1. It’s a sameness, a global storm, with a different expiry date.
2. For once, the pessimist and optimist agree the view remains the unchanged, whether you look back or ahead. It’s the realist with a 360 degree advantage who zooms in and highlights the burning world, the drowning world, and the dark world as they search for the bright world.
3. “Don’t burst my bubble, it’s early days!” Fair enough. But one day, we’ll have to stop running away.
4. Bless the joy seeker who makes every day count! Alas, days won’t count on an empty stomach. A conflict, which seemed distant, becomes close when you rely on others for your staple food.
5. The list of ways to repair our world has long been in circulation.
6. “It’s time to amplify our voices!” But keep in mind the tax imposed on speaking out aloud. The kind of creative death that can push any writer into complete silence.
7. I once wrote: in dark we see, in death we rest; a beautiful frightening magic. Now I add, in silence we hear. ‘Cause to hear is another form of alchemy.
8. It’s a tremendous privilege to have a voice. Perhaps, we can begin by touching the lives of those around us. Then aim to make a big impact as we stand before the ballot box, if you are standing this year.
9. Oops, I got side-tracked. I meant to examine self-repair, the act of making the ugly beautiful and celebrate imperfections.
10. It’s easier to look outward than inward. For gathering, cleansing and piecing together broken pieces to give them a new meaning is a delicate and long process.
11. Verdict —
12. A way of looking at this new year is through the eyes of a seven-year-old child. While they can distinguish between fantasy and reality, they won’t openly challenge Santa’s existence. Because they hope for a wonderful surprise.
13. Don’t take my word for it! What do I know? I’m still busy reimagining the way I see things, so I can appreciate the beauty that surrounds us. But see for yourself, the crisp and fresh start.
