Celebrating a Brand New Day and a Time Capsule, Too!

“When you open your heart, it's a brand new day.” – Julia Lane 

There is so much negativity these days, especially in the news and on social media. While many are fearful about the future, we offer hopeful ways to better our lives, our relationships, and our country in our book Beyond the Politics of Contempt: Practical Steps to Build Positive Relationships in Divided Times https://beyondthepoliticsofcontempt.com/ and the free “Together Across Differences” substack newsletter.   

I was delighted to be invited to give a talk about this at the Bristol, Maine, library. I later received a wonderful email from library director Jackie Bennett: “Thank you, Doug! People were saying how hopeless/helpless we have been feeling. You left us feeling motivated and that we have a choice.” A special moment that evening was the appearance of Julia Lane from the Maine music duo Castlebay. She played her harp and sang a special song with these the memorable lines: 

There is always hope; there is always freedom.
If you open your mind, you will find a way
There is always love; there is always kindness.
When you open your heart, it's a brand new day  

Julia and her partner Fred Gosbee are brilliant musicians who have also documented ancient Maine sea shanties. You can find their work at https://castlebay.net/.  

On another exciting note, my friend Rik Yeames, a consummate patriot and history enthusiast, is leading a project to create the US/NH 250/300 time capsule in Concord, NH. The contents will celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary and create a snapshot of life today for a next generation to rediscover. The capsule will be opened on July 4, 2075, in preparation for the nation’s 300th birthday the following year. Among the contents will be a copy of our book.  

We each have an extraordinary opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives, including our own. Don’t underestimate your impact!