Welcome to 2021.
As we’ve been upending how we do everything this year, let’s talk about RESOLUTIONS, those firm decisions to do or not do something, the ones that demand resolve and strength, and discipline. Those promises we make and then break by January 19th.
If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that a firm grip will result in nothing but broken knuckles. Perhaps a lighter touch is in order.
We suggest a new approach. Why not?
WHY NOT?
Try it.
Why not…..(your audaciousness goes here).....?
Why not create world peace? Why not dance all night? Why not make a ton of money? Why not give it all away? Why not say yes? Why not run a four-minute mile? Why not take all the time in the world?
Why not is an invitation to play. But it also wants an answer. It asks for reasons, it wants to know the facts and fictions that stand between us and our future. Perhaps there is a very compelling reason for why not. Perhaps the answer is that someone we love will get hurt. Or that it’s unethical. Or dangerous. But, most of the time, we are operating in automatic default mode, the system in our brain that makes assumptions about the world so that we can go about the business of walking down the street without being overwhelmed by the billions of stimuli of our neighborhood.
Questions can get us out of our default settings. They can help us think of something that is not on the menu. Questions make it easier to venture into uncharted territory.
“Why not?” can yield some obvious answers. But it can also shake out the unconscious thoughts and social constraints that inhibit us from taking action, from expressing our truest selves, from creating the life we want for us and for all.
Why not speak up?
Why not try to change the world?
Why not bring more pleasure into the new year?
Why not end this Pleasure Report with a wish for all of you to join me on the adventure that is 2021? We are just getting started.
SJJ and the TPR Team
Beginning this month, subscribers at the founder’s level will receive the print edition of The Pleasure Report, a deconstructed magazine that includes one image and questions that will arrive in your mailbox each month. These are beautiful objects and we want you to experience the pleasure of receiving them. If you haven’t already, why not subscribe today?
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