Contact us at: whispernthunder1@gmail.comHope for a New Year
~ Debby Ball
I see all those posts about hoping 2026 is
better than the last year or even last few years
and good riddance and how terrible, etc etc.
Sharing some thoughts I've been pondering on:
First, my hope is that I am a better me in the
days that follow, that is my goal as well as
my hope.
Second, while there were many tough obstacles
that made life challenging in ways many that
many have possibly never seen, experiences
that came with pain and loss, I can reflect on
the history of those who faced even tougher
obstacles, challenges, loss and pain than any of us can ever understand. And in that reflection, I can gain insights to the drive for survival, the ability to hold on to and honor tradition and cultural values, I can develop and embrace empathy and compassion for the hardships and traumas endured, historically and even recently.
Knowing, acknowledging and honoring the experiences and challenges of others, past and present, helps to create a deeper compassion, sense of empathy and understanding for the ancestors of so many others, as well my own, who faced trials and tribulations and yet still persevered and held tight to hope for their people and the generations to come.
And finally, I can reflect back and feel gratitude for the gifts that still were right in front of me.
Yes there were challenges and loss and heartache. But there were also gifts, gifts of love, compassion, empathy and kindness, as just a small example. I am grateful for the time to grow and heal and embrace self reflection. I am grateful for those others who found a deeper meaning to life and those who lived in and shared compassion and love. I am grateful for coming to fully understand that peace begins in me. And I am grateful for all of Earth, the Sun, the Moon, the Wind and the Water. I am grateful for all beings that share our existence with us. I am grateful for the opportunity of the human walk to experience all the senses of the physical world. And I am grateful for the energy force that is in me and connects me with all others.
As all people move forward ready to celebrate the concept of new year, I hope they will also remember to be grateful for all that was positive and good in the past year. May you all be greeted with love, compassion, kindness and peaceful hearts today and all days. And may you offer the same to others.