Sigh. I really don’t want to leave. It feels like there’s so much more to accomplish and experience here. Perhaps I can find a way to stay, even just a little longer.
No, it’s time for you to go. You’ve done your thing and now you must go. Just take one last look around and look at your legacy. Anger. Tears. Sadness. War.
But I feel like I didn’t get to do a lot of things I wanted to do. I feel like I’ve let people down.
Well, you have let people down. You were pretty rough, you know. Like a wet blanket that everyone had to endure.
Gee, thanks for the support. There must have been a few good things in the last 12 months.
Ha, not really. Reflecting on the past year, it’s clear that even small moments of joy can be hidden by our challenges. Maybe if we remember these small joys we can take the first steps to healing.
I tried. Really, I did my best.
I know, and perhaps it’s not too late to change the story. Perhaps we can still look at the possibilities ahead. That’s where I come in. That’s all you can hope for. And face it, you were up against a lot. There were some chaotic times, some bad decisions and a lot of struggles. Stupidity ruled the day and people were riled up about things said and done. It was depressing. It was frustrating. Don’t feel too bad. I don’t think anyone could have done much about it.
That makes me feel a bit better. What do you think will happen now, when I say good-bye?
People need to have hope. That’s what I will bring. Hope. We have survived dark times before, and we will do it again. We made it through world wars. Famine. Drought. Pandemics. We were doing so well bouncing back after COVID until things went south again. (literally) Enough is enough. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, right? I plan to introduce a sense of community, and connections made by a shared purpose. Hopefully that will help us to rise against the negativity we are surrounded by. So, 2025, good-bye. You can rest in peace now. Your time is over. I, 2026, will carry on and bring light to the world. Let’s hope the world will embrace that light.
I’ve always said that negativity breeds negativity. Because of this, I try to avoid the constant chirping on social media and other sources about the doom and gloom around us. Am I naïve? Possibly. But it is a chosen naivete. I don’t want to worry about things that I can’t control.
I do believe in the Dalai Lama’s words: “Just as ripples spread out when a single pebble is dropped into water, the actions of individuals can have far-reaching effects.” How true. But action is the so much better than words. Action does come at a price, and it takes time and a lot of effort.
Happy New Year. I hope 2026 brings you good health, good friends, and good times. Embrace that light and carry a pebble. This year I will keep a handful of pebbles in my pocket. Just in case.
Wanderings Art 