Tuesday, December 30, 2014
2015: A New Year's Wish
“I believe the universe wants to be
noticed. I think the universe is improbably biased toward the consciousness,
that it rewards intelligence in part because the universe enjoys its elegance
being observed.”
Those are one of my favorite lines from
the book, The Fault in our Stars. There’s a big chance you’ve seen the movie
version but that part was left out. When I read that line, I stopped for a minute, closed the book and let the words linger on in my consciousness.
It wasn’t a crucial portion of the plot. The story will remain as it should be
had the author decided to edit this part out. But it felt so vital to me. Like
it was exactly what I was looking for at that moment. And as 2014 ends, as I
try to put into words how I would like my 2015 to be, I go back to that
precious string of words.
For the coming year, you and me, I wish
we could be spectators to what is genuine and extraordinary.
I wish we notice beyond what we see when
we scroll through our smart phones. I wish we can say, ‘I’ve been there’ more often
than, ‘I’ve seen that on Instagram'. I wish we know more about our families and
friends than what they are willing to share in their Facebook posts. When we
talk to each other, I hope we notice when the person we are talking to is
genuinely happy or she’s faking it a little because there’s something bothering
her and is dying to talk about it with someone she trusts. It’s not that hard
to figure out if you’re looking at her eyes, instead of that little thing on
your hand that is taking control of all our lives.
When we step foot in another town or
country, I wish we look beyond the perfect spot for the winning picture. I hope
we notice how they smile, how they treat each other, how they spend their days.
I hope we see what’s better or worse in comparison to our homes. Absorb the
better but don’t resent where you live because of it; understand and maybe even
criticize the worse but never judge.
I hope we notice enough details to get
to know the people we come across with everyday, the people we work with. Pay
attention to what makes them laugh, what irks them. Use those observations to
hopefully be a better part of their day.
Observing and listening go hand-in-hand.
Respect experience. There’s a reason why certain people are given authority.
Heed their advice.
I hope that in the process of trying to
notice, we also begin taking action. Go where we think is amazing, finish that
book on your bedside table, donate to a charity you’ve always believed in, call
that friend and say sorry or call your friend to say you’re accepting her
apology. Take that class. Quit. Book that trip and actually take it. Be done
with the lists. Pray.
When we notice something that doesn’t sit
quite right with us, I hope we don’t plunge directly into judging. I pray that
we all try to understand a bit more, empathize and choose to believe the good
things rather than the not-so-good.
But I also hope, regardless of how keen
we all are, that life throws something at our faces without any warning.
Surprises are always refreshing.
When we are all more aware of the
greatness that this Universe possesses, I hope we realize that the greatest
truth engrained in our existence is that we all need each other to survive.
Next to faith and mercy, I believe that God’s greatest invention is our need
for each other. So always be kind, strengthen relationships and extend your
helping hand.
Cheers to 2015, my fellow dreamers!
Love, light and look out for the people
we love.
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