January 2025 - The Longest Month In The History Of Long Months?
January 2025 Things That Moved Me......
The concept of January 2025 being the longest month in the history of all the months seemed to have taken on a life of its own. It is as if nobody was paying attention then somebody said: Man, January has been so fucking long……and all the world said: Yup, you’re right.
Was it really any longer than any other month? It was certainly longer than February 2024 and that had an extra day in it……you decide. Was it longer than usual for you or not?
For me, I have no idea how to measure the length of a month any more. I’m working, teaching, running, eating, sleeping, laughing and staying as present as I possibly can.
And now you get to read (if you so choose) about the things that I stayed present for during January 2025……
Maid In Manhattan
After a rather anxiety and stressed filled day, or week, Lori and I decided to watch a movie. She wanted something that brought smiles and hope into our living room.
We chose Maid In Manhattan.
I cannot recall seeing this movie when it debuted but it moved me in a way that I wasn’t expecting.
Jennifer Lopez’s character, Marisa Ventura, is a housekeeper in a swanky hotel in Manhattan. I have no connection to this concept…..or did I?
Marisa walks into the ‘basement’ of the hotel and greets all of her co-workers. From the security to the laundry staff to the other housekeepers. This reminded me of what it was like to be a young kid who walked into the ‘basement’ of Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in New York with my mother and father.
It was family in those tunnels. Everybody said hello, told a joke, shared a laugh, provided food or coffee to the other person. It was an amazing cast of characters that had each others back.
I cried watching these scenes because of the connection to my parents. It also gave me an idea of what has made me, me. The characters in my real life movie were what molded me to become who I am today.
I make fun of myself, lend a hand to others, provide an ear to listen or a stern chat if needed. That is what showing up for others is and it is something that I didn’t know I learned from my childhood until I watched this movie.
What movie reminds you of your childhood and why?
Rainy Day Ice Cream
We haven’t seen rain in a long time here in Los Angeles. Many of you reading this may have already forgotten about the fires that ravaged this area for the month of January, but we haven’t.
When the rain came down, it was a reason for us to celebrate. It gave us a moment to breathe and believe that the worst of the fires had come to an end.
We went for ice cream. We ordered the vegan hazelnut chocolate chip flavor and sat in the car eating the ice cream.
Conversations about life ensued but nothing could take away the smile of having ice cream in the rain especially when the ice cream is originally from New York City.
There was a full circle moment while we sat in that car enjoying the break from the fires and from the stress and anxiety surrounding us. There is a location in NYC on 72nd and Columbus, right next door to Ella’s Social Club…..a restaurant we visit every time we are in NYC.
On a rainy day in LA…..we enjoyed ice cream and the memories of NYC.
THOSE FOUR YEARS, THE LAST TIME AROUND
On January 31st, I received an email, OK a newsletter that I’m subscribed to, from Mathias Eichler. It is the Electric Cable Car newsletter and the headline just grabbed me. I had to read it.
What as the headline? Believe in what's possible, even in these dark times
As I read Mathias’ words, I found myself nodding in agreement. There was something comforting in him sharing what he did in those years.
It wasn’t about sharing the angry text or tweet but about what he created. Sometimes the creation was successful and other times it was a failure but he still created something.
That gave me an opportunity to reflect on those same 4 years and what I did. But more important than that, it gave me an opportunity to think about what I wanted to create in these next four years.
What did I want to have in 1,460 days that I could point to and say: I did that?
This newsletter provided me with inspiration to take risks, bigger and more frequently. It gave me permission to stiffen my back and say to myself that I was going to not sulk or swear or give up.
Sure there will be days filled with dread, anxiety and stress. Of course, I’ll lose some bets I make but what if they succeed. What if taking that risk leads to something that puts a huge smile on my face?
As we have begun the month of February, I can tell you that my calendar is filled with conversations with people I could not have seen talking to 6 months or 6 years ago and I’m pumped about that.
Meeting new people, sharing ideas, creating something from nothing.
When I look back on the years from 2025 to 2028…..I want to be able to smile and think: I did that.
Well……which was longer —- January 2025 or this read?
Leave me a comment on what moved you during January. What made you smile, cry, fist pump or sit back?
Let’s chat and have some fun…..after all…..connection to each other is how we make our stories better.
January 2025 did feel like it was stretching on forever. Somehow, it had that ‘where did the time go?’ and ‘I can't believe it's only the 15th’ vibe all at once.
The rain was so welcome; we get more of it this week.
Maid in Manhattan was one of my favorite movies.
PS There is nothing better than rainy day ice cream Jason. Vegan hazelnut chocolate chip flavor = heaven.
Happy New Week friend!