I spend a disproportionate amount of time thinking about the future because I love creating, in any and all forms. I’m always looking toward tomorrow–how am I paying my bills? How am I growing and developing as an artist? What are the relationships and communities that make me feel like home?

But in the midst, I’ve really failed to acknowledge the monumental moments that get me from milestone to milestone. And as a 30-something traveling the country with no children of my own and a distanced relationship with my family, there aren't many mirrors around me that can help me remember. One of my greatest accomplishments this year – writing and developing my third solo magic show, which continues to tour in 2026 – has been seen by hundreds of strangers but just one of my friends (hi Heather)! And the nature of performing magic means that even those who see the show can never know how much time I spent building it, as a magician never reveals their secrets.

I’m also quite proud of the progress I’ve made on my documentary of the magician Ellen E. Armstrong. Her story is largely unknown despite how meticulously she documented her life. Despite the distance between her life and my own, the more I learn about her has made me realize that my own story is my responsibility to archive, lest it be forgotten.

So last week, I decided to use the end of the year as a dedicated time for reflection, not resolutions. It works well for my schedule; I’m currently off until January 8th, committed only to writing this newsletter and completing my book proposal that’s woefully, embarrassingly overdue. It feels more fitting than writing resolutions, which have always felt like more shit on my to-do list than anything else.

Resolutions are also tied to capitalism, which is why it’s a more popularized practice. Often, they encourage us to buy: to get that gym membership, to buy a new suite of skincare products, to invest in a new journal that will keep us organized. Reflecting on our wins doesn’t have to cost a thing (although I do offer some ways to bring it to life that may cost money), and they can remind us of money well spent, encouraging us to make more healthful decisions in the future.

But if resolutions resonate for you, this practice is a great way to get there. Remembering helps reinforce the positive behaviors and practices that help us accomplish. This reflection may make you realize more things you’d like to add to your resolution list. And most importantly, this list of wins might remind you what you’re truly capable of.

So let’s celebrate ourselves, in all our faults and flaws. Here are some prompts and activities that can bring this to life. Consider doing this with your kids, your loved ones, or your friends–or make this a nourishing and meaningful moment for self-reflection.

Prompts

Caveats

Do it Simple

Put 2 minutes on a timer and write as much as you can think of as quickly as possible. Don’t worry about editing or clarifying. Then, read, reflect and revisit to whatever extent you choose.

Make it a Moment

After you’ve made a list, here are some ways you can bring it to life:

Let me know what you think of this idea!

How social media users are highlighting media bias and reframing the narrative. Social media users are exposing how major news headlines manipulate language to sanitize violence in Gaza—proving that a simple annotation can be a means of resistance. Forge Organizing >

Building an adaptive metanetwork to fight climate change. EcoAmerica has developed a network to inform and coordinate other networks to push for climate action. With a reach of 60 million individuals across the United States, it offers important lessons for other large-scale efforts to overcome wicked problems. SSIR >

Holding liberals accountable is a strategic necessity. To make our coalitions powerful and durable, there must be some accountability for those individuals and groups who, for too long, were complicit with the genocide. Convergence Mag >

It's time for progressive philanthropy to commit to funding journalism. People have to hear about movements in order to join them. And they have to hear about them from sources that cover them accurately, accountably, and knowledgeably, imparting lessons that allow this work to be replicated and to grow. Scalawag >

IMMIGRATION

Freed After 9 Months in ICE Jail, Immigrant Activist Jeanette Vizguerra Keeps Fighting. Democracy Now! speaks with longtime immigrant rights activist Jeanette Vizguerra, who was just released Monday from ICE jail after being ambushed by ICE agents during her work break in March. Democracy Now >

Deportations of African migrants triple under Trump’s second term. Most African migrants being deported under Trump’s second term have no criminal record, according to ICE data.