“The path ahead: Take it one day at a time, to live in the moment, to be a human being, not a human doing, and when I’m able, a human becoming.” — Retirement Aspiration
July 4, 2026
Today, as I begin to draft this status on my retirement journey, midway in year one, it’s the 4th of July holiday. I posted the following on my Facebook feed this morning:
Like most things in the past 10 years, this year’s holiday can only be described as “It’s complicated!” to employ an overused phrase. It describes Trump’s first term as POTUS, the COVID-19 pandemic, the January 6th insurrection, the missed opportunity in the 2024 presidential election, and the “It’s all about me!” narcissism of Trump’s second term, remaking the White House, Washington D.C., and our monuments to reflect his ‘gilded age’ Mar-a-Lago tacky taste, plus the exaggerated emphasis on his 80th birthday, and partisan impact on the holiday.
My hope is that the rest of us can find a way to celebrate the holiday in a personal and meaningful manner that honors our democracy and the traditions of the past, and inspires us to feel pride and gratitude today!
Celebrate with family, friends, and loved ones. Enjoy summer foods and cold beverages, ice cream, parades, and fireworks (please protect your dogs and children).