Wonderings for 2025
Someone recently told me they liked the word, “wonder.” I started to think about the word and why someone would like it. It definitely has a positive connotation. You usually don’t say you wonder if something bad is going to happen like, “I wonder if I’ll come down with Norovirus next week.” More often, we wonder about positive events. Maybe it’s because when wonder is used as a noun, it’s about something miraculous or unexpected like the Seven Wonders of the World, Wonder Woman or wonder struck.
I spend a lot of time wondering - I think most writers do. We use our imaginations to generate topics to write about. We’re curious by nature. Writers rarely know how their stories will end when they begin them - at least I don’t. Leaving plot twists, themes and exciting scenes open to where our minds take us makes writing more spontaneous, creative and genuine.
I don’t only wonder about my writing though. As we approach the end of another year I can’t help but wonder what the next year holds for us. Let me share some of my thoughts with you.
I wonder if…
people will be able to respectfully discuss politics again. We’ve become enemies of people who disagree with us, which leaves little room for learning or growth. It would be a relief to hear calm, thoughtful discussions about the possibilities for our country again.
we’ll spend less time on our phones. With the abundance of evidence that suggests how dangerous they are for our brains and the way we interact with others, being intentional and putting down our devices for a while could help us better connect with our kids and each other.
children will be allowed to move more in school and learn by doing. Many of the behavior problems in schools are due to kids being required to sit and listen too long. This isn’t the fault of our teachers - most of them agree with how detrimental this can be. It’s sadly necessary because of the content they’re required to teach.
we’ll spend more time outdoors, resulting in an urgency around protecting our environment. I can’t think of a better way to develop an appreciation of nature than by relishing it’s beauty and wonder.
we’ll remember that, often, less is more, especially as it relates to acquiring possessions, the consumption of food and alcohol and time spent at work. What do we really value? How do we want to remember our lives on our last days?
elected officials will come together to solve problems by brainstorming, listening, conceding and remembering why they were elected in the first place.
the stigma will be lifted from addictions and mental illnesses so treatment can be sought sooner. Many are still veiled in shame simply for being sick. It’s only when the shame is lifted that true healing can begin.
we’ll remember that kindness is free. It costs nothing to ask the convenience store clerk how their day’s been, to get eye level with a child and listen to what they’re telling you, or to tell a co-worker you’re glad to see them.
we’ll realize that not everyone in our country has equal opportunities to succeed. Those of us born into white, middle-class families with parents who were prepared to raise us are lucky. Will we be able to extend a hand to those who haven’t been as fortunate?
we’ll let the people in our lives know how much we appreciate them. We often assume it goes without saying, but it doesn’t. It’s essential to remind them occasionally. All of us enjoy our positive attributes and contributions pointed out to us. It’s easy to forget how important we are to others.
we’ll discover new treatments for diseases, like cancer, that ail us. We’re making progress each day. I wonder if we’ll have more hope when faced with a difficult diagnosis for ourselves, a family member or friend.
and some personal wonderings:
I wonder if…
I’ll spend more time writing now that I’m working less. I wonder if I’ll use the time wisely to complete the draft of my novel by year’s end.
my Yorkie, Lulu, will start sleeping through the night so I can have uninterrupted sleep. Mind you, she’s already eight years old so this should have been happening long ago. It’s probably a case of “who’s training who?”
my posts will be meaningful to those who read them. Will I think of content that’s relevant and timely for those who take the time to read it? I wonder if what I share might help them consider life in a way they haven’t before.
Resources
If you’re wondering what you can do to decrease the space that divides our political parties, check out Starts With Us. They have a newsletter to subscribe to if you’re interested.
Did you know that print reading is at least six times more effective at increasing comprehension than digital reading? Here’s a great article from The Guardian that explains more.
Here’s a link to Mary Oliver's website if you’d like to read more of her work. She was an incredible poet.
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to each of you. May all your wonderings and wishes come true. Thank you for riding along on this journey with me.
Hello Paid Subscribers,
This month’s challenge is about, your guessed it, wondering. Most of the wonderings I mentioned above are similar to wishes. If you’re anything like me, you’ve had enough of New Year’s resolutions. I’m too old for that! Let’s instead have you make a wish for 2025. What do you wonder? What do you wish for yourself, your community, your country or the world? Let’s put it out there and see what we can manifest. Share your thoughts in the comments, too. We need all the good energy we can get as the new year approaches.
This edition’s gifts for you include your usual phone wallpaper and poster. They’ve both been created to bring a sense of wonder to your days.
With everlasting gratitude,
Geva