DOLLY PARTON might be a highlight of my life!
And I really like the perspective of people are getting tired of it all. One thing that has baffled me with the very right wing is how exhausting it all seems. Many of the people where I live seem to get extra energy from the religious fervor with which they pursue certain agenda items, but maybe that'll burn itself out? At some point?
I felt a light heartedness in the past few days. Not certain I define it as optimism but (for no known reason) feel a surge of hope. Happy New Year to the two of you, a very bright light that shines in my inbox often.
Great post. Maybe there is a ray of sunlight waiting for us in 2023. If not, all we can do is live our best lives and try to spread positivity. I think you guys do that. Oh, and thanks for sharing that duet. That was a real feel-good moment for me! Have a great 2023 🌟
I've been discussing this exact "vibe shift" with friends and family of late. The villains (e.g., crypto bros, bad faith culture warriors, Musk, Putin, etc.) have taken a lot of Ls recently, which has provided some unexpected hope to close out what's been a decidedly tough year.
Here's hoping to some forward momentum!
Seeing Dolly and Miley made my morning...thanks for that! Happy New Year and here's to optimism!
Funny you should mention this....have you come across the Dutch author Rutger Bregman? In English his book is called Humankind. If you've not read it, now is a good time..!
I absolutely adore the photo of the two of you in this article. You both look really relaxed, happy and just you. Happy 2023 and I hope our paths cross at some point this year!
I'm no Pollyanna, but I think most people, especially those who have to live in real life, got exhausted by all the angry some time ago, and it's time for the Internet chatterati to catch up...or go away. That said, I do think people of goodwill who write on Substack can do much to encourage people to get out of the house, and chat with people, including and especially those they don't know, who have different perspectives. You and Michael are great role models for this. Only then can we start to have honest conversations based on mutual concern.
I’m not quite to the point of optimism yet, but things do seem a bit brighter. I remain cautiously hopeful.
Looking so forward to following your amazing nomad journey this year. Thank you, gentlemen!
Here’s to a wonderful new year!🥂🍾
Brent, I share your joy regarding McCarthy! I laughed at the end if each vote. I’m just waiting for enough moderate Rs to say screw this and vote for Hakeem.
I also am feeling more optimistic and I think the last US election cycle helped push me in that direction. I’m just feeling content now, something I hadn’t felt for a long time.
I remain oblivious to the ridiculous shenanigans in DC. I hold the opinion that all politicians are, well, politicians. I much prefer to focus on the people living in reality--real jobs, real bills, real life. And that has helped me remain very optimistic. There are so many people out there doing great things, changing lives and perspectives one conversation at a time. Like you and Michael!
I’m honored to have made your list of recommended Substacks, but I consider myself fortunate to read of your adventures and perspective each week. That’s where we grow--in learning the stories of those who don’t live life just as we do. And let me tell you--rural Mississippi has been ripe for that! I look forward to pushing the envelope even more this year in writing about our life here--especially the flack we get because we don’t go along with the entrenched classism and racism that is still alive and well here.
I truly hope our physical paths cross one day so we can share some wine, a good meal, and wonderful conversation!
Dear Brent: You know, once I figured out the trolls of our society weren't going to change their tune, I started tuning them out. I rarely read or watch anything about Trump and his minions anymore as they say the same cockamamie statements over and over again. My attitude definitely improved after a couple of days of denying myself the toxic waste that comes from them. But I did listen to a YouTube broadcast yesterday about how we're about to trade the House leadership of Nancy Pelosi for Kevin McCarthy? or whomever the Republicans choose as their "Speaker of the House". The difference will be glaring and tragic. But, on that high note, have a happy new year and may the rest of 2023 be better, as some quickly forgotten government personage once said.
Goodness, thank you for the shout-out! Seriously, being in the same series of paragraphs as DOLLY PARTON might be a highlight of my life!
And I really like the perspective of people are getting tired of it all. One thing that has baffled me with the very right wing is how exhausting it all seems. Many of the people where I live seem to get extra energy from the religious fervor with which they pursue certain agenda items, but maybe that'll burn itself out? At some point?
Thank you for the uplift :)
I felt a light heartedness in the past few days. Not certain I define it as optimism but (for no known reason) feel a surge of hope. Happy New Year to the two of you, a very bright light that shines in my inbox often.
Thank you for a cheering morning read!
Great post. Maybe there is a ray of sunlight waiting for us in 2023. If not, all we can do is live our best lives and try to spread positivity. I think you guys do that. Oh, and thanks for sharing that duet. That was a real feel-good moment for me! Have a great 2023 🌟