We’re living through a really tough time. Forest fires literally and figuratively. We look up and see our democracy facing the stress test of autocracy. Or as Lincoln said, “testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure.” We look down and feel our personal financial pressures mounting, our time allocations overdrafted, and there’s not much room in between to just catch and calm your breath.

I’m meeting this moment with gratitude, as cliche as that might read right now. I have to admit that I’m incredibly grateful to know I’m not alone in these feelings or alone in giving and receiving support. There’s more, and I think this is the message I want to find articulation for: I’m thankful for the rebirth that’s about to emerge. Something is happening under the surface of these crashing waves. A movement brewing perhaps. A siren that I see many responding to: good people, with a renewed sense of purpose and community, reconsidering what matters.

Start looking for this pattern around your people: Who is talking about slowing down? Who is ready to get off the treadmill of capitalism to reclaim their time and sanity? Who is responding to the trouble brewing by stepping up in a capacity they are fit to help others? Who is saying Yes to the desires that fill us with joy instead of giving in to the demands of our cultural routines?

Was January a turning point? Will we look back at this winter and point at it when telling a future generation about the collapse of the stupid ways we used to live? Maybe. I know this is a tough moment, between Trump’s return (and the subsequent burning down of so much supportive structure), the unsteady weather and global warming’s destruction, AI’s rise, and so much chaos around the world. World news aside, I see my people staying above the pain from this noise to keep breathing, to keep one foot in front of the other. I see hands extended to offer support. And I’m hearing new conversations emerge, which is where I’m finding hope that there’s a movement brewing here.

MaybeItsFate is here to play a part in the giving and receiving of support. Let’s show up and co-create the safe space to lean on each other, to slow down, to get small, to connect to purpose, to connect with other humans. For new ideas, for healing, and for fun. Welcome to a pitstop on capitalism’s treadmill. Join in.

- Charley

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