Q08

Is there something (a person, a cause, an idea) that you want to investigate more fully in the coming year?

I want to more fully investigate Jewish labor unions and my own family's history with them. I think this past year of going through the process to unionize my museum workplace (a dream come true!) has cemented me as a union enthusiast and history nerd for the rest of my life. I will always support unions as a cause and be awed by the accomplishments of those who come together in solidarity around worker rights. And I've always had a passion for genealogy and family lore, so this investigation is a continuation of that lifelong learning project. During these last few days of Awe, I read my great-great-grandfather Isaac Nussman's obituary for the first time (also for the first time: saw a picture of him and my g-grandma Anna Bloom Nussman on their shared headstone, read Anna's obituary, and saw a headstone photo of my g-g-grandma Katie Wolf, Kaila bat Yonah Eliezer). In those obituaries I learned of Isaac and Katie's involvement with social, recreational, educational, and welfare organizations, including the Workmen's Circle, which was a Yiddish-speaking secular mutual aid society turned worker's rights and social justice advocate (known as the Worker's Circle today). Not quite a union, but adjacent. He and Anna are buried in a Workmen's Circle cemetery in Saddle Ranch, New Jersey. In my research I saw that there was a silk mill riot and union organizing effort in Paterson, NJ during the early 20th century. My g-g-grandpa Isaac and great-grandpa Max owned silk mills there, as did other Jews from Poland. I wonder how my ancestors treated their workers? Discovering this information about my family makes me want to further research our connections to labor history and organizations. This history has now also been made personally part of my family story by way of me unionizing a Jewish museum alongside Jewish and non-Jewish comrades. What a vibrant, colorful family history I come from and get to contribue to!

I want to investigate the ways fear gets in my way as a parent so that I can do the best for my son. I want to know what holds me back from progressing in my career, too.

I’d like to explore my relationship to technology. How is it helping me feel connected to community? To current events? To new ideas? How is it affecting my concentration and focus?

I feel like I have been really tapped out of things politically, on a national scale (because it's so overwhelming) but also on a local scale. My city's mayoral race is next month and I don't know any other candidates aside from the incumbent. At the very least I'd like to know more about what is going on with local politics and more directly in my community.

I want to investigate an idea that I might be autistic and figure out what it means and how to seek for accomodations for myself (and figure out which ones I need). I will be 46 next year, so not too late! :)

Yes: George Eliot, my new other favorite novelist next to Thomas. Problem for study: Eliot's and Mann's recent reception as heroes of Zionism. Are they? Should they be thanked for it? I think GE a much better friend to Jews, though TM a much more likely actual Zionist. (Wonderfully, both know more about Jewish history than I'm ever likely to!)

Fascism succeeds best/quickest when it severs ties and communities and human connection. Where can I create glue to prevent fascism from succeeding? How can we, in community, hold ourselves together and in doing so be a beacon for others to hold together too?

Myself and what I love.

I want to deepen my spiritual wisdom this year. I want to learn more about mystical Judaism/Kabbalah. Most of all, I want to deepen my connection to Shechinah and not shy away from what I am being called to. I did more of this in my younger years, which created profound transformations in my life. I am ready and hungry for the next level of transformation. I want to be brave.

Not so much an "investigation", but I really want to go on my Israel birthright trip this year before the opportunity goes away when I age out.

I'd like to learn the High Holiday liturgy with more comprehensiveness. I feel like, because I do it so seldom, I'm kind of skating the surface and just trying to keep up with everything, rather than going deep into its meaning. I have to confess I also find it a little alienating. But maybe I'd be less alienated if I knew it better.

I can't wait to investigate life without a mortgage! I feel like since Greg took a paycut after Nine Mile, money has been a little tight, so I'm looking forward to having a cushion and saving for some bigger things we need to do. And also I can finally get a new car!

In the coming year, I want to more fully investigate what it means to step into new frontiers. That includes learning how to truly integrate into Florida — not just settling in personally, but figuring out how to grow Micah’s practice, continue my own consulting, and build a sense of community in a new place. I also want to explore what travel looks like with Madison Grace. Travel has always been a big part of my life, and I don’t want to give it up now. Instead, I want to learn how to do it differently — how to make it enjoyable as a family, how to introduce her to the world, and how to keep that spirit of adventure alive. And finally, I’d like to dig deeper into wine. It’s something I’ve appreciated for years, but I want to explore it more seriously — whether through travel, learning, or even side projects. Between Florida, family travel, and new passions like wine, I feel like this next year is about discovering how to weave old loves and new opportunities into the life we’re building.

I’d like to get more involved in knowing my community and supporting and protecting it.

Just like last year, I want to be more politically conscious and learn the ins and outs of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Federalist Papers. Especially after the assassination of Charlie Kirk and the lies flying around on social media and in the news I want to be informed on the founding documents of our nation to form better opinions on what is and is not constitutional. (We are a constitutional republic, not a democracy!)

How to effectively protest this administration and keep my sanity in the process.

I want to explore how to reclaim my own pleasure and be in relationship with myself.

I'm a curious person by nature. I'm sure something will pop up that will grab my interest and drive me to learn more about it.

Independent journalism. Battling book banning. Literacy. Maybe the Op-Ed Project.

I've been wanting to look into real reconciliation. Calling in on the interpersonal level, Truth & Reconciliation on the national... How do we repair with one another? How can we make it right after wrongdoing?

I want to explore my local reform temple and their services/community more. I didn't grow up going to a temple or really any specific Jewish learning, and I usually go to Chabad since that's where most of my city's young professionals go, but I connected way more with this year's services and sermons at the reform temple and it feels like a good fit.

Stay open and curious. Allow the flow of energy, ideas, what I see and sense to shape itself effortlessly into poetry.

I want to continue to do more for the FASD community and complete my Fascets Training and be teaching their neurodevelopmental approach, training a brain-based approach, which has now transformed the lives of thousands worldwide with many different brain based differences.

This year, I want to turn my attention back toward community. I have spent the past year looking inward, learning who I am and how I function, but now I want to rebuild my sense of belonging in the world. I want to explore Judaism again with my kids and refocus on our humanistic Jewish community. I miss being part of something shared, something that connects learning, ethics, and culture in a way that feels alive. I also want to come to terms with my public-facing self. I have spent so much time understanding my inner world that I have not fully considered how I want to show up outside of it. I want to find a way to be visible that feels authentic, thoughtful, and true to my values. If last year was about understanding myself, this year is about connection, with my community, my children, and the wider world I want to help shape.

I always struggle with this question. I guess it's the same as last year: I need some sort of existential grounding and something to give optimism. However, going to services for Lucy's 25/52 "requirements" was really helpful for that, so I'd like to continue going to services or something that grounds me in our tradition.

How to be in relationship - IF - with other white people.

I am trying to figure out how I participate in the Abundance agenda. I have a vague notion of what I can bring that is unique to me. I understand entertainment / story telling, marketing, climate tech, finance, deal making and how leaders make decisions. We all need an Abundance mindset - especially in welcoming the energy transition and US-led AI. That AI — IMHO — should be embedded with the values of the Bill of Rights and the Declaration of Independence. Yes, I am an unapologetic believer in the greatness of the American experiment. I want to do a Star Trek for the next generation, a hopeful vision of the future, to help ease the polarized Left and Right of their fears of change. I want to paint a picture of what a better world looks like with ample, clean energy, AI serving humans, peace, and a less scary civil society. I think I can do it. I do good visioning. If there’s one thing I inherited from my mom it’s my ability to see the future - or many possible variations of it. I can imagine a world of greater equity, civil discourse, healthy living, natural harmony, fun, purpose and sustainability fueled by abundant energy, AI and (ironically) greater military strength. I’d love to figure out how I tell that story so it inspires people to get there.

I would like to participate in as many ways that I can to reverse the takeover of our democracy by fascists on the march. Nothing seems more important, or more challenging in the coming year. We have lost so much ground since Trump got back into office, and each battle lost makes turning the tables more challenging. A very discouraging time.. in dire search of strong, wise, competent maybe even somewhat charismatic leadership, to turn this dark tide around.

I would like to investigate health vegetarian living and scientific learning practices

I have explored ADHD and have found useful workarounds. Haven't done much in the way of spirituality. Next year I would like to travel more, explore what I really enjoy doing, instead of just being pulled around. I want to buy a car

bypassing resistance to written product/typing/spelling

Sweden at the moment. At the time of writing, I have been living here a month from the UK, and I want to see this country more. Understand its value system more, how it ticks, and its history. See more of the country, travel and explore. See how it's different all around. Learn more Swedish. Try brands you can only eat here. Try the traditional food. Fika more. Ferry more. Sauna. Hike. Maybe even see the Northern Lights. Festivals. Engage more with the Jewish Community and JUS.

Activism re fascism, some kind of smart, viral political communications thing. I still feel so passionately about organizing against billionaires. Working on shine and valley neighbors. figure out more about what I want to write about. more Substack-like stuff? more ways to connect to the grandkids. taking J out to eat? doing more special stuff with Laila? Get a book going on terrorist daughters? trying not to hate people who don't think like me. focus on the fact that people need to feel safe and respected -- and when they don't it gets awful for everyone. think about how they are proud of army and police bc it's where they've been able to excel and left minimizes it.

Social housing. It's permanent deeply affordable, under community control, and most importantly, exists outside of the speculative real estate market.

Holocaust education for the younger generations has become increasingly important to me, as I fear for the future of the Jewish people and the land of Israel as anti-semitism and anti-Israeli hatred has grown worldwide.

I can't think of anything specific, but hoping that there will be some kind of consensus-building or united front among left wing, anti-fascist movements that reasonable people can latch on to.

Once my divorce is final, I would like to investigate a dating app or two. Also, I’m taking that poetry Class. I’m also in the Houston class because Lisa’s class didn’t get started on time, not her fault. Hoping that the end result is a finished book of my poems. So I’m investigating how to do that.

I’ve been struggling to reconcile the focus and priority I give to Jewish community while feeling like more of a universalist. Judaism is by nature exclusive. And I have found Jewish communities that do their best not to be! But there is an obvious incompatibility between those values. I want to figure out how to celebrate and uplift and feel at ease and at home within the specificity of Jewishness in a way that doesn’t undermine my hopes for humanity at large. And I want to expand my love for humanity so that tribalism doesn’t cause me to love one person more than another. I’m not sure if that’s possible, and I understand why it’s natural. But tribalism strikes me as wrong, and when you choose to rebel against its wrongness, it shakes the bedrock of your spiritual/religious/communal foundations until the whole thing crumbles. And I don’t want to be there either. Maybe because it’s scary to be at that point, because you’re defecting from one ingroup to another in reality. But there is so much goodness and pure intention here on our side and I want to lasso it until I can make this make sense.

I was asked to become a president of an organisation. I declined because I lack confidence and I’m afraid it will cost me too much time and energy. But now I am thinking that it might actually be a good thing to do, for my business and for personal development. So I want to talk to people about that and want to investigate wether or not this is a step I should take.

Last month, I read The Gift by Lewis Hyde and found it incredibly thought-provoking. I realized I’ve missed reading theory, which often gives me new ways to understand the world and my past experiences. I already plan to read more of Hyde’s writing, and I think I want to seek out more polymath thinkers and writers.

Feldenkreis teaching

Creativity and the creative process.

I'm so excited to continue getting to know my daughter! She just turned 8 months this week, and G-d willing in the next year she will be walking and (sort of) talking.

I would like to get a piece about my experience of losing Maggie finished and published somewhere. (I just started to write about it, and digging through what happened is painful, but I'd like to tell the story now, I think.) I would also like to write the story about my white privilege growing up in the projects. Pomonok has proven hard to investigate, but that story should be told. Renee and I have talked about when we would feel we needed to take in immigrants under the current regime, which is so horribly mistreating them, kidnapping, dragging them naked from their homes in zip ties, and just otherwise totally dehumanizing them. It seems like at some point we would need to shield some people, but we aren't clear when that would be. Last year I wanted to write more and scroll less. Same, but I like that this year I had two specific projects I wanted to explore through essay writing. (Also polio and the 1950s for a book or film.)

I want to write more poetry than ever, and share my words. I want to use poetry as an avenue to fall in love with the world during this horrific time. I want to engage with the world and joy in it in the smallest ways and remember what we had as I grieve the world we knew before and how far away that life is now.

I want to be part of the resistance to TRUMP. To do what I can to fight the Kleptocracy and authoritarianism that is taking over the country.

How community works and my role in it. In a more every day, broader town sense, not just the hobby sharing people sense.

I want to continue studying Torah and other Jewish texts, and participate more fully in synagogue life.

Being a better parent. Not anything specific but I want to learn more in general. I considered doing a PhD in political science for about a day because I was very bored at work, but it's not really practical with my work. Oh yes, I should reach back out and be a foster care mentor, they never got back to me.

Not really. I'm kind of in limbo right now, trying to straighten things out. I'm trying to work on how my life is changing as I am aging.

Probably Feldenkrais

Hmm - I do want to spend more time on meaningful contributions to society. Not sure if there is any particular person or cause or idea as yet.

None

I need to do better with the wildlife rescue. I just get so comfortable doing nothing that I do nothing.

I definitely want to investigate how to resist the Trump and MAGA regime. I want to study resistance history and become more active in local political activities. I want this to be an opportunity for me to investigate how communities can unite and prosper and how I can still act locally but think globally.

I'd like to become more efficient with AI. It's such an incredible thing. I'm limited by my ignorance of its abilities and my lack of ideas on how to use it. But when I DO use it, it's fantastic. Just recently I have used it to render artistic images of the whole family, help me better understand how to care for my plants, made a chart of my supplements and how much I'm taking of each vitamin/minerals, translating messages for me, writing cards to people, diagnosing ailments (the joint of my middle finger hurts), defining words, making a stain removal chart from a laundry book I read, etc. I'm obviously just scratching the surface, and I'm excited to get better at using it.

Writing my screenplay

is it really selfish to say that I want to focus on myself and my family next year? In the past I did not complete this question, and it made me feel like a failure. This coming year I dont want to do that anymore. So, the answer is No...

Me. I’m in a good place in my life except for one aspect of it and I never been OK and single at the same time. I wanna explore that I will explore me being with me opening the doors for that person to come or a person to come back for a person to return put that a person that I’m going to start the next stage of my life can come into me as a human and I’m ready and that I know myself and that I can be myself I wanna explore me.

Me. I want to get back to writing a book about my life. Identifying the chapters, maybe some photos to go with, or quotes from journals or articles.

I want to read the poetry of Avrom Sutzkever in the original Yiddish. His work is so beautiful, referencing nature in the face of unspeakable hardships.

It would be great if I could sample more of the opportunities in my community and interact with others, broadening my narrow universe.

A new practice in counseling.

I want to play more music, performing in front of people and cultivating musical relationships. I want to explore music production, sound engineering, and also songwriting. Finally, maybe just maybe, I'll even give singing a try.

what do I want for my life?

I want to explore the idea of creating a Housing Co-op! I'm interested in utilizing my experience, knowledge, and passion for building community and teaching people how to leverage their own strengths, talents, and gifts to have a better life and give back to their community.

I came across a concept from Jewish philosophy in a book I'm reading, which is this idea of plastic hours. The idea being that when conditions are just right - or just wrong - society becomes kind of malleable and easy to mould and reshape, or to break and rebuild. I feel like we are approaching a plastic hour in the world right now. Everything feels so febrile and fragile, everything is so polarised. You can also have a personal plastic hour (which is how it was referred to in the book) and I like the idea that you can find a positive way forward out of the rubble of previous systems. It's like that quote from The Leopard, that in order to stay the same, things will have to change. Although of course the flipside to that is that you can also find a negative way forward out of the rubble of previous systems, and it definitely feels like Reform are waiting in the wings to do just that. I'm still keen to explore how I can live a more creative life, and how I might be able to build a living (or at least part of a living) from creative pursuits. I feel envious sometimes of Chris's sister, Laura, who has been a dollmaker and is now, with her new partner, exploring other artistic endeavours. That said, my glasses aren't rose tinted enough to make me think it wouldn't a lot of hard grind. And do I really have the talent to do this? Or is that just my fear of failure holding me back?

Retreats on a bigger scale - doing it, enjoying it, partnering, getting out of my safety and comfort zone so that I can share my gifts and life experiences with others AND bring in some money knowing that I provide value. Books- both reading more diligently and writing, perhaps publishing if it seems "right." Grief work - maybe not death doula but becoming a "go to" person/resource for people in their own grief journeys.

I do want to continue my nonfiction goal to read and learn more about the economy. I also think I want to push my art journaling to be a little more ambitious.

Continue investigating diet, supplements and remedies to reduce the impact of perimenopause/transition/the upgrade. And creatively, Continue investigating creative multimedia that allows me to express a creative narrative and is a FUN process.

I used to want to foster teenage girls, it has been an idea on my mind for a long time, but because I would lack the capacity in terms of space and resources, it has never been a possibility. This year, I want to look more into volunteering as a mentor, at least a bit, at least part time, and to try and make a difference. I would also like to get more involved in bigger causes, but I do not think it is a single year effort. I wanted to be more active on social media, but I struggle to think of what I could bring that the World actually needs at this time, that has not been addressed by more powerful people than I am, so I might still be thinking of that in the upcoming year.

1. Stoicism 2. Our democratic republic 3. My authentic self

ITAA and sobriety from internet and technology. 12 Steps, sponsorship, service and recovery.

I want to learn more about Icelandic sagas. I was really inspired by our trip to Iceland last December and I want to write a book inspired by folk tales and specifically Norse sagas. I've ordered some books and want to prioritise reading them and writing when inspired.

I would like to continue to find out what Judaism means in my life, particularly if Max is going to move away and with him goes my cohost for events. Will I host? Will I search for a new cohost? Will I try to preserve our little bubble without him or branch out and make a new bubble? I want Judaism to be a part of my life but I want to investigate in what ways that is practical for me.

This has been a good year for learning and I want to build on that.

Mental health, probably from a Jewish perspective.

So many things. Conjure bowls, meditation, cat massage, perfect french bread.

Maybe I’m setting up a local mandolin club. Maybe trying to create community with the local COR Washington state people may be looking in the middle of the road and stuff.

How to help resist the rise of fascism, personally, sustainably.

I would like to investigate getting my children more familiar and comfortable with Jewish customs, even if they might not understand the significance just yet. I keep telling myself when they are older I will work on their Jewish education, but they are getting older and my nieces and nephews have much more Jewish culture than my own kids. I’d like to work on that this year, one holiday at a time.

I have ideas for stories I'd like to write. I want to investigate whether I can actually be a writer, and what baby steps I can take.

Structural reform and ranked choice. But also workers advocacy within my own field.

Next year, I want to more fully investigate ways that I can help others. By starting training as a museum docent, I hope that training program will teach me how to communicate my love of US history to others. Another cvaus I want to more fully learn about and hopefully participte in, is helping immigrants achieve citizenship or asylum status. I am now finishing a PLI CLE course on asylum work, and hpe to get connected to a non profit legal center next year.

Not really for this year. I think I'm at a point in life where I'm really focusing on myself and what is possible to make out of my life. I hope I can continue to be invested and interested in the things I already do and to grow the future I want for myself, in order to eventually turn outward again.

I've signed up for online Kabbalah in English.

Owning my power. Embodying the Black Moon Lilith energy that I’ve been working with this past year (Aries card from the trip to Harbin & six of cups). Remember to channel my inner Hensley.

I'm thinking of exploring getting a certificate in counseling, but I'm not sure if it's a flash-in-the-pan. Maybe it's a way to bring in money after I retire. Do I want to be in school now, while I'm working? The cost benefit analysis is good: Free!

De-googling and de-microsofting. I've made some good strides, but I want to stop paying them in money and data. They don't deserve it. They don't use it in an ethical manner. Cheers to Firefox <3

This may be a repeat- but I would like to "investigate" journaling, yoga, etc - to reduce my stress and try to live a fuller internal life.

The hypnotherapy course will be a big one and it's already booked and paid for, so for sure I will be exploring this a lot in the next months. I also want to explore social media to post content as I learn with the idea to dive deeper in the topic and grow a base from which I'll be able to grow a business when the time comes. I also want to spend time painting. In the past year I took watercolour classes once a week for some months and enjoyed it a lot, but since I stopped because of Summer I haven't touched a brush and it bothers me how scared I am to go back to it for some reason. So this year I want to grow a new income stream through this new project, grow my creative life through painting and going more often to museums and read all the books I accumulated and never opened.

I want to deepen some friendships with a few wonderful people at the Temple. I guess that means seeing people outside of the Temple, getting to know them on a more personal level. Also, letting them get to know me.

I want to volunteer for both a Jewish and non Jewish charity.

I want to connect more with spirituality, to think and feel deeply about my place in this broken world and how to share this connection with my children.

I would like to start volunteering again at the foodbank

All my time & interest seem to go to Norwegian modal adverbs. That might be the dorkiest sentence anyone ever wrote. But modal adverbs are wicked cool, they really are. And what exactly is wrong with being superficial? I never hoped for a cute gall bladder.

I would like to investigate how can I become a more valuable and active member of my synagogue. I would also like to see how can I get involved in helping to accelerate local health services shift to active B prevention of illnesses.

I want to continue to study Hebrew, but to drop back a level so I feel it is challenging, but not frustrating.

This is random but maybe the community refrigerator? Should this be part of my life as a way to give back locally? I can’t believe I have never dropped off food. Let’s see if I can start.

How to start over later in life. Especially as a woman.

ICE has invaded Chicago and people are being zip tied and dragged into vans. I just paid an entire week's worth of money to apply for my passport but they may be passing a law that denies passports to "terrorists" (anti-capitalists, anti-zionists, the left in general). I am so scared that they are coming for my friends and I. I wish I had the luxury to dream of studying but I'm trying to stockpile medicine and food.

I am in a fairly new relationship that is the best relationship I have ever been in, and I want to continue investigating the wonders of that. As always, there is the cause of Trump's authoritarian take over of our government and that is much worse than where we were last year considering that he actually did win that fateful election.

I would like to delve deeper in Kabbalah & the Zohar. This goes along with rediscovering my spiritual self.

Gardening. I would like to learn from my neighbors and try more things in our garden over the coming year.

I'd like to look at all of my potential volunteering opportunities and start doing one on a regular basis. I think the Friends of the L.A. River might be a good option because it's down the street from my house.

I’d like to investigate volunteer opportunities this next year. I want to plug myself into something that fuels me and inspires me and helps my community.

I just listened to a few episodes of Bari Weiss' podcast "Honestly" and the one from Amy Coney Barrett was bizarre to me because Justice Barrett was so relatable and warm! So I think something I want to investigate more is creating authentic moments for connection with people I suspect I disagree with about some really core and important things. How do I build those connections and neither deny what's important but also not reduce our whole human connection to only a few divisive issues?

I want to investigate our community at church.

I want to investigate tradeskills, like woodworking and restoration, and other creative outlets.

I want to continue investing in myself and the relationships that are important to me. Everything else will hopefully fall into place.

I do think I can find something bigger. How cool would it to work in Nick's agency? Or work for a school and coach their tennis team? I can do better things than an entry level $50K job. I don't know what it is right now, but I can figure it out.

Last thing I feel like I need to do right now is go back to acting. I still think about it sometimes and my children have never seen me do it. I thought I would try it when i got older but it takes a lot of time and I never made the time. I think it could be a new spiritual path that I discarded when it got tough.

I’d like to see how we can safely, financial wise increase our income while enjoying our life as we age

Yes, I want to figure out how I can counteract the propaganda that's so ingrained into not just Christians but most Americans about Israel. Since Netanyahu admitted in his UN speech that he's not interested in a two state solution, and wants to "finish the job" he's started, which is genocide, I'm extremely fearful for the people remaining in their homeland who are in danger of being killed violently, starved to death, or dying from preventable disease because the government of Israel has bombed out all of their hospitals. I hope I can join others in shedding light on where our taxpayer dollars are going, and maybe help bring about change.

I think that the world is so divided, I want to investigate kindness. Kindness costs nothing, but is sometimes very hard to deliver on.

Marriage!!! We got engaged during the days of awe. I think marriage is a problematic to stupid institution and yet I want X to be my life partner so I’ve decided to partake. I think we can do it in a way that feels good and true to me. It will require exploration that I will have to lead. I want to understand better how and why it is a social, legal, and religious institution, and which parts of it we are and are not signing up for. I think x will be open to exploring this with me

No.

A few years ago, my wife and I volunteered as grief counselors. I had to give it up when we moved and missed it. I felt like I was genuinely helping. Recently, as a part of her dissertation work, my wife has started volunteering with a grief counseling group here. She’s asked me if I’d like to help, and I would like to get back into it. I miss feeling like I was genuinely helping.

I want to spend more time volunteering to help Democrats win the midterm elections to prevent further erosion of our democracy. I'd also like to work more for environmental causes to try to mitigate the damage being done to our environment and our ability to survive on this planet.

I want to understand why it has been so hard for many of my fellow American Jews to extend any empathy towards innocent children in Gaza. I want to study Torah and pirkei avot to find the wisdom to push against these harmful mindsets.

Myself

structural competency, moral injury and American Council for Judaism's offerings on Jewish teachings and Jewish thought.

I think the idea of being an artist intrigues me. It's not as much about producing specific things, but more about living intentionally and bringing creativity and joy and time to make things into our lives.

I have dabbled in mindfulness, but I do find that my most peaceful times are when I fully accept being in the present and part of that is being mindful, something to work on as I go forward, lifelong journey

I want to dive more into sephardic traditions to incorporate into my home.

I need to stop being hesitant and lazy about staying disciplined. When I meditate on something I need to investigate more fully in the coming year, Discipline stands out to me. All things will improve in my life (and probably others around me, too) if I can get my sh*t together and become highly disciplined. Also, I think I might actually start my own business and stop tinkering around with the idea and do it.

Probably looking at independent work? Whether it’s my own publishing company, or getting more involved with the fgc, I want to make a personal change and engage more with what I love.

I want to play more music/spend more time with J. I want to figure out what is going on there. I've worked to manifest that.

I want Palestine to be free.

I would like to investigate methods for becoming a better teacher.

I want to visit any and everybody before it is too late. I am going to science teacher conferences now… those I could not attend when I was working.

Start and the night sky! My husband made the point that we have more and more night pollution with satellites. We should get to know the night sky!

How to use my volunteer efforts to preside major change in areas where I see the crying need for change. So far, our Federal government operations under the President, who I have rejected since 2016. I am not one for giving a party money. I think that terms and amount of time in politicking and readyness for elections. At the same time, I should probably start looking at work I do at Treehouse and wellspring, particular with children. Last but not least, setting programs for MBCC into our annual year. These efforts too can help to build awareness and action in our neighborhood.

I look forward to continuing to explore astrology content, tarot, oracle and other spiritual modalities and practices. I also hope to come more fully into balanced embodiment and the present moment

Something that I want to investigate this year is being unconventional, in the sense of what my job doesn't define me and possibly having a couple different jobs. I went to explore movement, starting with the Pilates course, but I'm very interested in the mind-body connection. I believe that the body's connection to the mind is very strong and what goes on in our head will affect our bodies. I'm looking into different approaches for how I can help others whether that's being a coach/counselor/therapist or so on. But I need to move my body and use it, I'm not meant to sit at a desk for nine hours a day for five days a week. Especially working this last job where it was remote 100%, it was extremely isolating, and it was not a fit for me. I think also in relation to what I mentioned to mind-body connection, exploring meditation and mindfulness. I think that this will not only benefit me, but perhaps this is something that I might be interested in as well.

My answer is the same as last year: I would like to educate myself more fully in ideas, philosophy, and art.

Inspirations, themes, people i collected based on my gallup (i just did it so im intrigued). I want to strengthen my design basics. As always - biomedicine, health tech, futuristic tech, futuristic craft, traiditonal craft.

I got "doikyt" tattooed on my chest this year, and I want that to be my guiding principle. I want to be in community in sustainable ways.

The use of goats in a commercial setting to take care of invasive species and potentially grass management.

I'd like to go more deeply into making my business self sustaining so I am less dependent on being employed. I'm also thinking of going back to school and completing my degree so I won't be passed up again on a good job offer.

Activism. Being involved in changeing people´s life. Fighting the right extremism and ignorance. Fight for human rights.

The cause I’m after is reinstating democracy and requiring felons to serve their time.

The idea of differences in lesbian (and gay) widowhood from hetero widowhood.

We are slowly making strides to become more civically engaged locally, and I’m excited to continue on that journey and do more of that in the year ahead.

I want to clarify the more immediately actionable elements of my activism. I want to be able to articulate the gifts I bring, and have them recognised as important. I want to discern what is mine to do and focus only on that.

I’m wishing that I knew the answer to this for myself. I want to be learning something and have had sprinkles of that beginning of the new school year excitement. But this is a time of stability and caring for the elders, it seems. Not pushing.

dance. i want to get in touch with my body in the way that dancing lets you or music or pottery i want to create more than i consume

Activism - the only thing that's really gotten me fired up this year. I'd like to read more books on successful resistance & social change, and to continue to take part in meaningful activism - both resisting fascism AND helping to build something better. I'm still figuring out what actions might be the most effective, and how I can best help these particular actions. It's been really cool to learn how to collaborate with others and that's a thing I'd like to become more comfortable with in the coming year.

I'd like to understand myself better, and see if I can figure out how to trick myself into being better with money, time, and not over-committing.

I want to learn how to cook better and more regularly. I want to know why people enjoy cooking and figure out how to nourish myself. I definitely want to have more dinner parties - it's one of my favorite ways to socialize with people. Cooking has long been my Achilles heel. I've long said that one of the biggest disadvantages I've found of not having had children was that I didn't have to buy groceries and cook on a regular basis. I would like to change that up for myself.

How I can most effectively contribute to making our country once again a constitutional democracy where the rule of law is followed by all.

I think I want to investigate the concept of “great enough,” which is something mentioned by my friend who is also a life coach. I know I’m never satisfied with “good enough,” but “great enough” feels like a place where I can find peace without being obsessive about perfection.

Maybe Spanish so I can study abroad in a Spanish language program? I do want to get more wrapped up into Food Not Bombs stuff which seems like a lovely anti structure and something fundamentally good in a way that cuts through the leftist discourse soup. Digital gardens! I really want to get deeper into that. And music!! I've been beginning to listen to music a little more diversely, a little more intentionally, and that has been a great joy in my life.

I'd like to learn more about my step mom. I really never asked her much about her family or her life before she met my Dad since I was a young child when she cane into my life. Now that she's in her mid seventies I feel like I'm not going to get many more chances to learn about her.

Exercise and healthful diet, working toward my best health.

Not really, I always pursue my curiosities when they show.

I'm trying to understand life after death from a lot of different perspectives because I want to know my husband and I will meet again, if I have faith. So, Catholicism, NDEs, jungian thought whatever works. I'm also convinced we're already at war and just aren't as canny as our enemies. I want to re visit my failed PhD reading on how we can deal with the inherent uncertainty of warfare, it is unknowable as the next war arrives before we know it has, I don't think a lot of people realise this. The next war won't be fought like anything that's come before. So the question is, what do we think it will look like.

Freemasonry, Master Masonry. Inner spiritual path, including my own spiritual intuitions.

I live across an ocean from my children, grandchildren -and now three newborn great-grandchildren. While we do regular FaceTime calls with all of them and stay in touch via email, I’m very happy to be visiting them in Oct. And, I hope that face-to-face connection that I haven’t had since summer 2024, will create a spark that we can sustain even when we’re physically apart.

improving myself (professionally)

Becoming the woman I'm called to be, to live in the riches and blessings of my inheritance as a daughter of the King. To be blessed and to give blessings, to have peace and joy while also sharing them. Growing and not shrinking. Life is always gonna be crazy, but chaos can be managed.

A loved one of mine seems to be experiencing cognitive challenges. I want to know more about how that might look and what might be done to address it early.

I would like to explore yoga more this year. I am happy to have started a practice and would like to learn and explore more.

Who I really am and how I want to move through my fifth decade.

I have done so much investigating, I think I’m good holding this year.

I can never get enough queer history. It gets overlooked but it's fascinating what people did, who they were, how they were accepted, what was fine what wasn't, etc. And it's my history. A history bigots are pushing harder than ever to pretend doesn't exist. But we've always been here, us queers - gay, lesbian, bi, trans, aspec, etc, and I enjoy exploring that.

Myself - looking at my answers which are the same themes and concerns year after year, that’s who I should investigate more fully.

I want to continue to work at my Spanish language skills with the goal of having conversations with Spanish speakers. In this political maelstrom, our Spanish speaking neighbors need all the support they can get. I want to continue to volunteer for the ACLU - MN and continue my financial support.

I continue to be bothered by how expensive it is to house an arts non-profit. I really want to find ways to lower the barrier for arts spaces, as they add so much to the culture and value of a community.

I would like to explore being a family man as I was not when I was younger and my children were at home.

I would like to know more about how other Jewish people are working out the contradictions in Gaza and in the world in general. I feel very confused.

I want to learn how to make music on the computer.

Using my dreams as a tool to help me understand myself better.

Myself. I am falling more and more in love with myself every day, and I want to keep investing in me. I want to adorn myself. I want to create an altar. I want to worship the home and spaces I live in and create a world where my growth and success can prosper.

I still want to help people. Not as a counsellor though. Just as a friend. I'd like to visit in the places elderly people go to live out the rest of their lives. I'm sure they have stories or secrets they've never told anyone. Things they could not say to a loved one yet things they need to say before they go. I wouldn't tell anyone what they tell me unless it's something like they want to hurt themselves or someone else.

This coming year, I want to continue exploring my family’s history and how it shapes my identity as a Jew today. Learning about my ancestors’ traditions and resilience gives me perspective on my own practices and on the challenges our community faces now. By deepening this connection, I hope to strengthen my sense of belonging and carry forward the values that ground me.

I want to do more for the people of the world who are hungry - in Gaza, in Sudan, in Yemen, in my own community. Whether that means giving time or money, I'd like to help however I can.

Anne Leibovitz, American photographer

I wanna work on meditation and my flexibility in general health and fitness as I am getting older

I want to figure out how I can support change without throwing money at political candidates. I would love to support legal aid for institutions that are being targeted for prosecution by the administration. On a completely different track: I want to go back to painting, which gave me great pleasure in the past, and which I haven't done for a while.

job transition. is it time for law school? for a different school? can I be an expert witness without studying law? could I pull off being a stay at home parent if I wanted that / if J gets a higher paying gig - would we survive that as a couple? How can I become closer with my sister in law?

Nothing comes to mind, though I’d like to continue making progress on my genealogy work.

Same as last year: living a more outwardly, joyous Jewish life

Yes! Continue to grow my business but to also add different angles to it. Sound bowl therapy... my new next interest that I feel can really benefit the studio. In this world where everyone is so stressed with all that is going on.. it will be of such help.. to come and enjoy a place of peace and serenity.

Well, as part of my Olam Chesed project, I want to design a leadership training for our chevra. I also want to keep writing and figure out what to do with my writing. I think I may take Lukas' year-long course that incorporates breath, yoga, strength and who knows what else in a never ending quest to feel stronger, healthier and saner. Maybe I'll also try to become more financially literate this year. And I kind of want to learn how to blow a shofar.

This question has stopped me in my tracks. My work means that I am constantly investigating new ideas (and old) and seeking to understand them better. Like so many Americans, I am dedicated to certain causes (pro-choice, pro-woman, anti-fascism) and do my best to show up for them personally and financially. As for a person... there are so many artists of all kinds who fascinated me, and my shelves hold a good number of books I have yet to read. Maybe this is my year to investigate the artists I love?

I love the jewish non-profits I work with but I want to narrow in a bit on causes that inspire me. The overall work of these larger organizations is so important, but I also want to give my time, energy, and knowledge to causes and ideas that live closer to my heart. Maybe focusing on family mental health, specific Israel projects, etc.

Immigration is a very troubling subject today and I would like to understand it better and see if I can help people who are vulnerable.

I want to investigate Jungian psychology, home renovation, vegetable gardening, and 17th century European history. I'd like to immerse in these topics to move forward on goals of deepening my introspection, improving our home, embracing our new community garden plot, and writing the Hortense play. Topics I have investigated and learned about in previous years that no longer interest me: producing theater and music theory. I don't need to learn these things to move forward on my goals. I just need to keep searching for great collaborators.

I want to understand everything I can about the occupation. I want to be able to say in the future that I made myself useful in this time of our lives.

Immediately no. Everything is So Much Bigger than me, so I'm probably better off just working on myself. I'd like to start doing some volunteer work, but I don't know if that's feasible. And if it is, IDK with where/with what organization.

Investigating myself and why I live the way I do could benefit me and my whole family as well as friends in the community. What spreads joy, peace, and generosity most effectively and will that help preserve democracy?

I want to go back to building a plan and being more consistent in my daily thoughts and actions …manifestation

I'd like to learn more about Maine history and writers. And I'm keeping restorative justice on the list.

How to procrastinate less. How to commit more fully to my health and fitness. How to be more patient and appreciative.

I really can't think of a person, cause or idea that I want to investigate more fully in the coming year. I just want to live my life to its fullest. I am tired of getting into analysis paralysis

Akron generals hippa violation

the folks who dress like gnomes at manifestations

So my response from last year was to stop caring so much about work and investigating more into the work/life balance with an emphasis on "life". Having a different job has helped this tremendously! I think having that balance has helped me also see that I won't ever stop caring about work. I want to help, I want to make things better, and I want to be in the room where important decisions are being made because I think I have good ideas and good input. So this year, I want to focus on putting my best foot forward at work so I can work my way up somewhere. I am still learning and figuring out where exactly I want to move up to, but that's all a part of the growing and investigating!

I'd love to explore further how I amplify the impact of the writing I've done following my cancer "journey" - the handbook on how to deal with different aspects of the experience and how people can show up better for others going through a rough patch. I’ve had ideas bubbling - maybe pitching it to relevant charities, turning parts of it into short-form articles or podcast conversations. But I want to give proper thought to how I launch it meaningfully, not just throw it out into the void. It feels personal, and important. I think it could help people, both those going through something tough, and the people around them who want to support but don't always know how. It’s not fully formed yet. But it’s something I want to make space for.

I would like to keep learning how to be OK with how things are at the moment, trusting that everything is happening for the benefit of everyone.

I want to more fully investigate and focus on bridging divides within the American Jewish community specifically as a result of Israel’s systematic killing of Palestinian people.

I’d like to find a new hobby that Joshua and I can enjoy together. We have so many separate interests but not many we do together. His hobbies mainly include watching sports, which I enjoy sometimes but not nearly as much as him, so it’d be nice to have something we can definitely do together to stay connected and close. It’ll need to be something we can do on our own schedule since he travels so much but I’m sure we can find something.

The idea of friends. How do you make them, where do they come from, how far do you step out of your own comfort zone, when do you draw the line between stepping out of the comfort zone to how much you sacrifice your security. It's been a big question on my mind recently, can you ever make friends without an initial connection, and further is there any person in this world that you don't have an initial connection with just by being human? I'd like to be able to answer these questions, or at least lived enough to attempt to next year.

I want to be more artistic and creative for the sake of it. explore water colours without letting my perfectionism take over and stop me.

I guess nothing has changed in a year, my answer is very similar. With my job ending, us possibly moving, now with two kids and turning 40- what do I want to be doing with my time? What type of job do I want? Who do I want to be?

I want to figure out how to mobilize people. We can't be complacent. I also don't want to live in fear. I want to capture my rage and fear into something pro-active. I need to be an ally and I need others to be mine. I want to address the nihilism I see in 20-somethings. I need to keep learning.

How to make money regularly without burning myself out or suffering.

I want to explore creative writing and AI - good choice :-)

Building community. Telling and showing the reasons that Judaism is pretty dang awesome.

I want to be more invested in pro-palestine work.

Creating and giving away tools to help autistic people share their reality with health care providers. Ideally these same tools would help doctors to start to update their understanding and acceptance of what autism really is / let go of outdated explanations and stereotypes.

I'd like to wean myself off of all my medications except GLP1s and HRT.

Right now being part of the resistance is important for me. This is the fight for our constitution, for what is left of our democracy. We need to actually strengthen that democracy once we have rested it from the despots that have overtaken our government and the Supreme Court. I am learning more about our democracy, about the constitution, about constitutional law and about fascism, than I ever have before! This evil that has descended on us, could save us in the long run, as it reminds us how precious and important our constitution actually is, and that in our country we have never lived up to it fully. The time has come to change all that. To be sure all Americans are secure in their constitutional rights. I will work to be part of a majority of Americans working to make that happen. As activism and participating fully in our democracy is what I want to learn more about. Finding the things that I can do to support it, preserve it, carry it through.

Resisting a fascist state.

I am feeling like I have found someone who FINALLY aligns with who/what I think of a relationship, and I am still in awe that this person actually exists. This allows me to grow and continue to be comfortable in the skin I'm in as myself, fully formed.

Myself. (See answer #7) - I think I need to delve more deeply into me, and then live into that in some new ways. I have no idea what I mean by that, but I guess that's the investigation/exploration I'll undertake. Of course I'd like to hope that includes more writing, but it could also include something else. For instance, it could be living more fully into a role as "village elder" - I say this having come from the funeral today of a long-time colleague and realizing I was sitting with a small group of wise women who were the village elders to me early in my career. It seems I am taking my place among them - I'd like to figure out what my wisdom is and how to share it.

I want to keep investigating, and honoring, my own intuition. Every time I'm able to get in touch with what I truly want and honor it feels so powerful and affirming. And it gets stronger each time I do it, which is why I want to investigate it more fully.

Yeah. Myself. I want to know why I don't walk away from people who aren't good for me, especially when they do things for me, show up for me, and then treat me poorly other times. I want to walk away from people who point blame, try to shame others into doing what they want or think they should be doing, or try to make others feel inferior. It works well on me, and I need to see it and walk away.

Yes. I want to connect with other families who lost a loved one to a parachuting accident. They seem WAY more frequent than we are aware of. And it would help us to support one another and celebrate the lives of those we lost.

Yes. I want to become more successful approaching Gallery owners.

I want to get back to activism, having taken some time out after burn out. I want to explore how to do this using my skills and experience without overdoing it, like I have repeatedly in the past. I owe it to my fellow humans to fight for peace, the environment and social justice.

Leonard Cohen

For the next year I’d like to do some small part to improve the city in which I live. Small acts by individuals may be the only way we return the country to sanity. There is something amiss, (majorly) in America today. It’s time for those of us in the middle of the extremes to rebuild civility. I sure wish it was possible to put the demons back in the box, but we have to have hope.

God, Jesus and Holy Spirit

Having some sort of spiritual side to me. I think it can coexist with my extremely rational way of thought. Mysticism and rationality aren't mutually exclusive, as the universe is naturally mystical.

Helping to "fix" our country, which it really needs!

I am interested to further support Alzheimer's prevention and also to step further into inspiring writings to uplift others, whether this be through my poetry or lessons I have learned as a coach or as a sports parent.

I would piggyback on my comment from last year to further my relationship with Erica aka Amor to see how we can get closer to each other and stay close. I feel as though we have created and strong and tight bond together through traveling and living together. Likewise, I am blessed to have her in my life as we continue to grow and flourish together as a couple.

Still my favorite question of 10q! I want to explore more of what it means to be a good friend. I think people like me and Trust me, but I don’t think I show up enough or at least not in a quality way.

Nothing is coming to mind.

Hoo boy! How to move to Italy, Mexico, Spain, Denmark, anywhere.... I don't know. Right now I'm just trying to survive and make the world a better place. Life is too complicated to investigate something new. We must protect Democracy, ensure that we celebrate 250 years as a FREE democratic republic, resist fascism and authoritarianism, and be good humans. Maybe later I can investigate something new. Today, I must fight to stay alive.

I really don't know. I'm tired of wanting to learn new things.

I’m about to go to Peru for a month including visiting Machu Picchu and want to learn more about the Incas. I want to be prepared for what I will see. I also want to improve my Spanish. I have the discipline of attending classes and doing homework but not of studying. I need to incorporate that.

I'd like to learn more about Philip Larkin. I've always liked his poetry since studying "Church Going" and "Faith Healing" at school. I also read him at uni. I recently listened to a radio series presented by Simon Armitage that discussed 10 of his poems in detail. I've had on my Kindle for a while a few Larkin books that I'd like to read: the primary one being the biography by Andrew Motion. There are also collections of his prose and his novel, "A Girl in Winter". I got interested in Larkin again because of his letters to Barbara Pym. (Originally, it was the other way around: I heard about Pym at uni through their correspondence.) I'm still in the midst of a Pym-obsession. It has waned somewhat since our holiday in Italy because I switched to reading other authors; and since our return I've been watching more NFL over breakfast and lunch, so haven't had as much time for reading during the day. Pym has definitely been my big interest this year. I think I might also have finally reached the stage in life where I'm ready to read Jane Austin. She was an influence on Pym and I think my tastes have matured enough that I would actually appreciate her novels now. So, now that I've finished my List of Books to Read After Finals and feel more liberated in my reading choices, I'd like to read Larkin and Austen.

my heart is still with gaza. what can we do? how could we really make a shift in the jewish community so that everyone cherishes every life, jewish and non-jewish?

I would like to investigate local San Francisco politics more deeply in the coming year. I think this will be especially relevant as I get involved in Manny's campaign for supervisor and supporting his election. It will be important for me to understand the local issues such as housing and small businesses in more detail and what the mayor is doing about it and what the city supervisors can do about it. I took a lot of pride and being a local expert which I don't feel like right now so I would like to work on becoming that in the coming year.

I want to more fully investigate self-care and my needs. I should be my biggest fan and love myself more than I love anyone else, because no one else is going to do it for me. I want to get to know myself better, apart from Chris and Ben. I know that I have social needs and plan to spend time with my single friends here in Texas in the ward before I move. I know that I need family connection as well, so I want to continue staying close to Mom and talking to her every day or two. I know that I have a need for creativity that I'm not meeting right now. I spend most of my energy creating by completing school work and homework assignments, but I want to spend more time crafting somehow. I know that I have physical needs. I'm hoping to maintain an exercise regimen of 4 or 5 days a week getting my heart rate up. I'm hoping I can lose 20 lb somehow, even though I'm not eating very much as it is and still can't lose weight. I know that I have emotional needs. I plan to keep taking my medications as prescribed. I think I would benefit by doing more breathing meditations, but I haven't made a plan to make this happen yet. I know that I need quiet time alone, so hopefully I will continue to have at least one day a week I don't have to leave the house at all. I know that reading meets some of my needs, and I will continue to read everyday according to the Fable app. I want to take care of myself better than I ever have in the past.

I want to know what one person can do in the face of a collapsing politically system/country. How can I be watching this happen, knowing it’s happening, and not be able to do anything? What will I tell my grandchildren?

I went back to the People's Lobby, and started saying "yes" to everything they asked me to do. I've become more involved in the organization. I did a Springfield Lobby Day and while I found it inspiring (and tiring) I didn't get to meet any legislators or any staff. Going forward I want to actually get in front of my legislators and lobby for the causes worth fighting for (access to affordable care for all, improved public transit, etc.) I realized I had to make the connection happen - it wasn't going to magically appear. (BTW, my native garden is doing really well. I'm expanding it to the side of the house, getting a new bed ready for planting next spring. I mention this because my answer to this question last year was about doing more with West Cook Wild Ones, where I'm still a member).

I intend to take on an observant lifestyle. To become a ba’al teshuva of sorts. During that process, I intend to take part in a class on the Talmud at the City Congregation of Humanistic Judaism. A class taught by a rabbi who is part of the Halachic Left! As well as read some books on the Talmud. All in an effort to familiarize myself with what is at the center of rabbinic Judaism.

This year I think this just really does look like dating. Have tried to commit to always saying yes if friends try to set me up and, while early days, I have to say it feels good even just asking people out. I ran into M who I had been on two Hinge dates with months ago and (after a silly silent bus nonsense) messaged her almost immediately. Will it go any further than back in June? Possibly not. But I felt a thing and I said a thing and now it's up to someone else to respond. I guess this was last year's thing too but it remains true - proposing things is good! Don't let others do it for you!

After finding out that my Zaide came from Ukraine and not Poland, I want to investigate his shetetl, the foods, lullabies, and parts of Ukranian culture that I can share with my daughter.

Still like the idea of last year’s answer: to continue with my death plan. Maybe finish it this year though? I’ve taken a long break from working on it.

I can’t think of anything specific right now. I tend to be interested in many things.

Last year, I was getting ready to start my Media Lit Bit podcast. I really wanted (WANT) to find a way to be part of the solution of mis and disinformation and work on educating people to help us all stop falling for the nonsense so constantly coming at us. But, it feels so helpless, I feel powerless to be the one and am not sure. This is all still really important to me and I do want to bring it back and help figure it out. I suppose that's probably my answer? But also, I'd really like to make a better habit of mindfulness and journaling, and now might not be a terrible time to be thinking about it.

Figuring out how to make more money (and make my money work for me) so I can become work-optional sooner. Thanks, Money with Katie podcast!

Sex. Still a virgin at 24, and while it is not so all consuming in the general sense, I still feel somewhat weighed down by the concept overall. I think that I did recently have the realization that while I have settled much more into the she/they experience, I still feel a little bit removed from it all. I think that I am looking for clarity rather than answers or actions in the coming year.

Just learning me and being me and I learned so much about myself this year and I just wanna know myself and explore deeper into it. I really enjoy myself now and I enjoy the way I am around most people that I’m with and I think that’s so amazing, and I’m really appreciative of it. I would like to take things a little bit less seriously and go with the flow and be less anxious and trust myself to know that I know what I’m doing.

I want to learn more about companies that want to make the world a better place. I want to focus on positivity and drown out negativity.

I am still interested in voice lessons and returning to piano tutorials, even though my track record is pretty poor.

I would like to investigate more somatic interventions, the gut/brain/microbiome connection for my work. I would like to read more of Rudolfo Anaya' trilogy. I would like to discuss Women Who Run with the Wolves with the local women's group Holly invited me to attend.

I want to learn even more about Judaism. I want to be knowledgeable, proud of my history and my people, I want to learn Torah differently with each year I grow older because times change and so do we. I want to continue learning Talmud in this Daf Yomi cycle, to be one day wiser. I want to start the 929 learning programme so I can learn with Torah with others. I am planning on attentind an Ulpan so I can finally, properly learn Hebrew.

How to make the world, or more specifically, the US, a better, kinder place. The forces that are remaking the US into a non-democracy (a kleptocracy?) need to be stopped. What can an ordinary person do?

How life in (christian) religious orders works and how those principles can apply to me, who wouldn't dare to become celibate, and has a gender that's not really compatible with christian orders (ie none), so won't be able to join one.

Wow, that's a good question. I'd like to travel more and I don't know if that really answers the question. I mean, I'd like to investigate other places more. I don't know if I'm living in the right place for me and I'm not getting any younger. I call and God a lot to give me discernment and insight into things that I might be unaware of, that I might not see. I'll be finishing up my Master's this year - - I'd like to teach. But I don't know how realistic that is. I'm early '60s and I wonder where my life is going. I have so much energy, and so much more to give, and I'm wondering who or what will give me an opportunity to use that. Perhaps I can find a way to use it myself.

This year I am turning FORTY. That is huge. I'm thinking about how I enter into this next decade from a place of independence, grounded in a sense of self, understanding this body that is my vessel through time.

I don't know. Maybe swimming. I have a lot of things that I am involved with - there is not room for much more without dropping something and I enjoy all the things I am involved with... I don't have a lot of space in my head or my calendar to do a lot of deep diving and maybe I am not so inclined to either. I don't know if that is a good thing or a bad thing.

zionism

The relationship between different physical activities and my health. I want to better understand if my extreme workout on the fitness center machines are helping me or hurting me. I want to better understand how different foods effect my health.

Well, I would like to spend some quality time with my grandchildren.

How distressing to read last years answers and see that my fears were well founded. It's not unusual to read our previous years' response and be bummed by a lack of progress- but to see that what we dreaded is actually worse than what was imagined is pretty scary. The worst of that is that it's now clear that nothing is going to be better- in fact the downward slide continues- without concerted and sustained struggle. Not how I thought I'd be living at the stage of my life. And I am seriously angry that people in this country have not heeded the significant warnings that have been offered for decades! So the cause I am committed to this year is very literally to help save democracy.

I want to explore some friendships and connections I made this past year. I think I have some chemistry with some of them.

Right now, no. Perhaps what I want to investigate is finding something to investigate.

I want to narrow my focus to some of the issues I really care about and find the people who are leading in those arenas who need my support. I don't need to reinvent the wheel. But I can support them financially and otherwise without exhausting myself in the process.

making Youtube longform: do it more, explore, have fun, get better More (fiction) reading- less Productivity books that are either blindingly obvious or the whole book only contains one idea! Embrace playful creativity

Mechanics of belonging in a climate of fear/hate/distrust. Is it even ethical to keep pushing on belonging and inclusion when the risks are so high? What is the cost of not pushing? What is lost when we withdraw or retreat from welcome?

I guess I should investigate me and what I want to do. How to get out of the house more. How to be more involved in my community. I feel I should do this, not sure I want to do this.

I have thought about getting trained in brain spotting so that I can help my clients with this type of therapy for trauma.

Maybe investigate why there is such a big divide in our country, a country that I fought in a war for. This climate that we are all apart of is dangerous, How can we all live in peace or at least unison? Why let one man or administration divide us? Is this a truly raciest America we live in or do we just need to get back to embracing our neighbors.

I cannot say at this time. The world is so overwhelming that it is all I can do to walk through and just do my job, take care of myself and my home. I may have to learn how to earn more money or how to eat less, because the cost of everything is constantly rising.

My first thought is the same as last year's answer: me. But that feels like maybe it's not working out so well. I'd like to restart my yoga practice. I want to find the time to meditate, move & bend as a way back to my core self.

Not really, I've been volunteering at the Hongwanji to help feed the needy in our community but no investigation is needed. The state of politics is beyond investigation.

I will leave that until I move to my new situation. There will be so much to investigate in my new life.

I want to investigate continuing to write my short story. It was started during a recent artists residency in France. Twelve pages of my future self’s love story.

Positive psychology/cognitive behavioral tools to improve my overall wellbeing, and break unhealthy patterns.

I guess more Torah and Judaism in general

Yes! Yes! ŸĘŠ!! I want to—and have already begun to—investigate the possibilities of my own wellness. What are the pathways? I am also at play with ideas of better boundaries. I do *not need to waste my precious energy on people who give nothing back. So I want to perfect the act of just walking away. Last year I wrote that I was too sick to even imagine a future. Now that is shifting, B”H.

I need to continue my volunteer work to get out the vote in VA, NC, NJ, IA, AZ, TX. Continue volunteer work with Ending Citizens United and Mom's Demand Action to end gun violence. Engage with neighbors more and reach out to start a neighborhood watch. and finally, master my sleep in order to do all the things

I would like to investigate the prospect of me beginning to make money in any way possible at the moment in order to ensure I can lead a comfortable life. As far as people are concerned, I am not exactly surrounded by those who pique my interest.

This year, I want to join a social activity, either yoga or the arts. I value my independence but my circle of friends has gotten small & I need to face my anxieties & reach out to the world. Volunteering with my dog has given me a lot & I'll continue to do so. But it is not the same as the enrichment of connecting to like-minded people who share common interests.

I'd like to learn to ski, or at least try skiing a bit this winter. I feel somewhat like I'm caving to peer pressure by saying this, as a lot of people around me have been telling me I should learn to ski and talking about how excited they are to go skiing this winter (consequence of living in Colorado, I suppose). But it does sound fun, and also seems like a good skill for exploring mountains (and other environments) in winter, so I'd like to at least give it a good try and see if I like it and can pick it up easily enough.

Always. I am drawn today and for past year or so to explore what it is that makes someone an elder. What are the qualities that shine forth? Personally, I want to be that one, to embody wisdom, to mentor through by presence. I aspire to being not just an "older", but one who glows with presence from the inside out. I am old enough to qualify; however, the embodiment of these qualities has not quite happened. Investigation of obstacles is important. What prevents me from BEING the wisdom keeper, the elder?

I want to more fully investigate my own self and what it is like to feel confident and present within myself. I want to know what it’s like to choose myself, love myself, commit to making my life what I want it to be.

New York

What would happen if I danced more often?

I’ll probably investigate trends throughout history where nations recovered from authoritarian regimes, especially instances where Karl Popper’s Paradox of Tolerance was confronted and dealt with successfully.

I want to keep pushing myself to understand where my spark lives. As I finish grad school, I want to understand what what it is that brings me joy and figure out how to make that part of my next career choice.

Ironically, the same answer as last year-- Heschel! But Id like to add, the history of the land of Israel-- not just the biblical history. Or maybe its more accurate to say the history of the Middle East, as it relates to the land of Israel.

I want to investigate leaving screens behind and reading more.

This year I would line to investigate other ways to earn money aside from only being a therapist.

the principle of Singularity in AI

How does the left govern? How can play and humor build movements? How do wife they coalitions get built/and kept together in and after crisis? Trancestors to worship

I would like to get more involved in a local nonprofit focused on improving the lives of young people. First though, I need to detach myself from being on the board of the theater nonprofit I am with. I got involved to help a friend, and beyond the feeling that its too much drama, its just not where my heart is right now. So I want to do something else for a change.

I would like to learn how to strengthen our laws to continue having a vibrant democracy.

I want to work on not personalizing so many things that aren't about me. Like the convo with Jess from the BOWS conference, or the data I was analyzing and couldn't match, or the million times this comes up in my relationship. "It might not have been about me." I want to work on giving up control of things I cannot change. "This hurts me, but it isn't in my control and if I can't change it then it's not worth my energy."

I feel that all of my answers are running together this year, much more than in the past. I've come to believe that in my field the use of AI will become increasingly important, if not essential, and at present I barely know how to use it. I want to investigate both how to use the tool generally and specifically how to apply it to the type of computational modeling that I do.

Maybe not investigate but pursue: piano and dancing, and maybe more singing but that is easier, the first two are stretch

I think I want to get more information about autism in general, but not necessarily just from books or my therapist or scholarly resources. Those are helpful, but understanding my lived experience is much more useful. For example, understanding how my audio sensitivity has fed into my mental health, or lack thereof, has been quite eye-opening. I’m also still peeling back the layers of the mask I’ve had on since early childhood, when I learned that the person I was isn’t the person I needed to be in order to be accepted. It’s been rough so far, but I’m getting there. I can envision it getting even rougher for a while. I may even lose my job over it if I let loose a bit too much around the wrong people. But truly understanding who I am, who has been hiding for 40+ years, might be worth it.

I want to participate on Friday night services and learn the songs in Hebrew that are sung on holudsys.

I am thinking a lot about what it means to be really aging, as I approach 70 years. It's hard to accept that I have no idea what I am doing or where I am going, but I want to relax into it. I can't have all the answers, there are too many variables and uncertainties. I don't know if I should make some dramatic changes in my life to prepare for old age. I will if circumstances lead that way, and if I don't I will still be fine, and in the end I will die no matter where I am.

I want to investigate the person of me commiting to the cause of getting a more fitting job with the idea being I won't be so exhausted all the time. Last year I apparently wrote something about Kabbalah which I didn't learn that much about besides taking a Sefirot class. But I signed up for emails on Kabbalah from my Jewish learning so I guess I am hitting that harder this year. I'm doing my bat mitzvah this year so that's going to be a BIG thing. I don't even know what I am going to learn besides reading Torah for that! So I just want to commit hard to my bat mitzvah (adult group class) and maybe keep up with those Kabbalah emails. I'm keeping it loose this year.

EVERYTHING THAT IS AND EVERYONE WHO IS ANTI-FASCIST.

I just wanna keep diving into Judaism. I don't know what direction my interests will take me, but there is so much to learn and I'm excited for all of it. I want to make sure I continue to prioritize taking time to practice and deepen my Judaism, no matter what my job or health look like in the next year.

In most areas of my life, I am not timid or meek. But when it comes to things that scare me emotionally, like making new friends or getting deeper with current friends/family, comfort and status quo become my priority. I want to investigate more fully how to take more social/interpersonal chances and stop being so scared.

The calling...disciples spreading Gods great word. I want to learn about them and how they did his good deed and I want to be able to learn and spread his good word how he wants me to. To others now.

I want to spend more time researching my genealogy and hope to make some headway into the Plizga side of the family.

I have daydreams or visions of owning and operating a successful and aesthetically beautiful bed and breakfast that may also serve as a convening space with a coffeeshop for the community (not just the visitors). More investigation would consist of identifying geography, real estate/property, looking into financing and much more.

Becoming a Death Doula, or working/volunteering in that field.

increased intellectual stimulation. I need to keep my mind sharp. That could come via school, study groups, political activism or other opportunities.

Death.

Here’s my answer from last year, which I’m pretty certain will serve this year as well (at least I’m consistent) Nope. I just want to do what I said last year: Keep stumbling through my life with some degree of contentment and joy.

Canada

I want to keep creating community intentionally. I have lost some community (by choice) but have also lost some truly incredible people that are meaningful to me and it’s become critical.

I want to become a more adept painter, to master more techniques and stretch my abilities. I also want to write. The most important thing to me now its to create daily.

When we travel I like to read books about the place or fiction and poetry written by authors from that place. We're going to New Zealand, Fiji and Australia so I have a pile to read between now and when we leave. This last year we went to China, Japan and the Philippines and I read some wonderful authors who were new to me, including Mo Yan, Akira Yoshimura and Tanizaki. As I said in response to other questions, I am writing a collection of stories about Daly City. I've read some on the Ohlone and John Daly. I want to know more about the housing boom in the 50s and 60s, especially related to the practice of disallowing non-whites from purchasing homes in the city. And I am reading books of stories where the characters overlap. Fiction where the setting is a character. So I have a lot of investigation to do in the months to come.

Anyone, anything, anyhow we can put a legitimate president back in the white house and restore democracy, freedom 0f speech, decency & compassion.

I want to investigate directing more in the coming year.

yahshua, nutrition, & exercise for geezers.

I've had an interest in literacy since college, and it's time I actually look at doing something about it. There's a local non-profit in town where I think I could make a difference.

Self-acceptance

Dance, Pilates, Miranda July, Scottish Enlightenment

Maybe it's more a matter for me this year that I feel the need to reassess the projects and pursuits I've previously dabbled in and determine whether I'm still willing to invest the time in those things at the expense of others. I think I'd like to rate each thing somehow and make the shift toward more depth versus breadth where interests and hobbies are concerned. Ryan and I have sixty-five months to the date we set for our wedding...and sometime before or upon that time we will coalesce our belongings - his, hers, and ours - under one roof. Best to begin shedding the notions of ourselves and the items specific to those no-longer-relevant moving forward.

Myself, figure out what I want in the coming year and what I don’t want

Yes, a person

I would like to start being a recruiter for an AI company.

I have decided to read about 20 books (to start) on different aspects of Judaism, specifically Mysticism, Mussar, and self-help from the Jewish perspective. Also, dabbling in Stoicism and Buddhism. I just came up with this idea to put the titles and authors of the books I’m reading and seeing if it can come up with pertinent questions that would further instill the concepts with me. If that works. I’ll have accomplished what I want this coming year.

writing, teaching, satna, what would i do if i could do anything? if what i sought was already here? if i knew i was worthy

I would like to learn how to teach. I know how to learn but the ability to share and inspire has eluded me.

I’m interested in learning more about different careers. I’m particular, lately, I’ve been thinking about college admissions or college counseling and have had some positive interactions around this. I’ve also thought about becoming a trainer like Dave’s friend Whitney, although training around the computer software that they use at Emory is maybe less exciting but a good entry point anyway. Finally, we’d like to investigate volunteering with our kids. We want to expose them to more of the realities of the world without scarring them but also helping encourage them to be more altruistic. We also want to make it fun and interesting for them if that’s possible.

How can I help? How can I help those who have been deported from the US? What can I do, as a person who can cross easily - to help those settle into their new country?

The answer is me! I want to unlock my hidden potential, such as playing an instrument or speaking another language.

The focus is not so much on a cause or idea, but what makes a difference. We are all stuck in the old ways of fundraising, rallys, writing our politicians, none of which makes change happen. What is it we can do together to shift this, is the question I will be engaging with people on from now on. The answers will come from fair discourse and dialogue - listening to understand instead of positional opinating.

Again, it has to be my daughter! Her speech and personality are really blooming at the moment and I just love learning all about her and watching her learn new things and develop further, so my answer will always be her!

Sorry, future self, might have to come back to this one. I just can’t think about it right now. I might circle back and answer if there’s time before the vault closes, and I can think of anything beyond husbands and his broken arm, and his needs.

I would like to be more proactive so time doesn't run me, but rather, I have the time to do the things I love without feeling like I'm behind all the time. I want to spend more time with my mom, Nick and Ethan. The boys are tricky because they are adults and have their own lives. I want to also consistently try new things and continue to bring JOY into my life.

Possibly look into AI/ML, Cloud(s), refresh windows systems administration, GRC, PMP i.e. the things which will help me get a job easier in the future. Otherwise if I had the energy, learning to grow food for the rabbit and ourselves looking into being a lower waste household maybe trying those glp-1's my mom wants me to try oh and refresh ham

Not sure yet but I’ll be sure to dive in when I find something that strikes my fancy.

I’m sitting here not answering. I could think of so many things. I don’t think you really mean baking bread. I stopped baking bread when I started feeling so much pain and got so busy that I didn’t have time. But I would like to explore this again Once I start feeling a little bit better and can lift a heavy pot that I can put into the oven as a no knead bread. I also want to bake focaccia, which I haven’t done in probably two decades, and bake challah again. I found a new recipe that seemed so incredibly easy, I just have to try it because most I think are much more complicated. I am still exploring Judaism on a deeper level and I do want to continue that. I’ve also thought really hard about picking up my guitar again. I’ve had the one I own for over 40 years and I’ve cursed it for over 40 years so maybe it’s time to get a new guitar and maybe that’ll make a difference. I may also want to explore living in this area in retirement in a healthy way. Retirement is only a few years off, or at least partial retirement, and I don’t want to get behind the eight ball on it.

Chiropractor: se if they can solve my back problems

I want to deepen into my Bhakti and Sanskrit studies, to learn more about caring for my body as I age so I can maintain strength and mobility, and to grow in my devotional practices of chanting and dancing.

Thomas Pynchon Italian neorealism Cumbia Marlon James

I’d like to find out about the lives of women and men whom I work, and have worked with, inside the prisons in Oregon. I want to find out how they are changing their lives to become more free, inside and out.

The person I want to investigate more fully in this coming year is me. I lost myself somewhere over the past 14 years. I want to reconnect with who I am.

As I alluded: Finally confirming or ruling out the Klinefelter’s thing. I don’t expect to lead to anything more than an explanation for why I’m as defective physically and psychologically as I am. Sometimes, the answer to the mystery is a lot.

inner peace. climate change accelerated reversal. music / chord theory + learning the bass when my hands allow.

I’m looking to dive deeper into my faith. I have enrolled in a Musar program. I’m hoping it can help me move towards a more meaningful connection with life, God, and Judaism.

I want to find a way to influence & be more active in campaigns against Trump, and work for an independent peaceful Gaza.

1) What does G-d want me to do? 2) Set realistic goals for 5786 year. 3)Study Hebrew. 4) Convert to Judaism. 5) Frugal 6)Focus on doing G-d’s will instead of mine unless they overlap. 7) Trust and Love G-d more… 8) Join fitness center and stay healthy 9) Kabbalah 10) Talmud

IFS therapy

I want to explore thinking about my career and what it means to me in the current year. I want to see what it means to get fulfillment from my career

Myself

The runway to retirement...what can I be doing now to prepare for the last few years of my career? I am feeling restless already for a next phase of life. Where might I want to live? What job might I have between now and retirement? What do I need to do before I retire (knee surgery, financial investments, etc)?

I’m shlepping on my octogenarian legs to the anti-Trump protests and will continue to do so as long as necessary.

In mijn (klein)kinderen, mij zelf, mijn vader en moeder, Talmoed Tora, Jonathan Sacks en de sidoer.

From last year: learn about/be involved in reconciliation in Canada & Israel/Palestine. Also investigate how we create meaning/stories in our lives and how this may lead to joy or harm. What I've done--continuing w/ learning about the first two. As for meaning, I have not investigated systematically by any means, though I have come to realize that forcing a grand narrative onto my life hasn't been helpful and that I do find joy in the many "small" things I do when I follow my interests in the moment. So--I will continue to think about both of these areas. I think they are worth another year's focus.

Myself! And Buddhism.

Asking the bishop to ask the ICKSP to establish a parish in southeast Ohio.

As always, I want to dig into climate. I want to find ways to make a bigger impact personally and professionally.

With everything happening in the world, and specifically in our country, I have been investigating civil disobedience. But considering the simultaneous seismic change in my own life, it is also essential that I investigate every aspect of myself more in the coming year.

Nothing specific. My curiosity is endless, though.

I want to volunteer again with 4H and other organizations especially with my temple. I also want to get more involved in conservative group. I need meet more like minded folks politically.

Next steps for me as an advocate for immigrants

More teaching opportunities

Not sure. I don’t want to investigate a person or cause. Maybe an idea. Like… Create a story with: Resonance Substance Wit Hope and, as always… original songs

I was just named chair of the county tourism board, I would love to learn even more about tourism and promotion to help my county.

Yes, I want to get my scientific knowledge back to undergraduate level (and not the undergraduate that I was, ha). Going to use the Khan Academy courses, and then use New Scientist and perhaps Nature to keep the concepts awake in my mind.

Sadly, the nice young rabbi I met last summer, may have ghosted me! That group may have disbanded, but I felt “othered”. Nothing new but a bit hurtful when it derives from your tribe. I rediscovered Leonard Bernstein and am a bit obsessed reading and listening to everything he wrote, every book about him, etc. I took copious notes from his Harvard Norton lectures, and also became obsessed with Mahler.What a joyous experience! And I have discovered mystery/thriller fiction as well.I am reading a lot, including one of the best books I have ever read on the Holocaust titled Cold Crematorium by Jozsef Debreczeni, a Hungarian journalist. I bought several copies to share.

My feelings, that are not pleasant, like sadness, anger, irritation, etc. What’s in my flute, what she is able to produce. Different music styles, like jazz, maybe

I want to continue working on relationship building at TBK thereby improving involvement.

I want to get both of my book ideas off the ground (Graduation has started but VP of Everything needs to be figured out)

Well, Erin and I didn't work out; we broke up in December 2024. As much as I know I made a mistake talking to Sarah about our relationship, I kind of wonder if Erin was using it as an out, like she was losing the ability to stay interested or maybe the influence of her parents not loving the fact I was so much older than her. I seem to be ok at this point. As many times as I've had relationships end, I'm decent at picking up the pieces and moving on. I know this is a longshot and maybe I shouldn't even say it out loud, but I kind of wonder if Jaquelyn and I could be a thing. We started talking a lot more than we ever have in the past since she made a trip up here around June. I'm not putting all my eggs in this basket, but the hopeless romantic in me wonders about this storyline. I'm just going to pay attention to work, school, Beau, and do my best to have some fun along the way. One way or another, whoever I am supposed to be with will show up. I feel like I've been ready for a while. Maybe The Universe will finally throw me that bone.

I want to know how to practice Beginner's Mind in everyday living. I will never be a Buddhist.. I do want to approach every moment as beginner's mind because that take all the fear out of the future. I am applying this goal first to my husband's Alzheimer's diagnosis. The experts know nothing. The beginner (me!) can look for all the possibilities for a life lived with Alzheimers.

I want to know why Orthodox and some Conservative Jews stopped using musical instruments in worship services.

What really makes me happy and how to sustain that!

I'd like to read more books about how activists have avoided burnout in the past, how people are building mutual assistance and stronger community, about how people and other countries have dealt with fascism and chaotic regimes such as the one that prevails in the US right now. If we move to Spain, I'm also looking forward to connecting more with Spanish ways of thinking and acting that could be helpful to my circumstance. I would also like to establish a more regular outlet for publishing from abroad. We'll see if that makes sense. Right now so many of these things seem out of reach because my basic frame of mind is so challenged.

Self-employment

Still exploring grief, IFS, and Buddhism. Also listening, compassion, and curiosity. Always ACA and How to make a difference in the relatively small world which i call mine. Grateful for Siddha Yoga but it is no longer relevant for me - same for Landmark.

Well, yes. I want to continue learning about “antizionism” in its nonviolent definition or rather I want to make sense of the situation in the Middle East, something that is too complicated to make sense of. I want to reconcile my memories of and attachments to Israel’s culture/language/natural beauty/sacred places etc. with the horrible truths I am learning about, which started with the Nakba and are culminating in Netanyahu’s continuing genocidal response to the Hamas attack of 2023. Or if these things can’t be reconciled, I want to “get used to” the cognitive dissonance, as Rabbi Brant suggested. But I don’t know if I’ll ever get used to it. I’d also like to learn more about the Standing Together movement in Israel.

I want to deepen my research into the lives of Wilfred Owen and Siegfried Sassoon, whom I researched for an exhibition this year.

I would like to continue to focus on writing and building a writing practice.

Continue reading and learning about History of America and the World. So much I don’t know or thought I did but was wrong. Reframing as an opportunity to learn and deepen my understanding and knowledge.

I am pondering how to structure a class I would call, "What's Jewish about Anti-Zionism?" I am thinking it could be done as an intellectual history, not so much the politics but the history of the idea and its reception in various Jewish circles.

In the coming year, I want to investigate more fully the idea of curiosity as a practice. This past year, I’ve seen how shifting from judgment to curiosity (e.g., in my teaching, in my workshops, and even at home) has opened up space for connection and healing. I’d like to dive deeper into what it means to live that way: to ask questions before making assumptions, to listen more than I speak, and to stay open to perspectives that feel different from my own. This feels especially important in such a polarized time, when it’s easy to retreat into binaries and “sides.” I want to study how curiosity can bridge divides and how I can model that for my students, my children, and my community. It’s an idea I believe could reshape not just my own life, but the spaces I help create.

I’d like to volunteer more often. Sometimes I’m a little bored after fully retiring in January but I do get backaches (like today) from time to time which limits mobility. I wouldn’t want to volunteer and cancel at the last minute. Gotta figure something out.

I need to commit to learning money management. It’s time to get my financial life in order and stop letting fear run the show. By this time next year, I will have a solid money management habit in place and the confidence to handle money without fear.

Mindfulness - same as last year

I need to do more than just bitch and moan about Trump. I need to organize!

Maybe sign up for a writing workshop--even if they charge. Maybe get together with old writing workshop friends and have a silent writing session.

France.

combatting antisemitism

I would like to be able to give myself validation. This idea is not new to me but no matter how much I am aware of this need, I succumb to old patterns and cannot give myself the 'kudos' I need to feel successful. My lack of confidence has guide my life for 59 years. I constantly look toward others to give me a thumbs up, and validation. On 'paper' I am proud of myself, love my life and feel as fullfilled as possible, or as I can be. However I still need others to assure me that I am ok and doing the 'right' thing..I long for it, yell about it and shed more tears than I need to. Ed Kotchs mantra "How am I doing" was funny, but for me those words resonate and have guided me. I feel the need to shout those words out constantly, even for all of my 30 years teaching. I need to give validation to myself and not rely on other

How to peacefully overthrow a corrupt government.

This is the year of the cookbook. If I don't do it now, and really invest in the effort, I don't think it will ever happen. This means doing the planning, the research, the connecting with sources, and the diligence to get it done.

Who am I? What brings me joy? How am I making an impact in the world? Who are the people that light me up?

I want to explore meaningful ways to lead Jewish holidays and learn some inspiring stories for my grandchildren.

I would like to continue working to make ranked choice voting a reality where I live. If that effort fails, I want to find some other way to hold onto hope for the future. I also still want to read the book Queer Conception. I'd also like to read about group living to support our collective well-being in our new home, or in any future collective home I join.

Tha man himself. The notorious G-D. Not the wishing well G-D of my youth, but the one who walks with me and strengthens me.

I would like to be more politically active, especially given the circumstances in which our country finds itself. This last year I did manage to write postcards, but after the election I got out of the habit. I'm hoping to get back to it, but also to step it up.

I want to continue to work on my art skills. Continuing to push myself to practicing ideas that are uncomfortable and to allow pieces that don’t seem to work time to breath rather then just giving up on them. I want to continue exploring my spiritual practice and making it more consistent.

I want to read the book about hospitality , Unreasonable Hospitality, by Will Guidara. It was mentioned in our Rosh Hashanah services as something that the Temple leadership is all reading. I think it's a great idea to read just as a person, and especially as a person who wants people to feel really welcome in our home.

How to help immigrants under threat from ICE more effectively. Commit to really learning a language... maybe continue with Spanish or Chinese. If the former, I'll return to Latin America, and if the latter, to China. And I will think more deeply about where I want to spend most of my time as my husband and I age together.

Apparently, I will be investigating the court system this year. DON'T HURT MY KID. THE JUSTICE SYSTEM IS ON MY SIDE. Well, unless you are a ranking US leader. Then you can get away with these horrors.

Meditation. Tap dancing. Functional medicine.

I would like to investigate learning to play the ukulele. It’s something that I have imagined a lot over the past few years and I feel I need to act on it soon.

I really should make some effort to learn modern hebrew.

Yes I would like to delve more fully into meeting men to date in person. Why is it I am unable to make in person connections or get contact details? People seem uninterested when I go to in person dating events. For whatever reason this is a weak point for me.

Following the previous question about what I want to achieve, I want to investigate the parts of myself that I constantly hide from others out of shame. I don't exactly know HOW to do this, other than talk to myself when they're triggered to figure out what they want and how to meet their needs, but I think this is the work I need to do before I can expect true partnership from anyone else. It's similar to last year's answer: I need to learn how to be okay being myself -- without bells or whistles.

I love to read, and want to continue that hobby and read even more books.

I am already starting to investigate the Spanish retirement visa. It seems pretty complicated so I may just keep things the same for now, being based in Athens, and traveling about six months of the year. It's not ideal, but at least I will have somewhat of a home base. I wish that the fuhrer would be investigated and convicted on any of the hundreds of illegal things he's been doing all this time, but nobody seems to care about that...

I spend a lot of time thinking about one thing I can do everyday to make a difference, particularly in the current political environment. I will continue to investigate that one thing. I spent years learning and practicing everything I could about gratitude and it has changed my life. Perhaps spreading that word can make a difference, even if it is in only one person's life.

I'd like to return to stereo photography. I'm not sure if I need to implement some kind of tech solution, or find a way to preserve the chemical approach. Really, with 3d printing, this seems like something I really should be able to do.

I am already diving a little deeper into the application of German New Medicine, so that is already happening. And I just began doing a daily reading of Ernest Holmes, which is leading me to want to know more about his life and studies. In my visioning during DreamBuilder Live over this past weekend it came to me that I want to arrange for a seaside retreat for Dan and me at least once a year. So I want to explore that. And the most expansive aspect to explore is what it is to live a spiritual path. How do I both ground and elevate myself in my evolving understanding of being a spiritual being, even as I live a 3D experience? Ongoing learning, obviously, and I feel it all the more keenly right now.

Volunteering to do trail work.

Building a teaching space.

NorCal Resist. How can I be of more help to immigrants and migrants and stand up for their rights?

Rabbinical school!

Buddhism and My Path to Harmony. Being a Aetheist Practicing Cultural Jew and follower of Buddhist principles. Surviving & Thriving.

I want to examine my relationship with my body, weight, and food. How does going to the gym fit in? How does dating fit in? How do my meds fit in? Where do my notions about my body come from and what’s reinforcing them today?

I have pdf's of all of Terry Pratchett's books. Now I need to read them!

Living with grace. Finding meaningful rituals to help me stay centered, grounded and grateful.

Every year I'm asked this question and every year, I feel like I can't think of anything as I'm so wrapped up in getting through my day to day life. I want to commit to continuing practicing mindfullness and exploring other ways of doing tht.

I've been trying to expand my reading genres. This year I've already covered sci-fic, classic fiction, newer fiction, Judaica, U.S. history, non-fiction separation of church and state cases, Middle East history and adventure non-fiction. I'd like to continue to read and learn more.

I think I’d like to get into weight lifting

ableton. sexuality. deep connections. independent income.

When I leave my current (day) job, I plan to write an expose - not of them specifically (though quite a bit of material will come from them), but of the bigger issue of the downfall of journalism, in general, as exemplified - but not limited to - them. I have formed an outline, and as I learn relevant information/new developments come about, I add to the outline. Eventually, once I am free of the place, I will absolutely write this book. It needs to be written. The spring of 2027 is the earliest, I predict, that I will be set free (laid off) from my job, so that is the earliest I could start a formal book pitch process. For now, I am researching the book, fleshing out the info I want to use.

I think we desperately need to prepare for the possibility that we will have to expatriate. It's something we've talked about idly as things get worse and worse. I have so much renewed respect for those who overcome inertia and strike out to start new lives with far less certainty and far fewer resources than we'd have.

Really more of the same as last year-- focus on small things and be more present. Find joy in the small moments.

A universal theory of music and its intersections with the really hard problem of consciousness

I am building my 11 push-ups, getting financially set up with Pete, sorting out my retirement, and taking care of my mom. I'd also like to be more connected to my nieces and nephew, Ariana, Alec, and Gianna.

Well, today I just picked up my first foster dog. I'm excited to see how that goes. Will it be something I do permanently now? Maybe I can make the studio shed into a big 'ol doghouse? Maybe I'll find a new best friend. Oh! My first crossword published in the NYT. THAT'S a goal. After hiking 10 miles at Pictured Rocks, I realize I can walk again and want to pursue my wilderness guiding for women biz with Fitz. She's into it. I'm ready. So I'd like to start with that—slow, small. I also want to more 'fully investigate' living in a warmer climate for part of the winter! I have a good idea—house/dogsitting. Want to sign up for that service online and see if that's my ticket to the tropics. AND seeing my niece and nephew. Also, eating healthier and maybe a weight loss shot. Getting back to a place where I'm happy with my body. Dental implants in Nicaragua. Building skills at my job so that I can get a better one—eventually paying off debt and fucking resting a bit. Setting it up so I can live in the studio and rent our my place, have a camper, and just be set for the rest of my life.

Ugh. I don't want to investigate anything. I just want to chill. September was rough for me: 2 bad falls and a dog-bite. I guess I have a cause: to get my arm and leg strength back. I want to be able to step up onto a chair.

Last year's list is this year's list: Everything from last year - guitar, broader types of exercise, board games, reading/speaking Hebrew and Spanish. Learn more about Providence and Rhode Island. Learn some new recipes (especially short prep time ones (although you'll probably need to shop ahead)) - remains on the list. Really need to delve into my cookie cookbooks. Add financial planning and Medicare options.

Yes, I want to explore putting my phone down more, and with that, relying less on social media. Sometimes I feel like everything bad that is happening in the world right now is exacerbated or encouraged by our ongoing dependence on our phone screens. I'd like to get back to a place where I can focus, read actual books, spend time face to face with friends.

Video.

Clowning and music. Creating and performing.

Shalom, in every sense of the word. Shalom, for more peace in my life and in this world. Shalom, for saying hello to beautiful and promising new beginnings. Shalom, for saying goodbye with grace and good will. Shalom, for wholeness within and not seeking out something else to fill the emptiness. Shalom, for healing rest and rejuvenation. Shalom, and so it is, for us all.

Want to start volunteering to teach English as a second language; start singing in a group, and try ro find a part time job, to enjoy retirement.

I want to investigate the corpus of Jewish thought more in the upcoming year. I have a few thinkers in mind: Isaac Luria, Rabbi Heschel, The Rav (Soloveitchik), and Martin Buber. I don't consider myself Orthodox, so the latter two are merely on the periphery of my worldview. However, they are important to the people I care about, many of whom were raised in some form of Orthodoxy or frumkeit. These thinkers have had an outsize influence on those who taught---and continue to teach me, so I think it's important to go reflect on my scholarly lineage and see what these men thought of the world so that I can better understand my own teachers.

Not a person, cause, or idea. Perhaps how my husband and I handle our finances. He has just started collecting social security payments (as I already have been for the past few years), and we are planning to change the way we each contribute to monthly expenses, travel, and unexpected expenses. I am curious to see how this will work out, and how it will feel.

Continue to investigate what the Bible really says and how it applies to today's world that seems so far away from the teachings in the Bible.

I want to explore cooking in new and different ways. I’ve always loved to cook, but as an empty nester cooking for myself I’ve gotten disengaged with the process. When entertaining now, I tend to turn to tried and trusted recipes rather than experimenting with new dishes and foods. I would like to be intentional about pushing my boundaries around food, trying different combinations and flavors. This can also provide a springboard for additional hosting opportunities, as I invite friends to be Guinea pigs for my efforts, with no expectations.

There are so many. What I need to investigate is me, how to get myself functioning creatively. I'm super thankful that I have an endless desire to investigate, and that I spend all day looking stuff up. Good to be reminded of that.

I want to continue learning more about the complex history of Israel/Palestine, and I also want to work on getting better at cooking. Ideally, I would also like to connect more fully with my community in some way-- like volunteer for something?-- but in practice, I'm doubtful I'm really going to have enough time or bandwidth for that over the next year.

Judaism

Personal: I'd like to figure out a way for my wife to get long-term pain relief. Community: I'd like to explore further our relationship with our sister Rotary Club in Panama

Unconditional kindness

Hunan spirituality. Rollo May. Erich Fromm.

My equilibrium.

Investing, I would like to invest more into the next year. I need to think of my future now.

I can't think of anything, other than to improve my budgeting strategies, to improve my health by quitting smoking, try harder to lose weight, and to be more happy and grateful to my faith and to my family.

I plan to join the Working Families Party and try to be more politically active in a way that makes sense for me and my abilities.

how to actively work toward a world where everyone can live with dignity, agency, and security

I want to read more of Maimonides' writing and also Hannah Arendt. I see this as a continuation of my study of Judaism. Also, I hope to learn more about Tanakh, Talmud, Torah, and Trope.

meditating

One of things that has become compromised in the stream of recent traumas is my sense of generosity. I used to be someone so filled with gratitude and contentment that my cup overflowed with poetry. But in recent years, I've grown brittle from hurt and horror, and reluctant (or incapable?) of giving as much. My inspirations are people like Elie Wiesel or Viktor Frankl, who found life and love in giving. I'd like to tune more deeply into this ethic, so I can grow more open instead of contracted and distrustful.

I want to more fully understand fundraising and messaging as tools for organizing for social change.

Art. I want to take a painting class. I want to go to a museum. I want to join the adult bnei mitzvah class at temple. I'd love to maybe go to vacation college at Cottey. I want to go to the Bardo museum in Tunis. I don't know when I will have money to do anything outside this apt.

I would like to know more about my family. I want to know more about the lives of my parents when they were young and glimpses of what my ancestors were like, where they came from, and if possible, why they emigrated.

I will be investigating the ways that rental property management companies handle tenants in an owned home. This is of course a big deal to me given the significance this home has had in my life. I feel trusting that it can work well and it will ultimately improve things for me in the big picture.

At some point, I'd really like to continue to investigate my grandmother on my father's side, if that's ever possible. I know there are a lot more relatives out there and a lot more history than was Ancestry.com could offer. If things go as planned, I'll be "investigating" locations to MOVE to, then "investigating" what I'll do withg the next 20 years or so if I have enough money to RETIRE so I won't ever have to work again!

I was raised in church and have stepped away and gone back a few times. I've never felt like I fit in though. I want to explore a closer relationship with God through self-learning away from church politics, guilt and scare tactics. I want to find a way to not get overwhelmed by all the negativity in Amercia today.

Me. I need to keep working on turning me into a more caring, humble person. I need to keep walking the walk of program. I need to define my abstinence. I need to make wise decisions about the synagogue. I need to live up to my mother's standards.

i suppose it would be a good idea to investigate my own finances more fully. evaluate my cost of living and consider making big changes. Like... moving out of the state.

Yes, me 😁 Looking to retire very soon, like the end of 2026, but I don't have a "to", only a "from". Working to improve on that, while realizing that it may just be my first project once I have time for it.

This is a good question. Curiosity is important. My mind. I want to keep investigating and learning about my mind. Meditation. Therapy. Journal. What do I want. Why do I do the things I do. Why do I feel the way I do. I have learned so much about my body. My mind is a constant struggle. How do I quiet some parts of me.

New cars. I haven't paid any attention to cars in decades, so I don't know what the current trends are.

This coming year I want to learn more about meditation, in general. Easy methods, ways to see progress.

Gaiaocracy: global governance founded on the 12 Universal Laws (anybody can look them up online). This is very important now as nationalistic human governance (founded on mistaken concepts) are collapsing. Human consciousness and awareness is redirecting toward alignment with the principles of a living physics of conscious alignment with Universal Laws and the Intelligence, Laws, and Rights of Nature.

Myself, me and myself. I want to understand how I function, what are my triggers, how can I love myself, not feel guilty when I don’t, listen to my body and not consider taking care of myself as yet another chore and tick on my to do list. I am grateful for all the blessings bestowed upon me.

How to look after myself.

Our government and its decisions. Honestly, I want to investigate everything and find reputable places for information.

Yes, I enrolled in a three-year course of Tibetan logic and debate organized by the Lama Tzong Khapa here in Italy. When I was still teaching, I used to think that when I retired I wanted to THINK, to learn to develop thought-forms that would be helpful for humanity and our planet, and this training is part of that project, together with the will to enroll in the graduate school of philosophy. I find it exciting to start a new course of studies at 69.

No, not really.