Thoughts | J.R. Johnson

Because Murderbot is my Rise and Fall of Sanctuary Moon. (Apologies for the inside reference, but if you know, you know, and if you don’t and you enjoy science fiction, get thee to All Systems Red, stat!)

If you have no idea what I’m talking about, here’s an interview with Martha Wells, Murderbot’s creator.

How Murderbot Saved Martha Wells’ Life | WIRED

Hearing a name like that, you’d be forgiven for running for your life. But the thing about Murderbot—the thing that makes it one of the most beloved, iconic characters in modern-day science fiction—is just that: It’s not what it seems. For all its hugeness and energy-weaponized body armor, Murderbot is a softie. It’s socially awkward and appreciates sarcasm. Not only does it detest murdering, it wants to save human lives, and often does (at least when it’s not binge-watching its favorite TV shows). “As a heartless killing machine,” as Murderbot puts it, “I was a terrible failure.”

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And Thank You!

Posted in Holidays, Other, tagged #365Ways, #365Ways2024, inspiration, think positive, Thoughts on November 28, 2024| Leave a Comment »

Happy American Thanksgiving, everyone!

Yes, the history of this holiday is… deeply complicated, but I love that for me here and now, it’s about friends and family and food.

Here’s hoping you have a wonderful day, and if you need something fun and uplifting to read while digesting Grandma’s special stuffing, check this out:

Underrated ways to change the world – by Adam Mastroianni

A lot of people would like to make the world better, but they don’t know how. This is a great tragedy.

…

I don’t know all the ways to get our good intentions unblocked. That’s why, whenever I spot someone changing the world via a righteous road less taken, I write it down on a little list. I glance at that list from time to time as a way of expanding my imagination, and now I’m sharing it in the hopes that it’ll do the same for you.

Yes, please. And thank you!

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*Photo by Diliara Garifullina on Unsplash*

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Leaps of Imagination

Posted in Other, Writing, tagged #365Ways, #365Ways2024, creativity, inspiration, Thoughts on November 27, 2024| Leave a Comment »

“Without leaps of imagination, or dreaming, we lose the excitement of possibilities. Dreaming, after all, is a form of planning.”
— Gloria Steinem

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You. Yes, You.

Posted in Other, Writing, tagged #365Ways, #365Ways2024, Thoughts on November 26, 2024| Leave a Comment »

You. Yes, you.

I see you.

Sitting with a cup of coffee, crossing the street juggling kids and groceries, dozing on the bus, putting in yet another double shift, smiling even when it’s hard, waiting in line to send Christmas presents, working late into the night.

I see behind your public face to the child you used to be, the dreams you still have, the hopes you carry for the future.

I see you.

And I carry those hopes for you too.

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Filled With Joy

Posted in Other, tagged #365Ways, #365Ways2024, action for good, inspiration, Thoughts on November 25, 2024| Leave a Comment »

“Set your heart on doing good. Do it over and over again, And you will be filled with joy.”

— Buddha

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Do What You Can

Posted in Writing, tagged #365Ways, #365Ways2024, creativity, Thoughts, Writers, writing on November 23, 2024| Leave a Comment »

Some days I don’t have time to write, but today I have a different problem. I have time, technically, but don’t have the mental space to write.

And that has to be ok.

Do what you can, where you are. For me today, that means being ok with the fact that writing is off the table.

Until tomorrow!

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What Matters Most

Posted in Other, tagged #365Ways, #365Ways2024, think positive, Thoughts on November 22, 2024| Leave a Comment »

“As you go through life, make this your goal. Watch the donut, not the hole.”

— Burl Ives

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Newsflash: Day Job Taking All Day

Posted in Other, tagged #365Ways, #365Ways2024, inspiration, persistence, Thoughts on November 19, 2024| Leave a Comment »

I like work for a number of reasons but some days, I just need a little break. And, apparently, 11,000 Post-Its animating a year in the life of illustrator Daren Jannace.