Goodness Weekly 2.10.25

“The way we live our days is the way we live our lives.”
– Annie Dillard

What’s Good

Last month, our partners at Good Acres hosted a Roundtable that sparked an exciting new initiative—The Nuevos Vecinos Supper Club! Inspired by the discussion on financial opportunities for families at Nuevos Vecinos, this weekly gathering will bring our city together over delicious, donation-based meals prepared by the families of Goliad Road Community of Promise. All proceeds will go directly to support their work.

The first supper club will take place on Thursday, February 20th, at the Goliad Road Community of Promise (1630 Goliad Rd., SATX, 78223).

Here’s how you can get involved:

Join for dinner and help create a welcoming space. [RSVP Here!]
Spread the word by sharing flyers with friends and neighbors.
Help form a Hospitality Team to sponsor and support a weekly supper.
Provide in-kind donations like plates, cups, and activity supplies.

Let’s use our networks to uplift this incredible opportunity for our San Antonio neighbors!

Looking For a Light?

Jess Lowry, Executive Director, Sunset Ridge Collective

Have you ever caught yourself lost in your own thoughts, overanalyzing conversations, choices, or struggles? I’ve found myself doing this more than usual lately. In fact, there’s even a name for it: navel-gazing—a term that describes excessive self-focus that keeps us stuck in our heads rather than engaged in the world around us.

While self-reflection is valuable, too much of it can lead to isolation, inaction, and a distorted view of reality. We become so preoccupied with ourselves that we miss out on what truly makes life meaningful—connection, gratitude, and purpose.

Adding to this, the constant flood of media and information can leave us feeling overwhelmed and paralyzed. We are bombarded with crises, conflicts, and urgent calls for attention, making it difficult to discern where to focus our energy or how to take meaningful action. The confusion of all of it alone is enough to render me feeling helpless. This overload can push us further into a cycle of overthinking and inaction, reinforcing those feelings of helplessness.

If we understand that how we spend our days is how we spend our lives we can’t afford to be stuck in this cycle. Your one beautiful life exists today.

How can we break the paralysis, the navel-gazing, and the helplessness?

What if, instead, we made a habit of noticing? When we spend less time navel-gazing and more time glimmer-seeking, something shifts. Instead of feeling stuck in self-doubt or worry, we become more present. Instead of obsessing over what’s wrong, we begin to recognize what’s right. We start living—not just thinking about life, but truly experiencing it.

Glimmers are the opposite of triggers. They are the small, beautiful moments that bring a sense of joy, peace, and belonging. They’re the warmth of the sun on your skin, the laughter of a child, the kindness of a stranger, or the familiar scent of morning coffee. They remind us that goodness is all around us—if we choose to notice.

And here’s something even more powerful—when we step outside of ourselves to serve someone else, we multiply the effect of glimmers. Acts of kindness, generosity, and service don’t just bless others; they pull us out of isolation and into connection. Whether it’s checking in on a friend, volunteering, or simply offering a word of encouragement, serving others creates its own kind of light.

So here’s an idea: Look for glimmers this week. Pay attention to the small, sacred moments that whisper, “You are here. You are loved. This is enough.” And then, go be a glimmer for someone else. Because in the end, a full life isn’t found in endless self-examination, but in the simple, ordinary wonders waiting to be noticed—and shared.

Join me in searching for the glimmers around us and being the ones who create light in the world, too. ✨

If you ever need ideas or connected to ways to do this, please let us know.

Love,

Jess

This Week

Monday, Feb 17th - Offices and One Another Coffee Closed
Betty’s Co - On Campus through Feb 19th
Saturday, Feb 22nd - Sunset Ridge Farmers Market

Coming Up…

Every Saturday - Sunset Ridge Farmers Market (sign up here for weekly updates from Market Manager, Sarah.)
Saturday, March 8th - Second Saturday, International Women’s Day

Event Rentals - Interested in hosting your event at Charis Park or in our facilities? We are currently booking for 2025–please email rentals@sunset-ridge.org

Community Partners: For updated schedules and events please follow One Another Coffee, Sunset Ridge Farmers Market, NYX Wellness, Scott’s Pizza, Mission Compost, Sprouts School, Good Acres, Community First Food Pantry, and Betty’s Co.