A Year of Firsts: Podcasts, Patron Saints, and Shaking Off Hate Along the Way
Our First Year's Remarkable Journey
Hello, dear readers,
What a phenomenal journey 2023 has been for the world of Moral Health! As our launch year, it's been a period of groundbreaking beginnings, growth, inspiration, and meaningful conversations. Our articles delved into diverse themes, from 'Navigating Moral Health in a Traumatized World' to 'The Fifth Vital Sign: Moral Health,' exploring transformative ideas like 'The Right to Pleasure in Healthcare' and 'Making Good Trouble: The Black Panther Party's Healthcare Initiatives.' These pieces reflect our commitment to reshaping the narrative around healthcare, spirituality, and business.
As we welcomed this inaugural year, our community expanded, bringing in more readers and friends who share our passion for narrative medicine and the power of forgiveness. Our message gained significant momentum when we were featured on the 'What I Meant To Say' podcast. There, Michelle had the opportunity to discuss the transformative power of narrative medicine in healthcare and how it aligns with our mission of promoting healing and moral leadership.
We also had the unique opportunity to contribute to BenefitsPRO, sharing insights on 'The future is now: How is technology impacting the benefits industry?' While some might prioritize visibility in outlets like The New York Times, our feature in BenefitsPRO holds special significance, as it's precisely where the dedicated work of building health systems unfolds. The publication reaches the change-makers shaping healthcare for 54.5% of Americans, or nearly 159 million people, affected by employer-sponsored insurance. Our thoughts delved into the transformative role of AI in health care and benefits, underscoring the critical juncture where technology meets human needs.
Mid-year brought a delightful surprise – our work was shared by one of the patron saints of Moral Health, adrienne maree brown. However, not all feedback was a chorus of cheers. In a twist that's almost a rite of passage, we even received some hate mail! We labeled them as such because the messages were flagged by the platform as explicit and violent. But here's the thing – at Moral Health, we believe in dialogue, accountability, and growth, not dismissals and cancel culture. So, while these messages might have initially missed our ethos of understanding and restoration, they oddly became a place where we could put our words into action. We responded to the hate mail with empathy and understanding, and seeds of growth took root! While we know this won't always be the case, it was an important proof of concept for our Moral Health experiment. Encouraging introspection and cultivating a culture of restoration doesn't always guarantee immediate understanding, reflection, or dialogue. However, with patience and a commitment to compassionate actions, we have a better shot of getting there.
As we entered the final stretch of the year, our hearts were heavy with the immense loss of Matthew Perry, a cherished personal friend who innately championed many moral health concepts, now an honorable legacy patron saint of our cause. His passing caused us to pause our Substack writing as we reflected deeply on his legacy and created space to mourn. The impact of his loss was profound, resonating not only with Moral Health and all that we stand for but also with millions who admired his humor, courage, and kindness. Matthew, a deeply empathic and kindhearted soul, left this world far too soon, yet his beautiful spirit endures. In his memory, we are more determined than ever to continue this vital work, helping carry forward his vision to inspire and support all those who are suffering, starting with ourselves. We find comfort in the thought of his guiding light, or maybe better said, his guiding bat signal, shining from beyond as we continue our change work together.
This sentiment of carrying forward his legacy segues seamlessly into our next big step. As this year comes to a close, we find ourselves at the dawn of a new beginning in our mission. We're gearing up as sponsors and speakers for our first in-person event – the "Rapid-Acting Mental Health Treatment" satellite gathering at the JP Morgan Health conference on January 7th, 2024, in San Francisco. Thanks to the innovative thinking and dedication to cutting-edge research and systemic change by
this concept has come to life. It promises to be a groundbreaking discussion on the future of brain health and the development of rapid-acting treatments for brain disorders.We will be joined by thought leaders, researchers, and change-makers like David Esselman, Executive Director of BrainFutures; Kalli Ortega, CEO and Founder of MelEos Group; Nolan Williams, Associate Professor at Stanford's Brain Stimulation Lab; Grady Hannah, Co-founder and CEO of NightWare; and Carlene MacMillan, MD, Co-founder of Fermata and CMO of Osmind and more in this exciting exploration of treatments that can shift paradigms faster than we can imagine. If you're in the area, we would love to see you there! A portion of the proceeds from this event will benefit BrainFutures, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to advancing brain health research and innovation.
As we move forward together, we'd like to leave you with the inspiring lyrics from Ben Rector's New Year's song – a fitting anthem for the moment:
"So raise up your glass, here's to brand new beginnings
And don't shed a tear for the things that are ending
'Cause tomorrow will bring us a new morning sun
My friends, I believe that the best
And love, I believe that the best
And love, I believe that the best is yet to come."
Here's to a brilliant 2024 filled with hope, healing, and heart. Cheers to new beginnings and the journey ahead!
Warmly,
Michelle and Moral Health
Reflect. Write. Transform: Narrative Medicine
Listen to Ben Rector's “The Best Is Yet To Come (A Song For The New Year)” and observe the emotions it evokes.
Take three minutes to reflect on your past year – focusing on the challenges and unexpected events. You can jot down your thoughts in a journal or share them in the comments. The key is to connect with the music.
Consider a time during the last year when you faced significant challenges or 'a chaotic blend of events.' How did you find strength and resilience during these times? Reflect on the growth you experienced and how it has prepared you for embracing the belief that 'the best is yet to come.'
Beautiful! Happy New Year to you and may we continue to do the work of change!
Yet another beautiful article, resonant on so many levels. Your heartfelt tribute to Matthew and your reflection on the year bring tears to my eyes and fill my heart with love. The power of connection, shared story, forgiveness, and collective growth is endless. 2024 will be a great year of even more “firsts” and and further expansion of the bright light you bring to this world. ✨🙏✨