“I am the patriarchy’s worst nightmare.”—Elizabeth Gilbert
There’s an episode in the tv series, Shrinking, where the characters, clad in nothing but their underwear, tramp into the ocean to communally discuss whether or not one of them should adopt a baby.
I dig the idea of getting into the sea whether it’s literal (as in their case) or metaphorically, because it means stepping into something completely unknown, surrendering to waves that aren’t predictable or controllable. And I especially love when we do it communally as a human family.
If I believed in New Year’s resolutions (I absolutely don’t—humans, most of which are already walking anxiety disorders, do not need any more pressure), mine would be something about diving headfirst into the sea, into life without parameters, without expectations, without any idea of what’s going to happen next.
The reason resolutions (or, in my case, the lack thereof) are on my mind is because I will be ringing in 2025 on an African savanna, far from civilization’s reach. In other words, this post is to tell you, my dear comrades in spiritual mischief, that I probably won’t be chiming in much for the next three weeks.
Instead, I’ll be with the Taz Grout 222 Foundation that is supporting LoveLight Africa’s Ubuntu summer camps in 2025. Ubuntu, of course, means “I am because we are” and, yes, it’s summer right now in South Africa.
Rather than simply pony up financial support, I decided to jump in, to also offer my presence and assistance to the amazing Robin Goff who started this consciousness-changing outreach as an offshoot of the Light Center that just happens to exist 30 minutes from my home.
I’ll have a full report on February 22 (2/22) and, for anyone with an innovative idea for rewriting the dream of the modern world from consumption and acquisition to the dream of creativity and self-expression, by all means, send a pitch with the description of your big idea to: taz.grout.222.foundation@gmail.com. We still have money to give away!
For those new to the party:
The Taz Grout 222 Foundation was launched to honor my brilliant daughter who spent 25 short years on the planet inspiring everyone who knew her to live and love better. Her heart possessed more capacity than mine will ever possess. Everything she stood for was some variation of these themes: create relentlessly, love fiercely and do quiet, kind things for the underdog.
Every year, the foundation offers a grant to a project or a person (often both) who, as Liz Gilbert said in the above quote, represents the patriarchy’s worst nightmare.
We look for projects that address the following ideas:
1. A change in perspective is our greatest need. We believe all people (no exceptions) long to be generous and create beautiful things.
2. Today’s hopelessness is based on false premises. We look to defy the old story of scarcity, lack and the need to fight for resources. We aim to prove that the universe, once liberated from no-longer-working paradigms of scarcity, is generative and endlessly abundant.
3. The us against them model is kaput. We believe all humans are interconnected and that even tiny actions have great significance.
As we start this new and exciting year, never forget that the single most important thing you could ever do to change the consciousness of the world is to be tender and merciful to yourself.
As Taz forever reminds me, “Time here is short and precious. So, please, mom, be kind to yourself and venerate every delicious moment.”
#222 Forever!
Pam Grout is the author of 20 books including E-Squared, E-Cubed, Thank & Grow Rich and her latest book, The Course in Miracles Experiment: A Starter Kit for Rewiring Your Mind (And Therefore Your World)
16 Responses
This is so lovely Pam. I love everything about this newsletter. I love that you will be experiencing not just funding such a beautiful Ubuntu camp. I happen to Love Shrinking a lot, the love and humanity is heartfelt. And I love that abundance, love, and compassion as a concept is what you champion. The scarcity and the concept of separateness are myths we buy into. Have the most wonderful trip!!!
❤️❤️❤️❤️May love and joy come to you!!!
Be both soft and wild. Just like the moon. Or the storm. Or the sea. ~Victoria Erickson
You are all that and more, dear Pam. Happy Trails to you!
Thank you! Your words are golden.
I absolutely love the idea of jumping into a sea of unknowns and surrendering to the flow. And I love that you’re starting this new year in such an intentional loving way. Not that we’d expect anything less of you!! Have the most beautiful, joyous, uplifting time dear Pam. Sending a sea of love and well wishes from down under ❤️❤️
Having worked in Manhattan’s Finance industry, I’ve been face-to-face with the outdated, stifling, insulting patriarchy most of my adult. I’d achieve…but eventually leave out of repect for my kind, kick-ass feminine self. I recently escaped again. I had courage to leave because I trust life has my back. It does! Now my firm shows other professionals (most soon to be entrepreneurs) how to redefine “success” by boldly bringing their passions & talents to the online world. Have fun, Pam!
Thank you Pam for another inspiring and encouraging post. I love that you don’t believe in New Year’s resolutions, and I especially love the resolutions you’d choose if you did! 🥳💃🎉
Have a wonderful time in Africa, and I’m sure we all look forward to hearing about your experiences when you return.
Happy New Year (a tad early) and blessings galore to us all for a fabulous 2025. May love, light, compassion and kindness guide us toward peace and joy for the whole world. 💖⭐️🌏✨🤗
That is fabulous news. Show up in person, be present! You are just into uplifting every one with your emails your ID is in the way you put everything to work. My best to you.
How inspiring to African diaspora! You made my day again. I’ll send you an email after you get back. I shared this newsletter with African diaspora spiritual group and cited the source as 222FOUNDATION. Thank you.
Have excellent and refreshing time. LOVE!
Have a wonderful trip Pam Grout!
I love you, Pam!
Have a gorgeous time in Africa, Pam!
A very Happy 2025 to you and everyone reading this blog 🍀♥️⭐💫
Yes! Happy New Year Pam and to everyone here! And thank you Pam for shining a light for all of us with your posts to help us through the holidays. I especially loved your reminders about how our brains don’t solve problems and to turn to the Holy S. when we need guidance! Can’t wait to hear about your adventures in Africa when you return. Sending you and Taz lots love! Thx for sharing another photo of her, your sweet cosmic comrade who is forever by your side.
Upcoming New year blessings to all. Thank you Pam for being a light in our lives with your newsletters💖
I binge watched Shrinking show this year and enjoyed it thoroughly 💫
Linda D.
Long Island
Have fun in my home country Pam! And thank you so much for helping me rewire my programming to be more joyful while fulfilling my purpose. I am so grateful for you and your writings which reminds me I am unlimited, divinely guided and love itself ❤️🙌🎉🥳
C’est un plaisir un honneur de suivre ce blog pour désormais être au parfait des publication de Pam, depuis le Mali nous suivons les belles choses que la Fondation 222 ForEver fait à travers le monde. Nous disons bravo et toutes nos félicitations pour toutes les belles oeuvres que vous faites.