Roy’s Sunday Letter for January 4, 2026
Beginning and Continuing In 2026
Clear out, leave room in your 2026 heart, emotions and sense of the sacred for the daily practice of Gratitude, of being Grateful for living among those you can both give and also receive gifts and blessings. What Gratitude you have given or received in early 2026? Recording in a notebook may be one way of remembering Gratitude in the days and months of 2026.
- A Two-hour coffee with forever friend Peter this week. Stories and memories shared. We were more comfortable with what was and what’s now than the challenges and unknown of what’s next and what will be in the days ahead. We finished our coffee with “Be Brave, Show Courage, and we will share coffee again soon.” ” Would this, also, be true for you and a forever friend or family?
A different Roy and long-time friend, recommended the Netflix documentary BREAKDOWN 1975 covering the movies, shows, and events of a significant time in our history. For younger SL readers ‘Breakdown 1975’ will be a revealing of influences of older friends, mentors, and family. Movies and shows that “grew us, elders, up” including: “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Rollerball, China Town, All the President’s Men, Taxi Driver, Dog Day Afternoon, All in the Family” Richard Prayor, and the too slow resignation of Richard Nixon. These were days of fear of the unknowns of others, isolation, feeling disconnected, a national anxiety of who we are and where we were going. These are common themes it seems as we enter 2026. Which movies or life events were significant in your younger life or to friends, mentors, and family?
- “As we enter 2026, we recognize those who packed our parachutes and encouraged us to become our true, unique selves.” Original Thought Unknown
Day 70 of the Buddhist Monks and Aloka the peace dog “Walk for Peace,” now in South Carolina. The monks are walking for peace, compassion, and unity. Thousands are following and supporting the monks in their 2,300 mile walk on behalf of us all. Follow their journey. Witness the magic of monks and their amazing dog.
Roy, enthusiastic about our Sunday Letter as 2026 unfolds before us
When I ponder what life events changed me, I think of my mother who had more strength and wisdom than most people I know. She had so much kindness and character even though she had a tough life. She was born poor and for many years barely scrapped by but she soldiered on and faced adversity. When I look at the world situation today I cannot close my eyes but I can face adversity because I can look to my Mother and use her example of how to live life. She packed my parachute and encouraged me to be who I am.
WE all need the grace and skills of those who pack our parachutes…..the image is a good one,
Save your comments for Mother’s Day. A powerful retelling.
Your mother endowed strength and faith driven Determined is inspiring to us both.
And, more to come…….together.
Good to hear that Peter made it back safely.
Peter spoke highly of you and the reconnection…….special friends, special times.
Loved your closing sentence word “our”. You are always intentionally inclusive. I love the community you engender and am always grateful for being included. I love the way that is multiplied by your deep partnership. Separated by miles and years I am still encouraged, strengthened, lightened, purposed by your being and doing. I regularly hunger for a more tangible presence, laughter, hug, good tears, fresh words and questions. There is also the kinship of starting together, pioneering together, being mentored together. There are shared holy places(Oaks), vocations, reunions, foibles and fables. Part of me is you. I continue to gratefully live that part and include it in my definition of Grace. (This is really me since I spent an hour this morning trying to speak these sentiments before hitting wrong button and they disappeared. A version of my real way of being in the world I confess for as long as you have known me. Bob
A mile here….a mile there
our connections pays no attention to miles.
We are good
Yes, a cell call would be good….We will make that happen.
Peace and Harmony to you both and all those in your world.
Gerald, it was good to reconnect with you on a snowy winter day recently–Thank you. Well Roy, I think we have known each other since we were about eighteen years old. Enjoyable times sharing, reflecting, and redefining ourselves, learning, and growing. Thank you for being a part of my journey.
My world not the same without your presence.
So many turns, start, stops.
and here we are, still here, connected.
And this is indeed goodess, grace, and wellness.RB
Roy, I’m now in the process of reconnecting with cousins and other relatives I haven’t heard from in years or even decades. “Family is important,” as my wife Sandy likes to say.
One contact leads to another and another. We’re catching up on news and events with people I’ve long neglected, and it’s a rewarding venture. They’re glad to know they’re not forgotten and that they are still loved beyond the years and the miles.
So very much the meaning of hope in real time…..fulfilling a purpose in the best of ways.
Good for you both…..continue on. RB
When anyone asks me what my favorite movie of all time is, I respond with “One flew over the cuckoo’s nest”. Thanks for the memory. I need to find it and take another watch to see if it is just as impactful.
Yes, even more so today with so little protections from harm.
A classic of characters and script…..not the ending I/we would want.