Letter from the Cities Intern

We made it, folks.

2019 is finally upon us. And while I know that nothing really changes on New Years except the calendar, I like taking this chance to reflect on everything that’s happened in a year. What did humans accomplish in 2018?

For starters, humanity unknowingly crossed an incredible threshold: For the first time since agriculture-based civilization began 10,000 years ago, the majority of humankind is no longer poor or vulnerable to falling into poverty. We discovered 157 new species in southeast Asia. The first Muslim and Native American women were elected into Congress. Scientists developed a plastic-eating enzyme.

I think it’s important to take time to look back on the progress we’ve made this year. Focusing on the things we’re doing right can motivate us to do even better. While 2018 left a lot of people feeling defeated, every experience functions as an opportunity to grow. This can apply to our personal lives as well. What have I learned? What habits, good or bad, have I formed? What will I do differently in the future?

As classes start up again and we get back to the grind, it can be easy to fall back into the usual worker-bee mode. The cold February air wears down on our souls. Tasked with balancing school, relationships, and sleep, we get thoughtless, losing awareness of ourselves and falling back into old patterns.

The antidote? Take breaks to reflect. Listen to what your body and mind are telling you. Most things don’t change until you do, and change cannot occur without awareness. Use a small part of your day to think about where you are and what you need, and set intentions regularly. And if things ever get too stressful, just pick up a copy of the Wake. We’ll be here.

Warmly,

Sylvia Rani

Cities Intern