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PontificaMuse, My Alter Ego
PontificaMuse was “born” years ago with a vague idea of wanting to write. After a couple false starts, a writing challenge on X/Twitter (@pontificamuse) in January 2024 spurred a regular writing practice with new friends and new communities.
In summer of 2024, I retired from the US military, just a few months shy of 21 years. Time to get serious about writing!
PontificaMuse plays on three words encompassing what you’ll find in this publication:
Pontificate: to express opinions or judgments in a dogmatic way
- I’m a bit contrarian in my execution, as many definitions suggest that pontifications lack a factual basis. For me, facts are the crucial starting point to do our own research and to drive thoughtful, informed dialogue about the world around us.
- Striving to be informed citizens is the bedrock of exercising civic responsibility. The pace of modern life, information overload, media bias, the dawn of AI, and manipulation of facts all make it increasingly difficult to do this.
- Pontifica’s Musings offers articles to guide readers to source information and raw data, so we can explore issues that matter to us, develop informed opinions, and make informed decisions. Readers’ topic suggestions are welcome!
Amuse: to entertain or occupy in a light, playful, or pleasant manner
- Always tackling serious topics gets too heavy. My mind seeks out the dark corners of life and humanity. But moments of levity are essential, so we (ahem, I) don’t take ourselves too seriously.
Muse (v): to ponder; to say something in a way that shows careful thought
- Through major personal transitions and self-reinvention, while surrounded by political and cultural upheavals, I share my personal experiences, observations, and insights. Together, we all find greater connection and meaning, learning from each other and transforming through hardships and victories.
Muse (n): a person who is a source of artistic inspiration; one who inspires
- Offering random thoughts and ideas to inspire others with my perspectives on a variety of topics, and to learn from theirs.
- Sharing words of strength and encouragement to uplift others through their unique journeys - often written when I most need to hear them myself.
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