In past years I have often commented on current events, but this year I will pass on that, and instead here is the way I’m dealing with the alarming state of the world:
First, I’m practicing, or at least trying to practice, relentless optimism that things will start to get better. No, I don’t know that, but by being optimistic I stay relatively content, and avoid spreading doom and gloom to others. And, after all, me being pessimistic won’t change outcomes.
Second, I have deleted all social media accounts from my devices1 and get my news from traditional and credible sources, mainly newspapers and a couple of newsletters from qualified experts. I comb those sources for indications of positive trends—there are an amazing number if we look hard enough—to share with others.
Third, I’m focusing on the many wonderful parts of my life, and how fortunate I am to have people I love and who love me, amazing friends, a comfortable life, and all the adventures we have had over the years, hence the photo at the top.
And finally, I’m thankful to you members for the gift of meaningful and rewarding work and for the inspiration I get from your comments.
Happy Holidays to all, whatever way you celebrate at this time of year.
And if you are working toward getting out there voyaging, we hope 2026 is the year, or at least a year that you make good progress towards that goal.
And if you are already out there, keep the keel side down and, above all, have fun.
- I still post from my computer when we publish new content. ↩︎
by being optimistic I stay relatively content, and avoid spreading doom and gloom to others. And, after all, me being pessimistic won’t change outcomes.
You are underselling your impact, John. Relentless optimism or pessimism do change outcomes for us as individuals. Maybe not in obvious ways or on the world stage, but you choose to feed the virtuous cycle of hope. That matters to me. Thank you! And a happy merry to you and Phyllis.
Thank you, John, for this very sensible advice, for sharing your balanced approach to sailing and having a good time, and above all for your friendship and support in this virtual realm and in person. The sailing community is very lucky to have you aboard. Best wishes to you and Phyllis for the new year!
Wilson
Merry Christmas to you and Phyllis, and thank you both for all the effort you put into giving me and your other fans the best possible shot at realising our dreams, or at least encouraging us to make sure our dreams are realistic. 🙂
Thank you both for all you do here and the incredible resource you provide. AAC is an invaluable part of our lives. Thanks for your positive outlook too!
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone here.
Mitchell
sv Sonata
Merry Christmas! Thank you so much for all your advice and research that helps me get “out there” where there are no troubles (other than the weather that may turn, which just makes it all the more real and valuable). . . I value “The Optimist” newsletter from the Washington Post. It is curated to be the type of story you may be looking for.
Good move not relying on those sites for news. Have a good Christmas.
John and Phyllis,
I have said it before. But I must repeat. AAC is absolutely the mainstay of my positive cruising experience. Without it I would not be nearly as safe, comfortable and fiscally efficient. Before purchasing and moving aboard my first vessel 18 months ago I had for 30 years always chartered. Not wanting the hassle of ownership. I’m talking about 12 dozen weekly and 2 week charters in the Caribbean, British Columbia, Med, Maine and Chesapeake. Content for the time being with my short adventures and my eye always on the future and a cruising lifestyle as long as my health and the fun holds out. AAC provided me with solid marine systems and paths for excellent seamanship. So celebrate as this crazy year comes to an end. You and your contributing authors cut thru the noise and really made a difference in sailors lives.
Merry Christmas John and Phyllis! Thank you for all the great content. I learn something new with each article and appreciate the commentary from the other AAC members. Great stuff!
Merry Christmas from Belfast! All the best for the better year ahead.
Staying positive is very difficult these days, but we all must do it. Merry Christmas and Happy new year to all
Have a wonderful Christmas time, and a joyful and rewarding year coming – best greetings and wishes to both Phyllis and you!
John, thanks for turning a subscription service into something more personal.
Bruce
You may be interested in the Rational Optimist Society newsletter. Interesting takes on positive (usually technology) developments.
Happy holidays to all. Thank you for the article, agree that we all need to look for a brighter future over the horizon. Just hope we get there soon. Peace
Thank you. Happy holidays!
Happy holidays, John and Phyllis. AAC is an incredible help to my project of building a 12-meter aluminum sailboat in these latitudes. I read each chapter carefully and appreciate your experience and study of each topic. Wishing you all the best for 2026. Augusto
It is so comforting to know that there are others going through the same challenges I am and how they are staying positive.
For me, I decided it was best to leave the US. I’ve been cruising from the Key’s and Bahamas to Nova Scotia for 5 years, now I’m in the Caribbean after taking on my longest passage to date. I love it. The Caribbean Islands are so void of political divisiveness.
Thank you, John and Phyllis, for providing such valuable content based on keen intelligence and deep experience.
That’s the way!!! Being grateful for what you have. Everyday. Well done! Love this….. Thanks for the nice message …..
Merry Christmas and thanks for running this site
Despite the volume of nonsense and disinformation on social media, I keep going on Facebook due to the number of useful groups such as Beta engines, Ocean Cruising Club, expression Web and others which are essentially sharing info. They are monitored to keep politics and hate out of the posts.
Hi Neil,
That’s a good point that there are some useful groups on FB. I too benefit from a couple of them although I have to say I had a very nasty experience on the OCC group, so don’t go there any more, but rather just enjoy Flying Fish, and particularly your article in the latest.
Merry Christmas! Thanks for the site, and good on you with the positive attitude and avoiding negativism on social media. Truth is, we as a civilization have probably never had it so good before in MANY ways and I choose to be thankful!
Took early retirement and planned on getting a boat and going cruising for at least one season in the Caribbean (and go from there until we were not having fun), but our trial solo (just me and my wife) charter in June was a complete failure, so that dream is pretty much gone. Trying to adjust to that reality, which is tough, but there are still so many good things to focus on.
Hi David,
I’m so sorry to hear that your first trial cruise was not a success. First off, it’s perfectly fine to say “this is not for us” and no one, least of all me, should think any less of you.
That said, chartering can be quite stressful so maybe think about other approaches. Not sure where you live, but if their are sheltered coastal waters in your area, a small simple boat and day sailing, perhaps with an occasional weekend aboard can be either a great end goal, or a way to ease into cruising at a later date.
Hi David,
I believe a book could be written (perhaps should be written) of reports of first-time-out cruising disasters. After decades of coastal cruising, we sailed to Bermuda and it was such a challenge and ordeal that we contemplated selling the boat and flying home, hiring delivery crew, among other extreme reactions.
Cruising Bermuda settled us down and we had a great trip back, but it was a near thing to destroying our offshore aspirations.
My best, Dick Stevenson, s/v Alchemy
Thank you John, and the same to Phyllis and you!
Some random kinda obvious thoughts on the positivity focus:
What we feel and think
decides what we say and do,
of course.
By nature we give excessive attention to all negative, no matter if it’s useful or not. Mark Twain said: “I have known a great many troubles, but most of them never happened.” 🙂 This exaggerated focus shapes our lives in its image. Social media is a turbo on this mind sabotage. Depressing, right?
The cool twist is that this works both directions. Another quote, from Oscar Wilde: “I can resist everything, except temptation.” Temptation can be towards feeling good. We feel good when we’re optimistic. Then what we say and do influences others the same way. It’s contagious in the opposite direction of “social” media. We have much more power this way than we think.
Another quote from Oscar Wilde: “Forgive your enemies. Nothing annoys them more.” I’ve had exquisite pleasures from following that suggestion the right way. 😀 It makes the world a better place. I love humour!
Fair winds and fun waves to you all!
Hi All,
What a wonderful thread of comments, thank you all so much. Not only did your thoughts add a wonderful dimension to our Christmas, your enthusiasm has given us a great boost of positive energy to put into the site in 2026.
Huge thanks from Chris and I to you and Phyllis for all that you give to the cruising community! You’ve made an immensely positive impact on our experience aboard Quincy and I know that’s the case for many others. Glad to hear you’re taking action to personally deal with the malaise that seems to be overtaking much of North American society. I’ve been hit-or-miss in my ability to do the same, but you’ve given me new inspiration to redouble my efforts. There are a lot of positive trends out there. Have a very happy new year! Here’s to an excellent 2026!