I Wish You More..

Most years this day brings reflection. We tend to look back with a few regrets. We remember some things that brought us sadness. Then we recall the good.

We pull up fond memories.. good times and adventures in the company of those we care for. Fun had, and joyous occasions enjoyed. We remember the things that meant the most that year.

And then we plan for, and look forward to, the wonderous possibilities this new year will bring.

This year all of these other things were amplified. This year everything was just… more.

We saw things through a whole new, and not really asked for, perspective. We saw things we would not wish to see. We felt things we did not wish to feel.

We felt the need to re-evaluate our lives, again and again. To take stock of what was just want and what was truly need.

We saw the worst in ourselves, both individually and as a whole.

We were bent and bruised, and often felt broken. Every emotion was sharpened, sometimes painfully. Grief went deeper. Way, way deeper. Pain and suffering seemed to go on and on. And fear both lengthened and tightened it’s grip.

Yet in the midst of all of that there was a whole other more.

Strength, care and compassion came to the forefront.

Things once taken for granted became precious again. Our families became a priority again. Our time more thoughtfully spent and given. Our relationships and our connections strengthened.

Some of the most amazing things and biggest of blessings come out of the worst of times. And while I would not wish this worst of times on anyone, I’m so very grateful for the amazing things that came about because of it.

With this last year in mind I want to take this time to wish for you more..

May this coming year bring you more peace and more joy.

I wish you more love. I wish you more family game nights. I wish you more fun.

I wish you healing. I wish you joy. I wish you amazing peace.

I wish you an extra awesome cup of coffee or hot cocoa, and the time to sit back and savor it.

I wish for you a happy place. I wish for you purpose. I wish for you a really good book.

I wish for you great art and uplifting music.

I wish you a roller coaster ride, and a great big bag of Kettle corn. (Popcorn from Popcorn Charlie’s in Iowa works wonders, too.)

I wish you a cozy campfire, complete with Smores.

I wish for you an amazing ocean view, or a gorgeous desert sunset. I wish for you a scenic mountain trail.

I wish you more quality time with family and friends.

And I wish you all a very Happy and blessed New Year!