Not reflecting on the year that past. Rather grateful for how this one started and gently looking ahead.
(the pomegranate is a powerful symbol of luck, abundance and prosperity in many cultures)
_FIRST_
I need to start with last night, which led us into this new year. We had dinner with friends, who like my husband and I believe in the joy of being together without the fuss of it having to be the best night of the year because it so happens to be New Year’s eve.
We didn’t dress up, just added big earrings, sparkly socks and a dash of lipstick to show some intention, not sure of what. But it made us giggle and feel connected.
Playing boardgames to wait for the clock to hit twelve.
Not being infused by alcohol.
Hugging at midnight and just being happy to be together.
_SNAIL MAIL_
Coming home just after midnight, emptying the mailbox and finding two heartwarming letters. Truly appreciating the messages they carry at the very beginning of the year.
One had a sticker in it:
It captures what I often think, but don’t say, because I was taught that’s not polite. I do also believe it’s not particularly kind and kindness is my ultimate thing.(Un)fortunately I am beginning to see there really are limits to kindness, specifically in direct relation to stupidity. I might have come to my senses…
Anyway, one dear friend who captured me well. The first sticker on my brand new computer.
The other letter was an invitation to TRY SOFTER this year. Accompanied with a quote by Andrea Gibson:
I know most people try hard to do good and find out too late they should have tried softer.
What a beautiful thing to write in Season’s Greetings.
I will try that.
_INTERMEZZO_
A bad night’s sleep was interrupted by a proud mom moment! (Life can be full of surprises, even at 3 a.m.) I found out my kids, who celebrated the end & new separately with their friends, ended up together, connecting their people.
It’s one of my favourite things to do! So happy they enjoy it as well.
(my family and a happy me, photo by the fab Frankie and Fish)
_PLANNING_
Looking forward to the new year, professionally, I wish to to take myself more seriously in order for others to do so as well. I truly believe in my added value in thinking processes, but somehow I remain humble about it and don’t carry it out enough.
My new website will be launched soon which will facilitate spreading that message. I received precious help in describing and designing the website and my personal brand. Now I ‘only’ have to fight the imposter syndrome…
On a creative note, I will make time to create more collages and also treat those as important, knowing the artistic value and potential that lies within them. And I am excited about whatever Warm Reagards will bring. Knowing I have a partner in crime I can be delightfully creative with always resulting in fine awkwardness.
And always looking forward to connecting people in spontaneous ways like with Another Bookclub at The Nine. It really gives me joy and a buzz of energy every time.
_WISHING_
People wish each other plenty of things. So I thought about ending this article with a wish to you. Which made me reflect on the true meaning of a wish.
It is something that is out of anyone’s control, a profound longing for something that defies natural law and human capability. A desire for something so extraordinary and improbable that its fulfilment is seen as the direct result of divine intervention or cosmic happenstance.
(Maybe read that twice.)
Which means all of the above planning really are intentions more than wishes. They are planted seeds for a future I want to create and work for. Not hope they would miraculously happen.
I could wish for world peace and a healthy planet. But those miseries are controlled by evil, not cosmic powers. They do need a miracle but common sense and softer actions might be more realistic. Or maybe not?
In conclusion: besides all the control you have on reaching your dreams and goals, I do wish you a fulfilling and uplifting 2026.
♥️
ps: I have one extraordinary wish. One that defies the laws of nature and requires a cosmic intervention: for someone dear (or any lovely human, really) to miraculously be cancer free.
99% humanly written