ENGIE's American Future – Fulcrum

This is part of a series of interviews conducted by Deblyn Molyneux, Project ManagerAmericanFuture.US. The project's mission is to help ordinary Americans envision a better future for themselves, and together we will write the next chapter of the United States of America.

This interview was conducted on October 31, 2023. Angie is a long-time personal friend who lives near a national park that we both love. Over the years, we have primarily communicated via Facebook and it was refreshing to reconnect over a Zoom call. The interview has been lightly edited for clarity.

Debelin Molyneux: How far into the future will we travel today to visit your life?

Angie Schlegel: five years.

Direct message: Well, that takes us to 2028. Where are you?

He is: Same location now, in California. I will be 72 then.

Direct message: As you look back on yourself in 2028, what are you most proud of?

He is: I'm really proud that I live a good and decent life. I'm proud to have achieved this, without accumulating more enemies.

Direct message: Are there more enemies?

He is: Yes, I've learned to shut up when I know a conversation is going nowhere. I was posting a lot of political stuff and lost a lot of friends. That was really painful.

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Direct message: Ah, this is really difficult. Is there anything else you're proud of at 72 years old?

He is: I have a great group of amazing friends, and this is a wonderful gift. It didn't happen on its own. But it's very enriching because my friends live all over the place. I have a few best friends that I can call anytime. I'm proud to have a lot of resources.

Direct message: As you watch yourself in 2028, how will you spend your day?

He is: I will continue to walk the dogs, get outdoors, and enjoy my surroundings. Health-wise, I hope I'm the same size…height-wise. I still exercise, and keep up with the natural way of things. I'm not sure if I'm doing some kind of work. may be I am. I might be studying for re-certification in nursing, which is every five years. I keep my routine – I like to wake up early. Make tea or coffee, and walk the dog. I have developed these habits that work for me, and I meet my spiritual needs through meditation and reading the scriptures. I use the Halo app or something like that. I enjoy researching and exploring other spiritual paths. I like to take a lot of different classes, like The Daily Om. I'm not bored.

I remain interested in what's going on in the world, a healthy balance between C-SPAN and hearings, and getting news from many sources. Maybe I'm teaching somewhere, about current events. I'm planning another trip because I enjoy traveling. I'm thinking about how to manage with limited resources.

I love spending time in my garden! I have a lot of self-interests and other interests like gold prospecting and target shooting.

Direct message: In 2028, how will you feel most of the time?

He is: I feel very energetic. My first feeling is gratitude. When I have a grateful heart, I can remember five things every day and then the bad things don't overwhelm me as much. It's just a part of me now that I've reduced my use of anti-anxiety medications. I feel fun and entertained. I love watching comics like Johnny Carson and Robin Williams.

Direct message: After five years, what are your three priority values?

He is: Maintaining my health – both mental and physical – so I can remain as independent as possible. Share kindness, and be there for others. I listen.

Direct message: What does the community supporting your future need to include?

He is: I need physical space or areas to be active and meet other people, such as cafes and parks. I will need mobility and transportation options to get around. And I'm going to need class options. There is a lot available online already. Some in-person classes would be nice.

Direct message: Is there anything you can do today or in the near future to influence or co-create the community that will support you in 2028?

He is: I foster my community all the time, but there is a great hiking group in the Sierra – I would love to be a part of that.

This is my call to you and to all Americans. Spend five minutes each day thinking about your future self, feeling those emotions, and incorporating a sense of awe and wonder. This is based on neuroscience research that shows that we unconsciously create what we focus on. So the choice is ours: we can actually co-create the future we prefer rather than choosing from among the miserable options presented to us. You can find self-interviews and other people's stories onAmericanFuture.us.