Being Here
Bridging History and the Present: Inspired by Heather Cox Richardson
Heather Cox Richardson is a historian whose work has deeply influenced how I see the world. One of her most powerful contributions is Letters from an American, her daily newsletter that interprets the day’s news through the lens of history. I’ve been following it for a while now, and it’s changed the way I think about everyday events.
Her writing has inspired me to re-evaluate how I journal. Instead of simply recording what happens each day, I’ve started to reflect on those events and place them in a broader historical context — just as Richardson does. By writing 6-8 sentences each day that connect current events with lessons from the past, I hope to see more clearly the patterns, continuities, and echoes that link today to yesterday.
Heather Cox Richardson
As a Canadian, I’ve decided to bring this practice into my blog, Being, by creating a new section called Being Here. This section will feature my daily reflections — capturing the events, issues, and emotions of the day while also considering what history might have to say about them.
I believe that’s the power of history — it gives us perspective. It helps us learn from past mistakes — wars, conflicts, economic crises, political divisions, and social injustices — so we don’t repeat them. It also reveals how societies grow and adapt — politically, economically, and technologically. Understanding where we’ve been helps us make better sense of where we are.
Every so often, someone comes along who helps us see things differently. For me, Heather Cox Richardson is one of those people. Through her newsletters, podcasts, and interviews, she’s reminded me how essential it is to stay curious, reflective, and grounded in history as we move through our present.
Reflection Questions:
Who have you discovered recently?
Do you have a blog, newsletter, or podcast that you subscribe to?
How do you put current events in context?
🎵 Songs of the Week 🎵
What I am listening to this week:
Zach Top - I Never Lie (Live At The Ryman)
Brad Paisley - When I Get Where I’m Going
Linkin Park - In The End
Counting Crows - Spaceman in Tulsa
💿 Being’s Blog Playlist 💿