Countdown to 48

‘Countdown to 48’: a project with a double meaning - it refers to the 48 months between January 2025 and January 2029, and also to number 48, our country’s next leader.

This ongoing monthly project will recognize 48 extraordinary individuals, around the world, through pieces created in response to their work and their lives.

The idea for this project sprung from an observation gleaned from the contentious ongoing political drama as the landscape precipitously shifts, and most people’s stress levels are spiking through the roof, so, here it is: energetically, focusing on fighting what you oppose drains the human battery exponentially faster than focusing on amplifying what you support.

While our sanity has been tested - repeatedly and consistently – during the past 14 months this phenomena has held true, as we hold strong to our focus on amplifying who and what we support.

Having patience to know when you’re holding burdens that aren’t yours to hold. Witnessing the carnage, yet keeping yourself strong so you can continue your work.

Each month, we identify a different person – a public figure making a positive, impactful difference - whose work helps create a more equitable, inclusive, healthy, and vibrant world. Each of these people’s works exemplifies the best of what humanity has to offer: the changemakers, peacemakers, disruptors, and builders of a brighter future.

Here, a taste - first up:

adrienne maree brown, writer, activist, and facilitator, Emergent Strategy podcast

Accepting a gift is a most sacred act.
some would say it’s the best gift you can give an artist
It is an honoring 🙏

I write this at midnight, heading into the last of the of what I’m told are called the ‘Days of Awe’ -
flashback to last Friday: seeing ‘Them’ magazine’s cover photo featuring the
✨ c a p t i v a t i n g ✨ @adriennemareebrown (a most fave inspirational being) seated in a chair, in the center of a forest.
Excited to read the article, I peer more closely &, GASP - she’s wearing the necklace.

Last spring, I’d felt compelled to make adrienne a gift 🌱

A necklace of A W E made especially for her: meant as talisman, protector, touchstone, support -
made in gratitude for how she beams her brilliance & compassion in service to community -
made to serve her in ALL the ways 🙏

TX, @them for your beautiful publication & @brobeas for your stunning photos 🙏

Inspired by all the new voices, ideas, & teachings she’d shared - plus her own glorious mere presence (always a present in itself), honestly, just overwhelmed by all she gives in this world.. 💯 inspiring & a beautiful model for what strong leadership CAN be.
Am so listening to you & yours, always - shining a light on all paths forward .. ✨

In acknowledgement of the importance of beauty, adornment, the life-affirming experience of AWE, wonder, ‘leadership as it would look in new hands ..’
… giving thanks for her encouraging, expansive love, in all its forms, & how she sends love out into the universe

So many wise women offered their good council & I am grateful 🙏 I am realizing how much of my creative inspiration comes directly from other women.

I often dream & create in response to the beauty others dream & create, I have built an abundance practice that honors the women I admire - so many to thank.. I could spend every minute of every day this year giving thanks & still have more to do…
But here, a token of my appreciation to one who has given me so much these past years 🙏

This piece was blessed in circle by women I love and trust,
We honor you, adrienne, we TY for all the ways you show up, we send you blessings for the amazing work you do in community ✨
TY for being you - for sharing yourself w us ALL

I support your thrive 🙌
You AWE ✨