I am not going to send you an email tomorrow. I don’t want to interrupt while you’re busy basting a bird, peeling potatoes, sprinkling brown sugar, and spending time with loved ones. Instead, I will tell you today that I am thankful for you.
Substack is a pretty cool place. As far as I can tell, there is no censorship. We get to write what we want. I hope and pray that that lasts!
There are a lot of really interesting people here. I know that Substack has been around for a few years, but I still think that we qualify as “early deciders,” and early deciders tend to be a more adventurous and unique bunch. I am grateful to be among you.
I have wanted to cultivate a community vibe here—to build a place where we can talk about things the way friends and family do. You guys have helped make that happen.
For many years, I have, in my writing and my career, focused exclusively on politics. When I started writing on Substack, I fully expected to continue doing so. That continues to be a big focus here, but you have also helped nurture a broader conversation. We’re now talking about a much bigger kind of politics, and we’re talking about other things that matter as well. This is very good.
The truth of history is that things are always a little messed up. But things also come in waves, and right now, we were surfing an especially confusing breaker. Here at the Freedom Scale, at least it feels like we are surfing together. And together, maybe we can find a way to land on sunnier shores.
We’re all doing our part to find those shores. The best way I can serve is to continue writing, thinking, and exploring new possibilities.
For this reason, I want to send out a special thank-you to my paid subscribers. Ultimately, if I am going to continue doing this, I will need to be able to make a living at it. I am not there yet, but my first group of supporting subscribers have let me know that that is at least a possibility. That encouragement keeps me moving and striving.
I believe that change is afoot, and humanity may be on the cusp of something really big. And I believe that all of you are just the kind of people who will help make it happen. I am happy and thankful to know you.
For the next couple of days, though, the best way to make the world a better place is to hug your loved ones and stuff yourselves silly.
Happy Thanksgiving!
🍁🦃🍽
Happy Thanksgiving, Christopher! Give my love to your family! 🙏🏻💜💫
As a Canadian, I've often felt slightly envious of how richly and deeply you Americans celebrate Thanksgiving. While it's always been my favourite holiday and we do it well up here, somehow you all seem to take it to the next level of coziness and yumminess, infused with love and connectivity born from simply gathering together in a shared space.
I thank YOU for making my initiation into the Substack realm feel well-received and supported, Christopher. It's vulnerable to share your innermost thoughts and creative works, but it's people like you who have bolstered my confidence to continue to share. :)
I wish you the best Thanksgiving. See ya on the other side!