Radical Apathy and Ruthless Optimism 😆

But I Digress...January 2026

Some news: I’ve started a new five-year Naturalist’s Notebook!

I completed the first, which I’d started in 2021, the first year after I departed my old lawyer job. When I think about 2021, I remember mostly struggles. Yes, I did write a book, get a puppy, and learn how to make pickles, but I also worked myself harder than I’d ever done in my 9-5 gig (except for trials, of course!). I was still trapped in an idea of myself that was based on success and accomplishments.

But I digress…

All this to say, five years is a long time. Opening the brand new journal and filling in the years to 2030 feels daunting. Between the relentless advances in AI and the way people are treating each other, there are days I firmly believe the world as we know it now will be unrecognizable in 2030.

What’s a person to do? Especially one prone to worry and overthinking?

The naturalist’s notebook provides a space for observations. Not for judgment, not to document my feelings about things. Looking through the old one reminds me that I’ve managed to get through at least a couple of winters that, in the moment, I had serious doubts about. This winter is shaping up to be one of those more taxing ones, but for the first time, I’m feeling reasonably calm. I’ve chosen to name this feeling radical apathy.

For ruthless optimism, nothing works better for me than a to do list!

Last year, I intentionally planned very few projects. The book I’d hoped to sell was put on the shelf for the time being. I needed a break from pushing myself, It’s not that I wasn’t busy, but the activities I chose were limited to those that fed my soul in the short term. I simply didn’t feel capable of playing much of a long game.

Things changed in September when I applied for and received an Artist Career Development Grant through the Central Minnesota Arts Board. This grant requires that I write a book and hire an editor, and I’ll need to bring receipts at the end of the year. I’m pleased to report that over the holiday break I wrote over fifty pages and picked out a hook and title. All subject to change, of course, but my creative juices are flowing and I couldn’t be more pleased.

Second on my to-do list: I’m planning more content for my paid subscribers. I’m so grateful for you! You help me feel like my offerings have value, so I’ve set a little goal for myself around increasing the number of paid subscribers. If you want to support my work, feel free to upgrade your subscription and know that it will be much appreciated!

Finally, I’m planning my next big camping trip to Ann Arbor Michigan, where I will immerse myself in THREE LINEAR FEET worth of my great great uncle Howard Hyde Russell’s writings and speeches. If you read Crossing Fifty-One, you’ll recall that my friend Paul graciously took the time to look at and photograph some of the collection. It satisfied me at the time, but now I need to see it for myself. Who knows, my ancestor may be the subject of a future book!

I know for some, thinking about the future brings feelings of dread. I’ve decided I cannot allow worry and fear to dominate whatever time I have left on this rollercoaster called life. Turning sixty has gifted me a sense of urgency. I have places to go, things to see and people to meet!

Now…about the rollercoaster: I’m a huge fan of Ryan Holiday. He introduced me to Stoicism in 2017 when I was navigating my dad’s decline and my move to the country. He tells us that Stoicism is “the art of getting active in your own rescue…and in so doing, rescuing others. By reforming and improving ourselves, we are reforming and improving the world—because we are a part of the world. To put a spin on one of Marcus’ great lines, what improves the bee improves the hive.”

In 2025, I learned that focusing on the small ways I could help myself and be of help to others brought me into 2026 with more hope and optimism than I’d thought possible at this time last year.

For my paid subscribers, I’ll have a “behind the scenes” update on the new project in a couple of weeks!

Everyone else, I’ll see you next month!

~ Debbie

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CULTIVATING HOPE

This is a new section that I plan to include going forward. Let me know your thoughts!

3 great things I’ve read recently:

While I’ve been disturbed by reports of young people engaging in hate-filled communications, a story like THIS ONE about a Native American high school student who advocated for a law requiring students to be taught about the dangers of fentanyl and other drugs.

If you like Arthur Brooks, you’ll enjoy THIS ESSAY about achieving happiness by making ourselves smaller.

And finally, if you are concerned about the state of health care in the U.S. watch this VIDEO interview with Mark Cuban. He’s created a new company, Cost Plus Drugs, an online opportunity for people to get certain prescription drugs at greatly reduced prices.

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JANUARY BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS

NONFICTION:

Perversion of Justice by Julie K. Brown

I read this book a couple of years ago and, as a former prosecutor at the state level, was astonished at my own naivete around how money and influence could literally kill a criminal case. It’s my fervent hope that 2026 brings justice and a sense of closure for all the victims who’ve been ignored and swept aside.

FICTION: Other Birds by Sarah Addison Allen

There’s a certain trope in fiction that really appeals to me and it’s in the stories about people from different backgrounds and circumstances coming together to form their own communities around friendship and mutual care. The world needs these stories right now!

BONUS: The Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living by Ryan Holiday

I’d have to include this in my shortlist of life changing books. Enough said, check it out!