Jeff Key

What Gets You Up in the Morning

"When you wake up in the morning, Pooh," said Piglet at last, "what's the first thing you say to yourself?" "What's for breakfast?" said Pooh. "What do you say, Piglet?" "I say, I wonder what's going to happen exciting today?" said Piglet. Pooh nodded thoughtfully. "It's the same thing," he said.                               

                                                                       —A.A. Milne from Winnie the Pooh

I am updating this year-end blog post from 2017 because the last six years have been difficult for people throughout the world. 

In 2022 we have encountered the war in Ukraine, the threat of nuclear confrontation, shootings in schools and public venues, the continuing threat of Covid-19, natural disasters caused by climate change, the global rise of authoritarianism along with attacks on human rights, inflation, food and housing insecurity, and an increase in stress and mental health issues. 

"Berlin—The Wall"

Because it’s the holiday season it might be time to take a break, consider the little things in life that give us contentment and think about Piglet’s conundrum, “What gets you up in the morning?”

In Denmark its Hygge, a concept originating in the 18th Century that revers the small things in life, emphasizes experiences over possessions, and encourages a sense of community. 

Similar forms of this philosophy can also be found in many cultures throughout the world:  it’s Lagom in Swedish, Gemütlichkeit in German, Fargin in Yiddish, Jugaad in Hindi, Ikigai in Japanese, Mbuki-Mvuki in Bantu, and Xìngfú in Chinese.

 "Berlin—Hornblower

So on to 2023 with a hot cup of tea and thoughts of a few positive things that happened in 2022:  The Covid-19 vaccine reached 1-billion worldwide doses, at the UN Climate Conference more than 25 countries pledged to end deforestation and 82% pledged to decarbonize by 2030, the Inflation Reduction Act lowered health care premiums and will reduce carbon emissions in the US by 40% by 2030, and a bipartisan vote of Congress passed gun legislation that includes restrictions on who can buy guns.    

Happy Holidays to all…. and as they say…..Felices Fiestas in Spanish, Hạnh phúc ngày lễ in Vietnamese, Selamat Hari Raya in Indonedisan, Kales Diakopes in Greek, and Furaha likizo in Swahili.

Website: https://www.jeffmkey.com 

Blog: https://jeffmkey-art.blogspot.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeffmkey/.  @jeffmkey

Sculpturesite Gallery: https://sculpturesite.com/exhibit/155

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/jeffkeyart/