For me, Christmas is a season of joy, hope, goodwill and new beginnings. It’s a time to look back on the past year and appreciate what I’ve accomplished and survived. It’s also a time to look towards the future and what I’d like to accomplish in the year to come.
I’m a kid at heart and I still believe in the magic of Christmas. Anything seems possible as the year draws to a close – from reindeer flying, elves making toys and someone’s heart growing three sizes in an instant.
If I could have any wish, I’d wish for my mom, my grandfather and my friend, Neena, to be here again. I’d wish that not only for only me, but everyone who has ever lost anyone dear. To talk again with those people we miss, share a laugh, finish a conversation or to say all those things we never had time to say. That would be a true miracle indeed.
But I know that even Christmas magic has its limits, so I prefer to keep my wish a little more realistic. Instead, I wish that people in the world can have hope. I feel that hope is one of the biggest driving forces in my life. Hope means there is a chance and with hard work, sheer luck or a little of both – that anything is possible. With hope you can inspire others, chase your dreams and move mountains. Every achievement I’ve ever accomplished in my life has started out with hope, a dare to dream.
With such sad times upon us, and no end in sight to the chaos, hope is hard to come by these days. You have to fight to be positive, clutch your optimism close to your heart and refuse to give up. But my optimism has never left me throughout this pandemic or what has been one of the hardest years of my life. Immeasurable loss and dystopian times have co-existed with one of my wildest dreams coming true and the discovery of personal strength I never knew I had.
I am grateful that I am able to see light in the darkest of times. It has taken me a lifetime to learn that lesson, but I cherish that hard won knowledge. I hope that everyone on earth can find the inspiration to see some good in the worst situation, count their blessings on their toughest day and strive find the strength to keep going when they are at their lowest ebb. Because when you can find something to be grateful for or see a way forward through the tough times in your life, then the ordinary days become special and the wonderful days become the greatest of fortunes.
I wish you hope, health and happiness this Christmas and always.
Thank you for sharing these thoughts, Michele. Hope is indeed a powerful emotion that can keep anyone who has it going. I have an issue that I’m applying it to.
Though your loved ones who have passed are not physically with you, I’m glad you can carry them in your heart.
Merry Christmas!
Thank you, Anita. My thoughts and prayers go out to you as you go through what you’re dealing with. As dark as things can seem, there will always be a ray of light that pierces that darkness. We just need to be watching for it. I hope things get better soon. Sending you love and strength. Merry Christmas!