Have you ever stopped to ask yourself, "What floats my boat?" It's a question that goes beyond the surface of our daily routines and responsibilities, delving into the heart of what truly makes us tick. So, let's embark on a lighthearted exploration into the depths of our passions and discover what gets our juices flowing. After all, life is too short not to enjoy the things that make us come alive!

1. Dancing in the Rain:

   • Have you ever felt the exhilaration of letting loose and dancing in the rain? It's not just about getting wet; it's about embracing the unexpected and finding joy in the little moments. What floats your boat might just be the freedom to let go of inhibitions and dance through the storms of life.

2. Library Adventures:

   • For some, the scent of old books and the quiet ambiance of a library are a sanctuary. If you find yourself lost in the magic of words and stories, perhaps what floats your boat is the world of literature. Dive into the pages of a good book and let your imagination set sail.

3. Culinary Concoctions:

   • Do you find yourself experimenting in the kitchen, turning simple ingredients into culinary masterpieces? If the sizzle of a hot pan and the aroma of herbs and spices awaken your senses, then what floats your boat might be the art of cooking. Bon appétit!

4. Starry-Eyed Stargazing:

   • The night sky, with its vast expanse of stars, has a way of inspiring wonder and contemplation. If you enjoy lying on a blanket, gazing up at the cosmos, and pondering the mysteries of the universe, then what floats your boat might be the cosmic connection we all share.

5. Random Acts of Kindness:

   • There's a special joy in brightening someone else's day with a random act of kindness. Whether it's paying for a stranger's coffee or leaving an uplifting note, if spreading positivity is your passion, then what floats your boat is the ripple effect of kindness.

6. Adventures in Nature:

   • For the nature enthusiasts, the call of the wild is impossible to resist. Whether it's hiking in the mountains, camping under the stars, or simply taking a leisurely stroll in the park, what floats your boat might be the serenity and beauty found in the great outdoors.

7. Painting the Town with Colors:

   • If you find solace and joy in expressing yourself through art, then what floats your boat might be the world of colors and creativity. Whether it's painting, drawing, or sculpting, let your imagination run wild and paint the town with your unique perspective.

8. Musical Magic:

   • The rhythm of life is often accompanied by a soundtrack that resonates with our emotions. If you're passionate about music, whether it's playing an instrument, composing, or simply getting lost in the melody, then what floats your boat is the magic of musical expression.

9. Tech Tales:

   • In our digital age, some find their passion in the world of technology. If you're the kind of person who gets excited about the latest gadgets, coding challenges, or exploring the endless possibilities of virtual realms, then what floats your boat might just be the ever-evolving landscape of technology.

10. Laughter Yoga:

    • Laughter is indeed the best medicine, and for those who find joy in laughter yoga, what floats your boat is the therapeutic power of laughter. Unleash your inner child, giggle uncontrollably, and let the positive vibes flow.

As we sail through the seas of life, it's the things that make us laugh, think, and feel alive that truly keep our boats afloat. So, what floats your boat, dear reader? What tickles your fancy and gets your juices flowing? Take a moment to explore the vast ocean of possibilities – you might just discover new islands of passion and excitement waiting to be explored. Bon voyage! ~RS⛵🌊

The Catholic Church and LGBTQ+ rights
This is not the first time Pope Francis has worked to open the Church to the LGBTQ+ community. Some say it’s too much, and others say that it’s not enough.

• Last month, the Vatican said it is permissible under certain circumstances for trans people to be baptized as Catholics and serve as godparents.

• “Being homosexual isn’t a crime” — Earlier this year, the pope said these words in an interview with The AP, criticizing laws that criminalize homosexuality.

• Months after becoming pope, Francis said “who am I to judge” when it comes to the sexual orientation of priests.> Pope Francis formally signs off on allowing Roman Catholic priests to administer blessings to same-sex couples, provided the rituals don't resemble the sacrament of marriage (More)

Health & Wellness

A New York School Bans Cell Phones — And the Students Are All About It

Some folks might assume that young people constantly want to be on their phones and other devices, but you know what they say when you assume. At Newburgh Free Academy, a high school in New York’s Hudson Valley, the students are required to put their phones away for the entirety of the school day — and they welcome it.

One teen, Monique May, said her phone is to blame for her mental health struggles during the COVID-19 pandemic, when screen time among adolescents rose sharply. She cited cyberbullying and feelings of isolation and depression among the downsides. Now that she’s phone-free at school, though, her mental health has improved.

“I’m more confident in who I am,” May told CBS News. “And I think that just comes from not being able to worry about what other people are saying about me. Just being me.”

WORD DAILY

Gadabout

NOUN 1. A habitual pleasure-seeker.

"My cousin is such a gadabout — she's always posting photos from a new fun location.

""You can call me a gadabout, but I'm always looking for the upside in a situation.

""The scheduled itinerary was canceled, so let's be gadabouts and book a trip somewhere we've never been."

NEWS

What Else Is Percolating ……

• A volcano erupted on Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula yesterday near a town that was evacuated last month after a series of earthquakes signaled an eruption was coming. The government said the volcanic activity was the most powerful the area had seen since a major disaster in the 1970s.

• Jonathan Majors was convicted of assaulting and harassing his former girlfriend but was acquitted of some charges. Disney dropped the actor from its Marvel franchise following the jury’s decision.

• A new Texas law will allow police to arrest migrants for unauthorized border crossings, setting up a future confrontation with the federal government over immigration.

• A powerful rainstorm along the East Coast knocked out power to more than 800,000 people at one point and caused flooding.

Be Your Best Self in 2024

The cozy ambiance of winter is the perfect backdrop for reflection and personal growth. And with 2024 approaching, now is the perfect time to take advantage of the fresh start offered by the new year and embark on a self-care journey.