The last 12 months have had a lot to say to us about where we’ve been, who we are, where we’re going. If I were to list the 10 most dramatic moments of the year, I wouldn’t even know where to start.
I know it rocked me to the core of my being more than once. Left my heart bruised. Gave me a reason to lose sleep that wasn’t even related to my post-menopausal malfunctioning thermoregulator.
But as with every year-end, I hold the highest hopes for the one on the horizon: As a people, that we can come together and do the things that are best for all of us. Because we were put here to care about each other—and nothing anyone can say will ever convince me otherwise.
If you look into the eyes—really look—of any stranger, you can see it. The recognition that we are all energetically connected. Meaning that if we help one person, we’re helping everyone. But if we hurt just one, we’re hurting all of us. Even if it seems they deserve it.
Because I know this one thing to be true: All of us are doing the best we can. I know I am. Even if it doesn’t look like it to you. And I bet you are, even if it doesn’t look like it to me. And how could we ever do better than our best? And if we know this to be true for me—for you—isn’t it true for everyone?
There are times when I know 100% that I absolutely do not understand why someone else would do what they’re doing. I literally shake my head as I try to make sense of it. And that same person might read these very words and wonder who in the world I think I am to say such things and what planet I came from.
Yet here we all are. Here in the same place. All as different as can be. And isn’t that glorious?
Last week, I was picking up my Christmas tamales—as one is wont to do in Tucson. Unless you are one of the lucky few who have the talent and means to make your own. (OH PLEASE—TEACH YOUR WAYS, OH MASTER. Sorry to yell—but really. I’d love to make my own.)
As I spelled my name for the cheerful nonbinary person behind the counter (with a name like mine, spelling is best; pronouncing is a waste of time), they patiently said, “Well… how about your first name?”
I just smiled. I do not envy them their job.
Meanwhile, despite the rush and chaos and fatigue of December retail and restaurant work, I was met with a genuine smile and charm. Next to me were a couple having a grand old time chatting while spending their multiple tamale bucks.
I stood there and relished the moment. And continue to.
Surrounded by as diverse a group of people as you could find (I was the token gray-haired woman), the room was full of joy. A palpable loving spirit. The kind they sing about. I was so glad to support a business with such a positive culture—giving their employees the energetic support to work hard and have fun at the same time.
That’s when I invented my new pill. Or rather, the one I would have folks make. Not the one that helps you lose weight, conquer your ADHD, or lower your cholesterol.
The one that shows folks how to:
- Live in the moment
- Enjoy others for who they are, not who you would have them be
- Love yourself as you would have others love you
Right this very minute. Every minute.
Because IMHO, if we all felt this way, the world would change overnight—into a place we’d all love to inhabit.
Here’s hoping Johnson & Johnson figures this one out. Sooner rather than later.
