The theme for November is Pragmatic Joy. As we enter the final quarter of 2024, the holiday season is in full swing (I mean, I saw an oversized nutcracker in Lowe’s in early October!). Tomorrow, on November 5th, we’ll also be at the polls, casting votes that reflect our beliefs about the direction of our society.
With so much in motion, it's easy to feel the weight of it all. But I’ve realized I don’t want to live in a constant state of anxiety. Instead, by grounding ourselves in a pragmatic view of the present, we can uncover joy in the opportunity to simply be where we are right now. And there’s something truly beautiful about the fact that we may soon have our first woman president, a leader of Black and Southeast Asian descent—someone who is arguably among the most qualified individual to run for the office in our lifetime.
I’m filled with enthusiasm for the possibilities ahead, balancing it with just enough caution to ensure I’ve done my part. The pragmatic side of this journey is in knowing that we, as a collective, put in the work. By Wednesday, our democracy may look different—but that’s all the more reason to embrace the process.
This November, I’m choosing to savor the joy of letting our efforts bear fruit, staying open to whatever opportunities come my way. That means comfort cooking, more time with close friends, and maybe even catching a blockbuster like Wicked or Gladiator II. But, who am I kidding? I’m not setting foot in an AMC theater. Let’s be real — it’ll be streaming by Christmas!
