2022

I watched the clock strike 12 and into 2022 with a friend just over 18 minutes ago. A few minutes before the New Year, she stood still, praying to the sky above, thanking everyone who made her life wonderful this year and hoping for a good following year.

My prayers found me a little while later. I stood by her side, watching the fireworks on a main street in Amsterdam and tilted my head back to look up at the stars. And my prayers found me.

I pray for my parents, my dad in particular. I hope this year is easier on him than the last. I pray for my mum and my brother. I hope they find their paths. I pray for my friends and wish them the absolute best. I pray for everyone who has ever touched my life and will ever touch my life. I wish that the stars look out for them, love them and guide them in times of crisis. I pray that they are loved, grow and find their calling. I pray that they find within themselves what they search for on the outside. I pray for the best for them.

And for myself, I pray for more mindfulness. I realised, as I stared up at the stars, I’ve been running again. I’ve been running, not taking in the sights, not appreciating what’s around me. I’ve been running a sprint, not a marathon. So for myself, I pray. I pray that I make more mindful moments, fully invest myself in my purpose and seek wonders within the ordinary. I pray that I have a healthy, full and beautiful year. I pray that I work on myself, not because I feel like I have to, but because I find genuine fulfillment in it. I pray that I find my peace and am able to find it again, and again, and again when destiny brings her storms. I pray that I find my center and commit to her. I pray that she and I reconcile, helping each other up, bolstering one another.

I pray that this 2022 is a wonderful year for me, my family, my friends and for every soul that has touched or will ever touch my life. I pray.