Saint Patrick’s Day was an important fixture for my family growing up as I inherit a lot of Irish heritage from my mother’s side. Tonight I look forward to the traditional meal of corned beef and cabbage with our matriarch and members of our tribe.

The innocence of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations seems long gone in our current world. A good deal of that can likely be attributed to our large problems: the effects of globalization, climate change, and our agricultural and food production issues. These problems must be addressed quickly and collectively, as I have frequently written.

But we also need to enjoy this precious moment we have in front of us right now, because the universe is amazing and beautiful. Tonight, I intend to do just that.