I wanted to post something to mark the end of the year 2024... but not sure what to say.
When I'm starting this (Sunday) I still haven't gotten the results of my tests. In one respect, I take that as good... no news is good news. In another, it is the holidays and doctors as well are busy with their own families. But in truth, it doesn't matter too much - for as far as I'm concerned life will go on as usual... until it doesn't, right?
The pandemic changed a lot of things... some good, some not... and in some respects, it continues to change things.
The widening of the division between our country's 2 major parties and the recent election has changed things.
Climate change (whether you believe it or not) is changing things.
I guess what I'm trying to communicate here is that I'm entering 2025 guardedly? Cautiously? Not sure what to expect. I know they say to not dwell on the past, not worry about the future... just live in the present. Easy to say, not so easy to do. But I'm trying. How about you?
Change has always been around. I was born in the summer of 1945 and yes, many of us have witnessed many many changes over the last 80 plus years. But these days (I guess because of technology) the changes seem to be happening expeditiously (is that the right word?). I wonder if they're happening faster than we can keep up?
There's a book out that Bill Gates recommended called "The Coming Wave" by Mustafa Suleyman that I read a sample of and bought the book for DH. It talks about AI (it's benefits and risks). It's a warning about the risks that fast-developing technologies pose...
So possibly more smart-minded people feel this uncertainly. And it's not just us 'aged out older ones' that feel this inability to keep up (although we try). So many things that have real potential to make this a better world - are hard to control.
I'm a big believer in Science and I want all this research to continue... (stem cell research, cloning, AI, space travel, the Internet, etc.) But we've never been able to have complete control over these things. We've never even been able to have regulations that adequately control guns or immigration. IMO none of these things are bad, they just need to be regulated more efficiently.
But eventually all this uncertainty will fall into younger hands. Since this younger generation has been born into this technological world, perhaps they will be more knowledgeable as to how to control it. I sure hope so.
So I'm going into 2025 with hope... hope that we will weather the next few years well and that the younger generation will eventually take over the reins with confidence and the desire to keep our country united and strong.
Merry Christmas and Happy 2025 to Everyone!
Hugs (virtual),
Rian
(And don't forget 'Rabbit Rabbit White Rabbit' on January 1st!)
This was a nicely written post Rian, and it's great hearing from you. I really don't understand the long delay of these tests, but no news is good news I suppose...at least for now. I very much liked what you wrote about "too much technology, too soon". I've read a lot of science fiction over the years, and this very thing always brought down societies--I'm surprised we haven't blown ourselves up already with a nuclear bomb. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for 2025, and for you. :^)
ReplyDeleteGuess I was just jotting down what's been on my mind lately... the 3 T's ( ha! Tests, Technology, and Tr___ ) But I do like your "Hopeful New year!" (saying Happy New Year may be a bit too optimistic?)
DeleteIt is New Year's Eve here. Another hot one.
ReplyDeleteLike you I am guarded about the coming year and hope for a gentle one. For me, for the people I love and for the world.
Happy New Year dear friend - and some angels (and occasionally devils) do have whiskers.
"Guarded' seems to be the way to be right now, EC. And yes, some angels (and devils) do have whiskers. Wishing you a Happy heathy 2025!
DeleteHopefully you get the results soon and they are what you hope. Happy New Year. I am very guarded about the coming months, too.
ReplyDeleteYes, it seems to be the way we're entering the new year... guarded, but hopeful. Wishing you a happy healthy 2025!
DeleteI am at a place of acceptance about the way things are. Not approval or excitement, but acceptance.
ReplyDeleteLinda, I'm not sure I'm at 'acceptance' yet... but I'm trying.
DeleteI’m just getting caught up with some blogs. I’m sorry you had to have a bunch of tests and the accompanying stress! Our bodies and minds are so very connected and everyone has their own ways that their bodies react. I sincerely hope all is very well. You’ve been a comfort to me in the past and “ this too shall pass”, as they say. Yes, our world has changed and regardless which way your opinions lie, I wish we could go back to simpler, less technologically immediate times. - Jenn
ReplyDeleteIt'll be fine, Jenn. Yes, this too will pass. I do think changes are coming fast... maybe too fast, but it is what it is. Wishing you a happy healthy 2025!
DeleteWishing you a happy start to the new year. I have every confidence in the next generation. So, they have a duty not to let us or them down.
ReplyDeleteI too have confidence in the next generation, Joanne. They have a lot to handle, but hopefully they will do it well. Happy Healthy 2025!
DeleteI agree with everything you've written and I too, am trying to remain hopeful and well as resilient.
ReplyDeleteHopeful and resilient - seems like the way to go, Bobi.
DeleteI do hope you get the results soon. Waiting is often more difficult than the dealing with the response.
ReplyDeleteI wish I felt hopeful, but I would describe my feelings as concern. For all of the reasons you've described, I worry where the world is heading and what that will mean for my small corner of the world.
Take care.
It's true, Mae,... (and not a fake truth) that many of us are concerned about the next few years, but hope... and faith in the inherit goodness of people (although even this has come into doubt lately) is still there - at least for me.
DeleteHappy new year to you all, Rian. I, perhaps, have less hope than you, given human ego, greed, and shortsightedness. However, I do still hope the world weathers the coming "storms", including the global impacts of your incoming administration.
ReplyDeleteI also hope your test results indicate all is fine; that is, nothing truly concerning.
All the best for 2025.
Kim, Wishing you a Happy Healthy New Year! And it surprises me that you (not living in the US where chaos seems to be the norm) are also concerned. I, like you, feel that the 'storms' are coming, but still have hope that we can somehow get through them.
Delete